This electronic communication is a resource providing businesses and interested parties with relevant information about funding sources, events, resources, and other local municipal information.

2024 Budget Update: Fairness for Every Generation

The federal budget was released on April 16th, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland outlined three commitments:

1. Building more affordable homes.
2. Making life cost less.
3. Growing the economy in a way that's shared by all.



Some additional highlights from the budget for Petawawa businesses include:

• Grants of $5,000 for Red Seal Trade apprentices.
• Lowering Visa and Mastercard interchange fees for small businesses.
• Additional funding through the Regional Economic Growth Innovation program.
• Support for the Women Entrepreneurs Strategy, Black Entrepreneurship Program and Indigenous Growth Fund.
• Interest free, partially forgivable loans through the Canada Emergency Business Account.
• Canada Carbon Rebate for small businesses.

According to the budget document, Canada is expected to see moderate below-potential growth over the next few quarters weighed down by the effects of past interest rate increases, followed by a gradual recovery towards higher growth. The federal government expects short-term interest rates to decline from an average of 4.8 per cent in 2023 to 4.5 per cent in 2024 and to 3.1 per cent in 2025, before setting at 2.7 per cent.

Business News

BEI Acquires H&H Construction

Bonnechere Excavating Inc. (BEI) of Renfrew has purchased H&H Construction. The deal comes as BEI is looking to grow resources while H&H principals implemented a succession plan to retire from the industry. BEI will assume all assets including H&H’s network of pits and quarries, the asphalt plant, the landscape depot, and related buildings. Customers can continue to reach out to BEI at their established contact information, while contacts for H&H Construction will be redirected to the BEI personnel in charge.

Troyes Cinema on Garrison Petawawa Re-Opening May 17, 2024

Film.Ca Entertainment Corporation has announced the re-opening of the Garrison Petawawa movie theatre Troyes Cinema, now known as Film.Ca Troyes Cinema, on the upcoming May long weekend. Film.Ca has initiated a series of updates and improvements and notes while the character and charm of the building remain intact, guests can look forward to expanded food and beverage offerings, upgraded seating and enhanced Digital Dolby sound with more shows seven days a week, special events, and more! 

Petawawa Businesses Recognized with 2024

myFM Spirit Awards

Congratulations to the amazing local businesses and people in Petawawa who were nominated and won a 2024 myFM Spirit Award! The Shed, won favourite poutine. Mike's Hardware, Doors and So Much More won favourite home improvement business. RE/MAX Pembroke Realty has been named the favourite local real estate brokerage. The Water & Dirt Festival, was recognized as event of the year. Law & Orders has won favourite burger and takeout location. Pet Valu has been named the favourite pet-related business and a special shoutout to Jenny Hodgson of Petawawa Milano's for being recognized as the person who best demonstrates random acts of kindness and the coolest boss!  

Grants, Funding and Resources

FedDev Funding Spring Intake

FedDev Ontario has launched the spring intake of applications for our region (note: the Ottawa Valley is considered the southern region). The application period is open now until June 24th, 2024. Funding of $125,000 up to $10 million is available for both incorporated businesses and not-for-profit organizations. For more information and to apply for funding visit: FedDev Funding Spring Intake page: (https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca/en/funding-southern-ontario) 

Summer Company Program

Registration for the Summer Company Program is now open for 2024! The deadline to apply is May 17, 2024. Through the program, young entrepreneurs (aged 15-29) can apply for up to $3,000 in start up money for a new summer business. You can also receive advice and mentorship from local business leaders to get your summer company up and running. Summer Company Program (enterpriserenfrewcounty.com)

Apprentice Funding

Help build your future workforce. The Canadian Apprenticeship Service is offering up to $20,000 in help right now. CAS (apprenticesearch.com)

Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program

Expand and diversify your tourism workforce by offering the Ontario Living Wage and get a wage top-up for up to six months. For more information, visit: Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program (tiaontario.ca)

Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

Commercial land and business owners in Petawawa are eligible to receive CIP grants for planned upgrades and improvements to their properties. This is a matching fund program that has been replenished for 2024. Reach out to your EDO to learn about the application and approval process. More information can be found on the municipal website: Community Improvement Plan (CIP) - The Town of Petawawa

The RCCFDC has a CIP fund from which successful municipal applicants can apply. Their fund allocation is a loan and serves as a cash injection to pay for upfront project expenses. Learn more at Financing / Funding - RCCFDC — Renfrew Country Community Futures Development Corp

Workshops, Events and Engagements

Enterprise Renfrew County presents the upcoming Master Marketing Series. These webinars are crafted to enhance your small business's marketing strategies and fuel business growth. Upcoming Sessions:

Google My Business - May 23, 10:30am

Meta Business Suite - May 30, 10:30am

Marketing Channels - June 4, 10:30am

DEBUT Sales - June 11, 10:30am

Learn essential marketing strategies from industry pros and boost your online visibility, global reach, and sales techniques. Don't miss out!

Tee Up For Education

Bursary Fundraiser and Networking Opportunity

Join the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce as they raise funds for their bursary program. The bursary program rewards eligible graduation students with up to $250 in funds for their secondary school needs. They want to set the business leaders of tomorrow on a path to success.

To raise the funds that support these student bursaries, the UOVCC hosts a golf tournament. A 9-hole best ball tournament and dinner will be hosted at a member business - The Oaks of Cobden.

Friday, May 31st

• 1 pm registration and networking
• 2 pm tee off
• 6 pm dinner starts

How can you or your business participate in this opportunity and bursary program?

Tee Sponsors $150: A sign with your company logo will be placed on a tee on the course. You are also free to send representatives to your tee where you can engage directly with the golfers. Make it fun - play a game, host a raffle, or simply give out some branded swag. This is your opportunity to market your business!

Dinner Sponsor $750: Your business logo will be displayed in the dining room and you will have your business logo on Chamber marketing materials including their website, e-news posts, event posters, and other associated media. Heck, they are looking for celebrity BBQers. You can send your team if you sponsor!

Play a Round of golf for $90 single, and $340 Four-some: Come on out and tee up! As a best ball 9 hole, it is a fun social, and engaging event. Gather your co-workers, fellow business owners, and your best ladies, or make it a couples night. Not only do you get to play - you play some fun games along the course - maybe win some prizes and get a scrumptious steak BBQ meal!

Featured Development Opportunity

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:



• Opportunities from 1,500 SF to 15,000 SF in upcoming retail development

• Highly visible location at the intersection of Petawawa Boulevard and Canadian Forces Drive in the heart of Petawawa’s retail corridor

• Additional rent estimated at $16.00 PSF (2024)

• Ample on-site parking

• Possession slated for Spring/Summer 2025

• Contact agent for rental rates

Candice Lerner-Fry

First Vice President, Leasing

275 Bank Street, Suite 301, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L6

O: (613) 364-2323

E: candice.lf@marcusmillichap.com