This electronic communication is a direct resource providing businesses with information about supports, grants, events and other local municipal information.
Business Resources/Information
Provincewide Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination
Want to know more about Ontario’s Proof of Vaccination Policy? See RCDHU’s Proof of Vaccination fact sheet for details. Connect here to the RCDHU webpage.
In regards to the proof of vaccination general guidelines, the proof of vaccination rules are for patrons only, not staff. However, businesses can implement their own proof of vaccination policy if not covered by these regulations and it is recommended that they seek their own legal advice for such a policy. Additionally, other public health and workplace safety measures will still apply, including masking, screening, and contact tracking.
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening Program

The local Renfrew County area Chamber of Commerce organizations have joined together to offer businesses under 150 employees with the opportunity to participate in COVID-19 Rapid Screen Initiative. If you wish to participate in this program, for screening your staff, please contact Lorraine at the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Town of Petawawa Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

Two virtual Municipal Workshop Sessions were held on August 31st, so that Members of Council, the business community and the public could provide feedback on the draft Town of Petawawa CIP. Based on inputs from those sessions, a final draft of our CIP program is ready. Our next step is the Statutory Public Meeting, which is scheduled on October 4th. If no further modifications are required after this session, then Council will adopt by-laws to approve this program.
Funding Programs
Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization Funding Opportunities

TRIP - Skills Development

The Skills Development stream is designed for projects that directly support tourism businesses and their employees to enhance their knowledge and skills in tourism and business development. This program provides up to $2,500 per applicant to support workforce and skills training projects that are to be completed by March 31, 2022.

To learn more about this funding program please review the OHTO website page. A brief synopsis of the fund is below.

Funding is only available to OHTO members within the OHTO service area – membership is free and here is a link to become a member: https://comewander.ca/connect/

Funded projects are to be completed by March 31, 2022. Funds will be reimbursed after spending and submitting receipts for the project.

Funding areas are:
1)     Digital Coaching/E-Commerce
2)     Business Development Support
3)     Customer Service
4)     Recruitment & Retention

Projects can touch on more than one of the above areas but funding, per applicant, is capped at $2,500.

Ineligible costs include wages, operational costs, any regular training or regulated compliance measurers that pre-exist within the organizational industry, in kind donations and any other expenses that don’t relate directly to the project.

OHTO representatives mentioned that projects will be approved on a first come, first served basis. To apply, the online application can be found at https://comewander.ca/trip/
Coming Soon
The Town of Petawawa has engaged a Digital Service Squad Member to help our local businesses with their e-commerce and social media platforms. We are working on getting the individual trained with the Main Street Program with a target of starting to work with our businesses by mid-October.
Upcoming Events/Workshops
Petawawa Ramble
October 14-17th

Thank you to all the businesses and community groups who are participating in the 2021 Petawawa Ramble. Emails were sent out with an FAQ on next steps to get your displays up!

For all the information about the Petawawa Ramble be sure to visit our website event page.
Algonquin College Fall Business & Leadership Virtual Conference
October 25th

Algonquin College is planning a virtual business and leadership conference on October 25th. Deadline for early bird tickets is September 27th.

Find out more about the Conference on the Algonquin College webpage.
Women's Entrepreneurship Day
November 19th
November 19th is Women's Entrepreneurship Day. A local group is looking to organize an event to celebrate women entrepreneurs.

More information will be shared when provided.
Town of Petawawa
Petawawa Business Advisory Network
1111 Victoria St. Petawawa, Ontario
Phone 1-613-687-5536
Petawawa Businesses be sure to use Shop Petawawa to drive additional sales to your businesses shopping and social platforms. Need help using this FREE resource? Contact Christine