Top feature photo: United Edge President Stefano Ferrente with workers Steve and Alex at the end of one of the production lines.

Above: Design Manager Patrick Charlebois, and below: Component manufacturing and parts areas.

Learn more about United Edge Structural Components LP on their website, and more on the P3 Panel Company website. They are located at 123 Poonamalie Road just off Highway 15. For more information call 613-434-0997 or send United Edge Office Manager/Logistics Coordinator Lisa Smith an email.

From left to right: Phil Audet, Darren Gallacher (mentor), Shannon Liscumb (mentor), Carol Hardy (Small Business Program Assistant), Kristin Ballantine, Trish Duchesne, Leslie LeClair, Jeanette Johnston (Small Business Development Officer), Sarah Bolton, Katie Verhoeven, Sheri Godfrey, Sara McLean, Paula Nugent, Meredith Armstrong, Karen McDonald-Hurley (advisor), and Tony Di Libero.

Twelve Leeds Grenville small businesses have received grants of $5,000 each to boost their companies - a total $60,000 regional economy investment through the Starter Company Plus program.

The businesses are from a variety of sectors, including trades, senior services and private psychotherapy, and are located throughout the region – Brockville, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, North Grenville and Prescott.

“This is our 15^th cohort of the program since 2015”, said Jeanette Johnston, Small Business Development Officer with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Economic Development Office. “We are excited to support these 12 strong businesses in their growth and development,” Ms. Johnston said.

Along with the grant, the 4-month program includes one-on-one guidance from advisors and mentors in the community. The program is funded through the Province of Ontario as part of the economic strategy that strengthens job creation in an innovation-driven economy. The next round of Starter Company Plus will be offered this fall/winter. For more information on the program visit the webpage. See the full Starter Company Plus Media Release 2023.

Program participants (Contact links are to the business website or email address as indicated): 

Meredith Armstrong, St. Lawrence Psychotherapy & Wellness

Phil Audet, Arbru Solar Brewery

Kristin Ballantine, Fancy Fox Balloons

Sarah Bolton, SJB Counselling

Antonio Di Libero, Vero Heritage Carpentry (email)

Trish Duchesne, Irish Rose Sewing Studio (email)

Sheri Godfrey, Senior Transitions

Lesley LeClair, Engine House Yoga & Fitness

Sara McLean, Custom Clean Co. (email)

Paula Nugent, Zyla Digital (email)

Katie Verhoeven, Tulip Kids

Scott Waldron, Gravitate Travel

Summer Company Success Story!

Singer, songwriter and actress Amanda Jordan is a Small Business Advisory Centre Summer Company graduate. The Lombardy native started her vocal singing coach business - Valley Heart Vocal - at the age of 15 with Summer Company. Amanda is still in the music business and now lives in Nashville part time. She has recorded singles and has nearly four million streams on her music releases. Amanda's newest video/single is "What Else is New." She has had movie roles and is nominated in the CMA Awards Rising Star Award category this year. Amanda will perform at Ottawa's Bluesfest 2023. Visit her website for more.

Applications for Summer Company 2023 - Deadline to apply is this Friday, May 5th.

Be your own boss! Summer Company provides hands-on business training and mentoring in addition to a grant of $3,000 to help enterprising students (ages 15-29) start and run their own summer business. Students gain insight into business creation and risk taking; practical experience in marketing, financial management, sales and customer service; attitudes and skills essential for personal success, whatever their chosen career paths are.

Contact these representatives according to where you live in Leeds Grenville:

Residents of Brockville, Gananoque, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Front of Yonge, Athens, Frankville and south section of Elizabethtown-Kitley, Prescott, Augusta, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, North Grenville:

Email: carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca

Residents of Merrickville-Wolford, Rideau Lakes, Westport and the upper part of Elizabethtown-Kitley.

Email: cjames@smallbizcentre.ca

World War II Drama being Filmed in Merrickville, Kemptville and Ottawa Area

Kolo Productions, a independent Ottawa-based company specializing in military films, and Dancing Dutchman Films of Toronto are producing a new film with portions to be filmed in Merrickville-Wolford and Kemptville later this month.

The production team has chosen Merrickville-Wolford and this area as a location due to its well-preserved heritage buildings and scenic surroundings evoking a war-time era feel. The gripping war drama with the working name "Scheldt" tells the story of a group of Canadian soldiers tasked with liberating a town in Holland during the Second World War. Filming is set for May 20-29 with some temporary road closures and traffic diversions. The production is expected to provide a boost to the local economy with the film crew using local services.

RTO 9 AGM and Call for Board of Directors

Join the RTO 9 Annual General Meeting and help shape the future of Ontario's tourism industry.

WHEN: Friday, June 9, 9-10 a.m. online

RTO 9 is seeking new members to join its Board of Directors. As a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing tourism in South Eastern Ontario, they rely on the expertise and insight of board members to help achieve their goals. If you are passionate about the tourism industry and want to make a positive impact on the region, you are encouraged to apply for a position on the Board of Directors. You will have the opportunity to work with like-minded professionals and help shape the future of tourism in South Eastern Ontario.

As a board member, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to promote tourism, fostering partnerships between tourism stakeholders, and advocating for the industry at all levels of government. Your will help to achieve the mission of making South Eastern Ontario a premier tourism destination.



Candidates interested in these positions are encourage to fill out the 2023-2024 RTO 9 Application Form. Learn more and apply.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 17, 4 p.m. Return your application to applications@region9tourism.ca

For more information contact Meg Dabros via email.

Google Business Profile: Learn the importance and get listed

Having a free business profile on Google may be one of the most effective tools to getting found online. About 90% of online searches are via Google, making it a prime location for showcasing your business.

The more complete your profile is, the more the searchers will see. Customize your profile by adding links to your website, location, images, hours of operation, description, reviews, and more. Pinpointing your location on the map verifies your address and makes your bricks-and-mortar store more concrete. Over a billion people use Google Maps monthly, underscoring the power of having a Google Business Profile. Wouldn’t it be nice to direct a tiny fraction of Google’s traffic straight to your door or online shop? Create a business profile and stay committed by uploading fresh content and posting monthly, just like you would on Facebook.

A Google Business Profile is a stepping stone to your online presence. Without it, there may be considerably less visits to you. Remember, it takes 7 exposures for your audience to see you as a credible vendor. Keep your Google Business Profile current and watch for increases in traffic to your business.

To explore further, call 613-342-3840 x 5368 or email Cyndy Bolton. Visit the Digital Services webpage or book a free consultation. Flexible time slots are available to serve you better.

Employers: Get up to $10,000 in government support per person for training costs

The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides opportunities for employers, individually or in groups, to invest in their workforce, with help from the government.

This grant provides direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia who wish to purchase training for their employees. It is available to small, medium and large businesses with a plan to deliver short-term training to existing and new employees.

To learn about your eligibility, the application process, and more, contact a representative in your area.

Employment + Education Centre, Brockville: Business Services Manager Teanne Larocque: Email or call 613-498-2111, ext. 365.

ontrac, Smiths Falls: Job Developer Joanne Watson: Email or call 613-283-6978.

KEYS, Gananoque & Elgin: Program Administrator Dana Betournay: Email or call 613-546-5559, ext. 218

CSE Consulting: Program Facilitator Rod Palmer (South Grenville): Email or call 613-213-2898; Tracy McDonald (North Grenville): Email or call 613-498-4410.

Weekend and short-term applications now being accepted for the 2023 Prescott Pop-Up Season!

Are you a home-based business, market vendor, artisan, or food service business looking for a weekend or short-term retail opportunity? The Prescott Pop-Ups might be the perfect location for you. The town is now accepting applications from vendors interested in joining the Prescott Pop-Ups for a weekend, week, or month during the Tourism season.

Full season applications will also still be accepted.

Like seasonal vendors, short-term vendors will be located in Prescott's Retail Cottage area with roofed accommodations, will receive marketing and promotional support, and will be highly visible both to those walking through RiverWalk Park and the Heritage River Trail as well as travellers on Highway 2.

Attention Employers: Showcase your Jobs at the Youth Work & Wellness Fair

Employers can join this event to showcase job opportunities and resources for students in your community. This event is being hosted by CSE Consulting in Prescott and Connect Youth.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Set up Begins at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: South Grenville District High School, 1000 Edward Street North, Prescott

If your company is interested, contact Brittany Matthie via email.

Augusta Township Presents Economic Development Business Summit

There is still time to register for the "Dream Big: Imagine Working Together" Economic Development Business Summit for anyone maintaining, growing or starting a business in South Grenville. The keynote speaker is Northern Cables Inc. CEO Shelley Bacon.

WHEN: Friday, May 12, 8:30-9:30 a.m. coffee and networking. The event runs until 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Maitland Education & Recreation Centre (MERC) in Maitland

COST: Free. Open to South Grenville-based businesses.

Space is limited. Lunch will be provided. Please pre-register on the Township's website event webpage by Monday, May 8th.

How to Build a Strong Brand

Ryan Gencarelli from wild idea co. leads this online webinar on How to Build a Strong Brand: Brand Strategy, Messaging, and Design for Entrepreneurs. Ryan is a seasoned marketing professional turned entrepreneur. He pivoted from the corporate world to co-found wild idea co. The company offers tools, resources, and training to help Canadian entrepreneurs take their business from idea to wild success. Ryan has advised and mentored hundreds of aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs. He’s passionate about supporting the entrepreneurial community and your success as a small business owner. Ryan is a people person and advises on many areas of business development and specializes in marketing, branding, sales, project management, networking, and early-stage growth.

WHEN: Thursday, May 4, 12-1 p.m.

COST: Free

Three-webinar Series on Expanding your Business into the United States

The three-hour NEBS (New Exporters to the Border States) and NETSUS (New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S.) webinars are a practical, hands-on introduction to the basics of exporting to the United States. Presentations from industry experts will provide Ontario manufacturers and service firms with up-to-date information on topics such as:

• U.S. immigration and business visa requirements.
• federal and state tax liability issues.
• corporate and legal considerations; and U.S. Customs clearance documentation requirements.

To register for one or all 3, click on the links below:

1. New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) - Wednesday, May 10, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2. New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the US (NETSUS) - Wednesday, May 17, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
3. Do's and Don'ts when Crossing the U.S. Border - Wednesday, May 24, 10-11 a.m.

COST: Free

Forward Motion: Attracting, Building and Retaining an Indigenous Workforce

There will be a panel of speakers for this webinar hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). They include Kevin Eshkawkogan, President and CEO of Indigenous Tourism Ontario. He is a member of the First Nation of Manitoulin Island and has been a key player in the development of Indigenous cultural tourism in Ontario since 2003. He will be joined by Mark Capistrano, Special Projects Coordinator with TIAO, and Adam Morrison, President & CEO Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC).

WHEN: Tuesday, May 16, 12 noon to 1 p.m. webinar

COST: Free

Making Tech Better for Businesses

Hosted by Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce, hear from speaker Steady Notion Ltd. on how to

become better organized using technology. The workshop will help people overcome their fears and concerns with using technology and give them strategies to be more productive, potentially involving many of the activities that they do day-to-day. 

By attending this workshop, participants will:

• Discover a few ways to view technology through a different lens.
• Learn how to better leverage technology in their business.
• Achieve positive results to overcome adversity.
• Achieve stability, continuity, and consistency in their businesses.
• Realize increased competitive advantage and strengthened branding.



A Digital Mindset can also help maximize resources, foster growth as well as put businesses on the path to achieving that coveted ‘wow factor’.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Learn workshop.

WHERE: Comfort Inn, 7777 Kent Boulevard, Brockville

COST: Non-Member $30 / Members $20

Leeds Grenville eNews Deadlines for submitting information:

If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.

• Submissions for the May 16th edition should be received by Monday, May 8th.
• Submissions for the May 30th edition should be received by Friday, May 19th.

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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9

613-342-3840 | 1-800-770-2170 | econdev@uclg.on.ca