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Carla and Nicole Hudson, co-owners of Katarina's Coffee Shop, in their West End Cafe with baker John Bowman and baristas Yuliia Rydun and Elizabeth O'Neil. | Downtown Prescott's Coffee Shops Get Ready for Summer | |
When Nicole & Carla Hudson took over Katarina's Coffee Shop from previous owners in the summer of 2020, they knew almost immediately they had found a business that could thrive and grow.
"We quickly saw how busy it was, how much potential it has to grow, it also has the perfect location, it just felt right," said Nicole recently.
Katarina's prime location at 513 King Street West in the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District, is directly beside Kelly's Bay Beach and Centennial Park and provides an excellent stop on a summer trip to cool down by the river.
This location has made Katarina's a favourite stop for cyclists travelling the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, who stop in for espresso and pastries on their shaded King Street patio. Katarina's is one of Prescott's many Ontario by Bike Bike-Friendly Businesses, and was named the Best Bike-Friendly Business in Southeastern Ontario for 2023.
While previous owners operated Katarina's as a seasonal business, Nicole and Carla have expanded it into a year-round operation, with regular daily lunch specials, holiday meals, and this past February, their first Valentine's Day dinner, which was fully booked weeks ahead of February 14th.
Moving forward, Katarina's will continue their expansion into custom cake orders and catering, and in July and August they will be joining the Prescott Pop-Ups serving cold drinks and individual servings of their signature Kawartha Dairy ice cream.
You can currently visit Katarina's from Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm, with expanded summer hours coming soon. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
|  | Outpost Cafe is a unique social enterprise located in Downtown Prescott. Pictured are Outpost volunteers and Cafe Manager Johanna Freer. | |
Outpost Cafe, located at 164 King Street West, is a more recent addition to the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District, opening in October 2021.
"When we started, for us it was all about creating an environment of warmth and connection coming out of the pandemic where no one would be turned away," says Cafe Manager Johanna Freer.
Outpost's cozy location welcomes visitors to sit any enjoy their range of specialty coffees, teas, cold drinks, teas, and sandwiches in an inviting atmosphere.
The Cafe's unique mission as a volunteer-driver social enterprise includes activities like their button program, that allow those in need to access food and warm drinks through donated "buttons" that can be exchanged like cash. They also host a yearly community barbecue near the Waterfront Trail.
This summer, Outpost has plans to host live music and events within their space, and hopes to further activate their street front where they've had bistro tables the past two summers.
"We like seeing the rejuvenation and the life returning to the downtown, seeing hope and delight in the small things," says Freer.
Outpost Cafe's current hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, and Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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How the CIP Incentive Program Can Help Your Business | |
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Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program funding helps support employment-oriented retrofits for new and existing businesses in Prescott creating jobs and increasing investment and business sustainability in our community.
CIP Incentive Program Accepting Applications
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program supports local revitalization, beautification and economic development in the Town of Prescott by providing financial incentives for downtown revitalization, employment lands, heritage properties, housing developments and brownfield projects.
CIP funding is available to businesses and private property owners to help offset project costs that achieve the Town’s community planning and development goals. Eligible projects can receive a combination of non-repayable grants, 0% interest loans and tax incentives.
Interested in the Community Improvement Plan Incentive Program? Click here to learn more.
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Notice to Businesses about Sign Permit Requirements and Associated Design Guidelines for Downtown.
Prescott’s Downtown & RiverWalk District Sign Design Guidelines are a tool businesses can use to inform the design of meaningful, high quality signage that positively contributes to Prescott’s visual landscape and placemaking efforts. Signs located within the Downtown Core/RiverWalk District zoning area must comply with the Downtown Sign Design Guidelines and Sign By-Law #16-2019.
Signs that identify particular establishments are an important design element because they give character to public places and contribute to pedestrian scale and ambiance. Signs should be used together with other elements such as hanging baskets, flags, awnings and overhangs to suggest an overhead enclosure that emphasizes the visibility of storefronts at the pedestrian level.
All businesses are required to obtain a sign permit prior to installing new or updating existing signage.
Click Here to View the Sign Permit Application
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Prescott Economic Development recently partnered with Environics Analytics, Canada's leading consumer and market research firm, to gather and analyze data related to Prescott's demographics, visitor traffic, and consumer behaviour. Each month we will be featuring a snapshot of this data. This month, we're highlighting visitor timing.
In 2023, visitors to Prescott peaked daily between 9 am and 12 pm, and weekly on Thursdays.
Looking beyond these peak numbers, nearly 30% of Prescott's visitors first arrive here after 3 pm, while nearly 12% visit on Sundays, both periods for businesses to consider for potential untapped opportunities.
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Are you interested in a personalized, one-on-one review of specialized data that can help you better target your marketing dollars, provide insights into your customers, and help you optimize your operations?
Contact Prescott Economic Development to get started!
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Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes 2024 Business Survey Report
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville recently completed their yearly survey of businesses in the municipalities of the United Counties as well as separated municipalities located within their borders, like Prescott. This survey provides key insights about the current local business climate and helps Economic Development plan programs for the future.
You can find local and regional results here.
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On April 3rd, Subway Prescott (305 King Street West) celebrated their first anniversary by welcoming Mayor Shankar, members of Council, and representatives from the Downtown Prescott BIA and the Chamber of Commerce for a Ribbon Cutting. | |
Downtown Prescott fixture Tim's Fish & Chips (286 King Street West) celebrated their 30th anniversary on April 18th with a Turn Back the Clock deal event! Mayor Shankar, members of Council, and Chamber and BIA representatives stopped by to congratulate owner Tim Nixon on his on-going success. | |
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Food for All Food Bank Provides Tools for Launch with New Program
Food for All Food Bank recently kicked off their new new Tools for Launch Program, which aims to eliminate food insecurity barriers for employees starting new employment. This program is also an opportunity to benefit both the employer and its employee(s) towards a successful journey together.
To participate as an employer, please contact Bonnie.
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LG Affordable Housing 2024 Workshop Series Call for Proposals
The UCLG Community Housing Department is inviting local innovators, builders, and land developers to partner on a topic-specific workshops that offer solutions to create more Affordable Housing units faster in Leeds and Grenville.
Proponents submitting workshop proposals will be doing so at their own expense. Use this opportunity to promote your affordable housing concept to benefit communities in Leeds and Grenville.
For more information, visit their website.
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Ontario News
New regulation helping modernize the public sector procurement process
Effective April 1, 2024, a new regulation under the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act, 2022 (BOBIA) gives businesses across the province access to more government and public sector procurement opportunities.
The new regulation enshrines in law that Ontario’s public sector — including hospitals, schools, colleges and universities — give preference to Ontario businesses when conducting procurements for goods and services such as acquiring school supplies or food for cafeterias.
Learn More.
Understand Business Regulatory Requirements
Ontario's Regulatory Ministries providing integrated information about their regulatory requirements across government to increase awareness and compliance.
Businesses will be able to more effectively use Ontario resources and make it easier for businesses to comply with requirements while improving protections for the people of Ontario.
Learn More.
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Community Cleanup Initiative
From April 22 to May 14, Town of Prescott Community Services will be hosting a Community Cleanup Initiative, and we would love for our local businesses to be a part of it. This initiative aims to bring together residents, businesses, and community groups like yours to join forces in tidying up our streets, parks, and public spaces.
Participants in the cleanup initiative will be provided with all the necessary materials, including bags, and gloves, we can also arrange to lend vests and trash pickers. Additionally, we're pleased to inform you that time spent participating in this initiative can count towards community service hours, which could be beneficial for students looking to fulfill such requirements.
To register for the cleanup initiative, participants can easily sign up online at www.prescott.ca/community.
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Add Your Business to Prescott's Business Directory
Is your brick-and-mortar or home-based business located within the Town of Prescott? You can be listed on our online Business Directory!
Interested in being added? Complete our Business Registration Form.
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Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities | |
Advertising Opportunities at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre | |
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Advertising Opportunities are available at a variety of price points at Prescott's new Alaine Chartrand Community Centre, including board and wall signage.
For more information, contact Dana Valentyne at dvalentyne@prescott.ca.
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ArBru Solar Brewing Headlines New Seasonal Pop-Ups Vendors
The Prescott Pop-Ups are back this summer, and they're expanding!
ArBru Solar Brewery, the Pop-Ups first licensed vendor, will be on-site all season long, serving their range of craft beer, craft cider from Busl Cider House, and wood-fire pizza. ArBru's licensed area will be self-contained on the Pop-Ups site, and brings a unique new offering to Prescott's growing list of destination restaurants and pubs.
The Pop-Ups will welcome two returning full-season retailers, Forwarder's Antiques and b-ubu, along with two returning food vendors, comfort food truck Judy's Wooden Spoon and picnic and treats vendor River Vibes Picnics, who is expanding to the Lighthouse Pop-Up this season.
New seasonal vendors include new food truck Addictive Sweets, StuZu Design - Build, Cecylia's Pond Soaps+, Chantal's Custom Creations/Studio Marnie, and a special Olde Magick Shoppe Pop-Up with a twist on their existing King Street location.
Short-term Pop-Ups applications are still being accepted. Are you an artisan or crafter who is interested in the Pop-Ups but may not want a full 10'x'10' space? The Pop-Ups now offer 5'x8' Mini-Cottages to better suit your needs!
Applications can be completed here.
Learn more about becoming a short-term Prescott Pop-Ups vendor by visiting the Pop-Ups website.
Please review the 2024 Prescott Pop-Ups Vendor Guide prior to completing your application.
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May the Fort Be With You at the 2024 Fort Town Night Run
The Fort Town Night Run is Back in 2024!
This year the Night Run, to be held on the evening of May 4th, will feature a Star Wars theme.
You can learn more about the Night Run and the family-fun activities planned for runners and the community at the Leo Boivin Community Centre on their Facebook Page.
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St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival Announces Community Production
Community members are invited to once again take part in the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival's Community Production!
The show will rehearse throughout June, July, and August, with performances on August 30th and 31st. To view the full rehearsal schedule, click here.
They will be holding auditions on Saturday, May 18 for anyone interested in performing in the show.
Auditions are an opportunity to get to know you. Everyone who wants to be in the show, and is available for rehearsals/performances, will be cast!
Sign Up for an Audition Here.
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Prescott Farmers' and Crafters' Market Accepting Applications
Applications are now being accepted for Seasonal and Occasional Vendors at the Prescott Farmers' and Crafters' Market!
A key attraction in the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District, the Farmers' and Crafters' Market welcomes vendors and shoppers to the RiverWalk Promenade every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, with live music from 11 am to 2 pm.
While applications are encouraged from any interested vendor, the Market is especially seeking Farm and Produce Vendors for 2024.
Applications can be completed here.
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Guild of Fine Art Hosting Spring Splash Art Show
The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art is hosting their Spring Splash Art Show on April 26th (7pm to 9pm), April 27th (10am to 5 pm), and April 28th (11am to 4pm) at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #97 (141 Henry Street West, Prescott).
Visit their Facebook Facebook Group to Learn More.
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RTO9 Seeks Board Members
Application period: April 10 - May 16, 2024
RTO 9’s Board of Directors has undergone an evolution from being primarily structured to represent select municipalities across the region among key tourism sectors to being balanced by the experience and skills that Board members bring to the table.
The four (4) individual Director positions filled at the 2024 AGM will fulfill a three-year term ending at the 2027 AGM. Applicants will represent the following regions in South Eastern Ontario: One (1) position from the West region, two (2) positions from the East region, and one (1) position from the Central region. Map here.
While all experience/skillsets will be considered, we are specifically in need of Finance/Accounting & Legal and would welcome applicants with this experience. We will continue to have broad representation from the geographic regions within South Eastern Ontario while encouraging applications from talented individuals inside and outside of the tourism field and potentially outside of the region.
To Learn More, Click Here
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For more information on Tourism programs and events in Prescott, follow #ExplorePrescottON on social media, visit our website, or contact us. | |
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MaRS Entreprenuership 101
An Award-Winning Masterclass designed to help you start your business.
Created for aspiring founders who want a masterclass in entrepreneurship, this five-week, on-demand online course offers mentorship from experts, and all the tools you need to launch your startup.
Registration fee of $35 may apply.
Visit their Website to Learn More
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This Month at CSE Consulting | |
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Are you planning a visit to Service Canada?
Service Canada Outreach has returned to CSE Consulting in Prescott.
The first Thursday of every month from 9:30AM to 2:30PM.
By appointment only.
For more information, please visit the Service Canada website or call one of the Service Canada centre telephone numbers provided.
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Do you have an upcoming Business Event or Workshop you would like included in our newsletter? Contact us, we would love to include it! | |
Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada's Business Benefits Finder can help you find loan, grant, and other government-funded opportunities for your business.
Search the Benefits Finder
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The Amber Grant
WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.
Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, proudly giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, they've expanded their grant-giving to include “Startup Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as two “$25,000 Year End Grants.”
They announce the grant winners by the 23rd of the following month.
View Application
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Made By Women Grants
Monday Girl is teaming up with DoorDash to launch the Made by Women Grants, awarding $10,000 CAD grants to 15 women-owned restaurants to support the growth of their business. We’re committed to providing opportunities that help level the playing field for women chefs and restaurateurs and inspire and empower the next generations of women entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry.
Made by Women - part of DoorDash’s Entrepreneurship & Access program - celebrates what women in the restaurant industry bring to the table and provides resources, support, and amplification opportunities to support women-owned restaurants.
APPLY NOW
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The Community Futures Grenville Initiative provides non-repayable funding to support community economic development projects up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $3,000. Eligible Applicants include Not for profit organizations, Business Improvement Areas, and Municipalities located within or comprising Grenville County.
For full eligibility requirements, click here.
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Free online small business courses for Ontario entrepreneurs!
Small Business Centres Ontario offers a free e-learning series for entrepreneurs, with courses focused on every stage of business from concept to growth.
Always available, these courses offer an opportunity to gain new insight at your own pace, when time allows.
To Learn More, Visit their website here.
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Free BDC Business Guides
The Business Development Bank of Canada offers free e-book guides to help Canada's Entrepreneurs thrive and grow.
Each month, the Invest Prescott Newsletter highlights a different BDC Guide that can help your business.
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The Foundations of Strategic Planning
This free guide from BDC will help you discover how to set measurable targets for your business, create an action plan and ensure you have the capabilities to succeed.
Download Here
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Other Funding & Business Support Programs
Rock My Business 3-part Workshop
Are you an entrepreneur looking to transform your idea into a thriving business or grow your newly launched small business? Register today for this free, virtual, three-part series, presented by Futurpreneur and RBC Future Launch. The series provides you with the tools to develop your idea, formalize your business plan and create a viable cashflow—all while connecting you with fellow entrepreneurs across Canada. Learn More Here.
Launch Lab Amplify Program
Launch Lab’s Amplify program accelerates innovative companies selling into business-to-business or business-to-consumer markets regionally, nationally or internationally. As an intensive, personalized 6-month program, participants work with Launch Lab’s Advisors to create a growth plan, designed to address specific growth challenges. Learn More Here.
Ontario Centre of Innovation - Digitalization Competence Centre
The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) is Ontario’s knowledge centre focused on driving the digital modernization of Ontario's small businesses, with two program streams available to support small businesses. The Digital Modernization and Adoption Stream (DMAP), which supports Ontario small businesses to better understand their organization’s technology needs, and the Technology Demonstration Program Stream, which supports Ontario small businesses that have completed a DMAP project. Learn More Here
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Community Futures Grenville is a community-based not-for-profit funded by the Federal Government to provide business loans and advice in Grenville County, including Prescott.
Learn More.
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The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a Crown Corporation that offers loans, capital investments, and advice to Canada's Small- and Medium- Sized Businesses.
Learn More.
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Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown Corporation offering advice, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections for export-oriented businesses to help them navigate foreign markets.
Learn More.
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Town of Prescott Economic Development
CONNECT WITH US
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Town of Prescott Economic Development & Tourism Department Staff | | | | |
