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Marc Gomez Segu, Little Barcelona owner, is pictured carving Joselito ham ("jamón ibérico"), one of Little Barcelona's many Spanish delicacies, in the restaurant's new in-person dining area.

Little Barcelona, Prescott's Taste of Spain, Opens for Indoor Dining

Marc Gomez Segu began his entrepreneurial journey in 2017 with a simple desire: to bring the foods and quality ingredients of his native Spain to his new home in Canada. This month, the latest evolution of this desire came to life with the opening of the new dining-in space of Little Barcelona - an authentic upscale Spanish restaurant, fully licensed, located in Prescott's Uptown Business District.

 

Tucked unconventionally at 991 Industrial Road, Little Barcelona brings the essence of Spain to Prescott, inviting customers to embark on a culinary journey with Iberian dishes such as paella - a sumptuous saffron-infused rice dish adorned with the freshest seafood or meats – tapas or “small plates” - garlic shrimp, carved jamón ibérico, patatas bravas – and pinchos, which can be paired with fine Spanish wines chosen to enhance your dining experience.

Little Barcelona's Tapas and Pinchos, including jamón ibérico.

As an importer and wholesaler, Marc's original venture, European Quality Foods Ltd., quickly gained a foothold with Canada's finest establishments, supplying the best of Spain’s food products to top restaurants and gourmet food shops in Toronto, Montreal, and elsewhere. A few of Marc’s customers, as Marc proudly points out, were the recent recipients of the prestigious Michelin Star awarded by the Michelin Guide.  

 

The COVID-19 Pandemic, however, presented a daunting challenge. Restaurants lost dine-in capabilities and the wholesale food business contracted. Quickly transitioning to offer retail, takeout, and patio dining services, Marc and co-owner Lorna Thain-Segu leveraged their knowledge of the restaurant industry as well as supports like the South Grenville Digital Service Squad and the Digital Main Street program to market and grow Little Barcelona to what it is becoming today.

Since opening, Little Barcelona has become a Destination Restaurant, with repeat visitors travelling from Ottawa, Montreal, Upstate New York, and beyond to experience a taste of Spain in Prescott.

Hard work and investment by Marc and Lorna, along with on-going support from the Town of Prescott's expanded CIP Incentive Program, have led to this month's exciting development, with the opening of Little Barcelona's newly constructed dine-in area. Spanish with a distinctly modern touch, Little Barcelona aims to be a place for an espresso, a quick lunch, a meet up with friends for a “vermut” after work, or a dinner with loved ones. Discover a new favourite item? Take it home with you, with many of restaurant's signature items available in their on-site retail shop. With patio season fast approaching, this year's customers can enjoy their “trip to Spain without the plane ticket” either inside or out. 


Visit Little Barcelona online to view their menu or make reservations, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on events and get a taste of Spain in your social media feed.


Little Barcelona is one of many new offerings joining Prescott's dine-in food experience in the past year, including Renegadz Restaurant & Bar Lounge, Chuck's Roadhouse, and The Wing House. These new additions join old favourites O'Heaphy's Irish Pub, The Red George Public House, Bobby's Restaurant, and Nick's Restaurant to help make Prescott a dining and investment destination.

South Grenville Digital Service Squad's One-on-One Support Helps Prescott Businesses

Since its inception on 2020, the South Grenville Digital Service Squad has provided direct, one-on-one support to small businesses to assist with tasks ranging from setting up a basic social media presence to software and hardware integrations, online branding packages, and developing digital marketing plans.


In Prescott alone, 85 businesses received one-on-one Digital Service Squad support, with a total of nearly 200 hours of assistance provided directly to our businesses.


This month, we reached out the businesses in Prescott to see what they had to say about the impact the Digital Service Squad has had on their small business.


Interested in one-on-one assistance with social media marketing, software or hardware decisions, or online branding? Contact Taylor at dms@prescott.ca to get started!

South Grenville Digital Service Squad Testimonials

“Working with the South Grenville Digital Service Squad has helped to gain a sense of community within the small businesses in Prescott and they have helped in providing myself and other businesses with the necessary resources that we need to succeed and improve on the digital and social media presence of my business.”



Dawn Tutecky-McDougall, Once@426

“As a small business owner in a small town, I have found the South Grenville Digital Service Squad to be quite beneficial. They have helped me gain experience using social media and help setting up a website to support and promote my business. I was able to make myself stand out while remaining my own brand which has helped me focus on promoting and growing within this great community and beyond.”


Dannielle Bigras, Dannielle's Plants

"The South Grenville Digital Service Squad has helped my business out in so many ways! From being a reliable and informed point of contact, to helping me navigate and problem solve different areas of my business, especially in the digital aspects!”


Holly Patenaude, Tooth Goals

CIP Incentive Program Delivers Results in the Uptown Business District

Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program funding helps support employment-oriented retrofits for new and existing businesses in Prescott, like Little Barcelona (profiled above), 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.

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 Prescott's visitor data.


In 2023, over 166,000 unique visitors came to Prescott, for a total of more than 4,000,000 visits. In addition to neighbouring municipalities, the most frequent home locations of Prescott's visitors include Ottawa and Cornwall.

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!

MY MAIN STREET FUNDING AVAILABLE


My Main Street Funding is back, and Prescott Businesses may be eligible for support!


The Business Sustainability stream provides up to $6.5 million of non-repayable contributions up to $20,000 in direct-to-business funding to support productivity enhancements for brick-and-mortar businesses located on main streets across southern Ontario.


The Business Sustainability stream is open for applications between February 22 and March 31, 2024.


To learn more, visit their website: Business Sustainability Stream - My Main Street


CHEWS LOCAL Food Delivery Service Comes to Prescott


Prescott now has an on-demand restaurant delivery service with the introduction of Chews Local.


Interested in ordering? Visit the Chews Local Customer Page for Prescott


Are you a Restaurant interested in Partnering with Chews Local for Delivery Services? Visit the Restaurant Registration Page

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.

Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

Canine Watersports Canada is returning to Prescott from June 29 to July 1 for the Make a Splash on Canada Day event at the Prescott Pop-Ups and sponsorship opportunities are available!


Sponsorship Benefits include:

  • Positive & Fun Environment
  • Family Oriented
  • Targets Animal Lovers and Sports Enthusiasts Alike
  • Multimedia Opportunities
  • Emcee Announcements
  • Product Displays
  • Banner Display
  • Broad Demographics: Parents, Grandparents, Children, Teenagers
  • Website/Social Media Opportunities


To Learn More, Download their Sponsor Information Package Here.

Advertising Opportunities at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre

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.

The Leo Boivin International Showcase Comes Home!


The Leo Boivin International Showcase is coming home to Prescott for its 50th Anniversary Tournament!


Visit the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre from opening night on Thursday, March 28th through the Championship game on Sunday, March 31st and see traditions like the Opening Ceremonies, Skills Competition, and Final Flood.


Are you a Prescott business looking to take part?



For more information, visit the Leo Boivin International Showcase's website and follow them on Facebook.

Model Train Show Coming to the Leo Boivin Community Centre

The Prescott Model Railroad Club invites you to their 1st Annual Model Train and Toy Show, April 13th from 10 am to 4 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.


Admission is $5, with kids under 12 admitted free of charge.


You can follow the Prescott Model Train Club on Facebook for more information.

St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival Office moves to a new home



There will be new faces at the Prescott Museum & Visitor Centre soon, as the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival's office moves in!


Follow St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival and Explore Prescott on Facebook to Learn More, and be sure to stop in this spring to visit!

Watergirl Quilt Co. wins ByAnnie.com


Watergirl Quilt Co., located at 235 Water Street in the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District, took another step towards making Prescott Canada's Quilting Destination by winning the ByAnnie.Com Favourite Local Quilt Shop in Canada Award for 2024!


The Local Quilt Shop Awards honour quilter's favourite shops in countries around the world. This year, nearly 7000 quilters voted in Canada.


Founded in 2020, Watergirl Quilt Co. has expanded twice to accommodate new product lines, classes, and increased inventory requirements, all while growing a quilting community both in person and online.


Read More on the Local Quilt Shop Contest Website.

Prescott Pop-Ups Short-Term Rentals Available for 2024 Season.


Applications are now being accepted for Retail Cottage and Food Truck Pop-Ups for the 2024 Prescott Pop-Ups season. Retail Cottages and Food Truck spaces are available on a weekly basis starting Victoria Day weekend.


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 Prescott Pop-Ups vendor by visiting the Pop-Ups website.


Please review the 2024 Prescott Pop-Ups Vendor Guide prior to completing your application.

For more information on Tourism programs and events in Prescott, follow #ExplorePrescottON on social media, visit our website, or contact us.

Facebook  Instagram  TikTok  Web  Email

The 2024 Prescott & Area Spring Home & Trade Show is coming to the Leo Boivin Community Centre March 21st to 23rd!


Presented by Ontario Approved Professionals with a focus on small business and trades, the Spring Home & Trade Show is an excellent opportunity to speak to local businesses and learn how you can #ShopLocal and support your community.


Be sure to visit the Town of Prescott's booth to learn more about our business support programs and services!


To learn more about the show and other vendors, visit Ontario Approved Events (oapevents.ca).


This Month at CSE Consulting

CSE Consulting's Employer Services aim to save employers time and money as we investigate candidates for you, provide professional support in recruiting, selecting, and training new employees, with the potential added value of financial assistance during the training period.


Employers can use the CSE Consulting Job Board to find the right workers for their business. Post your job now! 

Free Business Webinars

Click on the underlined event title for more information and to register.


 March 20 @ 10 am - 11 am- Understanding Financial Statements for Small Business Owners

CPA Canada will cover the basics around the terms and concepts of financial statements.


March 20 @ 10 am - 11 am - Exporting to the EU-CETA

Join the Government of Ontario in collaboration with the Canadian Mission to the European Union for a free webinar on exporting to the EU focusing on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).

 

March 20 @ 10 am - 11:30 am - Time Management for Busy Entrepreneurs

Time is money - it is also your sanity and mental health. In this session, you will learn the various concepts of time management. Ramona Gallagher of Business Basics Canada will review scheduling, blocking, delegation and when to bring in others to help.

 

March 21 @ 9:30 am - 11 am - Money Matters: Managing Financials for Gig Entrepreneurs and Freelancers

Dive deep into the essentials of managing money, navigating taxes, and maintaining an organized financial record

 

March 21 @ 10 am - 11 am - Barcodes and Beyond: What You Need to be Market-Ready for Import & Export

Join us to learn more about what you will need to make your product ready for market, both locally and traded internationally.

 

March 21 @ 12 pm - 1 pm - Time Saving Marketing Tactics Every Small Business Needs

Learn how to save precious time by automating key marketing tasks like emails, client communications, and social media.


March 21 @ 9 am - 10:30 am - Unlock the Secrets of Selling Your Business Successfully!

Are you a business owner considering your exit strategy? Join for an empowering event that will demystify the process of selling your business.

 

March 22 @ 10 am - 11 am - Keeping Customers Happy with Consumer Protection Ontario

Are you starting your business but unsure what type of contract to use? Not sure how to deal with consumer complaints and stay compliant with the law?

 

March 26 @ 10:30 am - 12 pm - Pitch Preparation Workshop

The Government of Ontario is offering a series of free webinars to help reboot your export business. This workshop designed to help you develop the all important “pitch presentation” skills.

 

March 26 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm - Social Enterprise 101

In this webinar, you will learn more about social enterprise models and characteristics, local examples, support resources, and considerations for starting. Join us to learn more about this unique type of business that uses revenue-generating activities to achieve a social, environmental or cultural good.


March 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm - Corporate Taxation and Corporate Structures

A corporation is a legal entity and is therefore taxed separately from its owners. To discover whether you could benefit from incorporating your business or if you are curious about your existing structure, join us for our free learning series.


March 27 @ 10 am - 11 am - Mental Health for Small Business: Where, Why, and How

Join us to learn more about why mental health and wellness are critical to small business development.

 

March 28 @ 9 am - 10:30 am - Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 for Businesses

Join Consumer Protection Ontario to learn how Ontario consumer protection laws affect your business and what to do to keep your business compliant and its reputation safe.

 

April 2 @ 10 am - 11:30 am - Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set

Join us to learn the fundamentals to your online web presence, and to make sure you are putting yourself in the best position possible!

 

April 3 @ 10 am - 11 am - The Money Side of Business: Tools & Techniques for Managing Your Financials

CPA Canada will help you understand the basic tools and techniques of financial management, including budgeting and cash management.

 

April 3 @ 10 am - 12 pm - Tax Help for Your Small Business

Join for a webinar with Liaison Officers from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help you understand your tax obligations

 

April 4 @ 10 am - 11 am - Incubators: How Canada's Music Incubator (CMI) Can Help Your Business

Join to learn about Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) and what they can do for your creative small business.

 

April 5 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am - T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar

This seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations.

 

April 9 @ 10 am - 11:30 am - Social Media for Your Business

Toronto Digital Service Squad will give you with a better understanding of how to leverage the power of social media.

 

April 10 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am - T2 - Corporation Tax Literacy Seminar

This seminar is offered to owners of small corporations who need help in understanding their tax obligations.

 

April 11 @ 11 am - 12 pm - Service Canada: Overview of Employment Insurance

Service Canada provides employers with a single point of access to services and benefits.

 

April 11 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Steppingstones of E-Commerce: Part 1 – Expanding into E-Commerce

Part 1 – Expanding into E-Commerce will cover the importance of the modern e-commerce landscape, establishing your digital hub, and how to get e-commerce ready as Digital Main Street supports your small businesses journey. 

 

April 12 @ 10 am - 11 am - What the Trade Commissioner Service Can Do For You

By the end of this presentation, you will know more about preparing yourself for international business and finding global opportunities.

 

April 16 @ 10 am - 11:30 am - eCommerce 101: What, why, and how.

Toronto Digital Service Squad will teach you the basic steps to setting up an online store.

 

April 17 @ 10 am - 11 am - What is Visual Merchandising?

Join to learn about what visual merchandising is and how it can help your business.

 

April 18 @ 10 am - 11 am - Getting Money: What Lenders and Investors Want

CPA Canada will help you find out what information is used to evaluate a loan request and the steps to prepare for a presentation to lenders

 

April 18 @ 4 pm - 5:30 pm - Good Leaders Ask Great Questions

Cultivating a mindset of asking questions is not only a leadership function, but a life function. Asking questions allows you to walk side-by-side with the person answering. This is important because everyone wants to be spoken with, not talked at. Ultimately, this builds connection which leads to influence and leadership.

 

April 25 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am - OMAFRA Available Supports and Services for Food and Beverage Companies

Join the Government of Ontario for a free webinar to learn more about available supports and services for Ontario based food and beverage companies.

 

April 25 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm - Steppingstones of E-Commerce: Part 2 – Modernizing Your E-Commerce

Part 2 – Modernizing Your E-Commerce (Digital) Infrastructure will cover how to maintain, manage, and modernize your digital hub while centralizing your online community.  

Virtual Service Canada Session for Newcomers


Join Service Canada to learn about:

  • The new Canada Dental Care Plan
  • Employment benefits when you are sick and can’t work
  • Maternity and parental benefits
  • Pension programs for your future


You will have an opportunity to ask questions.



This session will be of interest to anyone new to Canada or anyone who is supporting newcomers (settlement workers, employment coaches etc.).


Click Here to Register

Do you have an upcoming Business Event or Workshop you would like included in our newsletter? Contact us, we would love to include it!

Submit Event

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

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

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


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.

Free Resources and Tools

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.

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.

Monitoring Your Business Performance


This free guide from BDC will help you discover how to monitor your business's financial performance to optimize growth and sustainability. This guide will help you assess, optimize and digitize your sales process.


Download Here

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

Ongoing Funding Sources

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.

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.

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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Visit the Town of Prescott Business Directory

Learn more about available Industrial and Commercial Properties

Town of Prescott Economic Development & Tourism Department Staff

Dana Valentyne

Economic Development Officer

dvalentyne@prescott.ca

613-925-2812 Ext: 6221

Justin St. Pierre

Business Development Officer

jstpierre@prescott.ca

613-925-2812 Ext: 6222

Taylor Prosser

Digital Main Street Coordinator

tprosser@prescott.ca

613-803-1915 

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