Economic Development eNews | October 18, 2022 | |
Signs of All Kinds, Vehicle Wraps Created by TNT Dynamite Signs
MAYNARD - Certified graphic designer Tyson Knapp has a talent for capturing attention with high-impact signs, banners and brightly-wrapped speedboats.
Tyson is the designer and lead for printing projects with TNT Dynamite Signs, a company established by his father, Terry Knapp, 18 years ago.
"I've always wanted to be in the large-format print business," says Tyson. He began helping his dad in the shop over a decade ago when he was just 12. Tyson was a quick study and grew up learning printing business technology.
"I enjoy the creativity. Nothing is impossible in terms of design," he says, adding he created his first snowmobile helmet wrap as a kid and has been hooked on graphic design ever since.
TNT Dynamite Signs offer state-of-the-art, computer-aided sign making systems and techniques. Tyson and Terry strive to give their customers high-impact yet cost-effective signs of all sizes. They have wood, metal and plastic signs, along with banners, stencils and other signage.
TNT Wrap-it is a division of TNT Signs offering graphic wraps for all types of vehicles - from snowmobiles to transport trucks. Long-time clients include Burnbrae Farms, Kriska Transportation and Wills Transfer. Terry and Tyson also create lettering and magnets as well as racing stripes. They've completed lettering for many area ambulance and fire services vehicles.
Terry started the business as a part-time shop but then moved to it being full-time. Within 5 years, the business had quadrupled.
"We enjoy our work and enjoy the business and our customers," says Terry. Their coverage area runs west to Oshawa, north to Ottawa and east to Cornwall. The father-son team also have projects with some U.S. customers.
"People are loyal in this region," says Terry. "We don't worry about our competition because competition is a good thing."
Tyson will be taking over the business when Terry retires. "It's exciting. I know what I'm getting myself into. I like the unique jobs and the things you don't see every day," he says.
Learn more about TNT Dynamite Signs by visiting their website and Facebook page, send them an email or call them at 613-802-5497. TNT is located 2442 2nd Concession in Augusta Township.
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Top Feature Photo: Terry and Tyson Knapp with a large-format solvent Mimaki printer. Below: A speedboat with a wrap designed by Tyson Knapp. | Terry and Tyson load up a real estate sign for delivery. Below: a snowmobile wrap designed by TNT Dynamite Signs. | |
Economic Development Summit | |
Ontario's Minister of Finance will give Keynote Address | |
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The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, in partnership with Michael Barrett, M.P., the Honourable Steve Clark, M.P.P., the 1000 Islands, Grenville and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporations and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board, invite you to the region's top Economic Development event of the year.
This year's in-person event welcomes the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, who will give the keynote address at the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit on Friday, November 18th.
The Minister was elected as M.P.P. for Pickering-Uxbridge in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. As Minister of Finance, he is responsible for the management of the province’s finances and building the environment for long-term economic prosperity. Throughout COVID-19, Minister Bethlenfalvy provided the supports Ontario families, workers, and businesses needed.
Prior to entering public service, Minister Bethlenfalvy served in senior leadership roles for several financial institutions, including as President and Chief Operating Officer of TD Securities (USA) and Co-President of DBRS. He has served on the Board of Directors for many charitable organizations. In 2014, he joined the True Patriot Love Expedition to the magnetic North Pole in support of Canadian military families.
Join us for a day focused on Economic Development and Leadership and the presentation of the Bill Thake Award (Warden's Award).
WHEN: Friday, November 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, Kemptville
COST: $50 (Advanced Registration Required)
Learn more by visiting the Counties Invest site's Summit webpage.
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Attention Business Owners - Survey Input Requested
The region has come together again to get a sense of how our local economy is doing. As a business leader / owner, your input is critical in gaining a stronger understanding of how local businesses are doing and what type of support is needed going forward. The survey also provides an opportunity to request assistance.
Please take a few minutes to complete the Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey: https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/2022survey/
The 2020 and 2021 business survey reports can be found on the Invest Leeds Grenville webpage.
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No Tricks, Just Treats - $2,500 Digital Support Grant ends Oct. 31st
The forth round of the Digital Transformation Grant is set to close on October 31st. Make sure you buy enough candy AND get your Digital Transformation Grant application submitted now, so you are free to enjoy the Trick-or-Treaters when they visit.
This grant has a straightforward application process, made even easier through the support of a local Digital Service Specialist. The Specialist can take you through the entire process; six easy steps can lead you to the $2,500 grant if you are an eligible business. Use this money to purchase items like the Canva app to upgrade your graphic design capabilities, leave the ledger book behind and subscribe to QuickBooks, or upgrade your cash register to a brand new Point-of-Sale system. Do you need a new website? No problem, use the entire fund to build a better online presence or hire a consultant that will assist with your digital needs. Apply soon, the fund will close earlier if it is depleted before the 31st.
Attend the Last Chance Q&A Zoom Session this Thursday, October 20th at 10 a.m. Meet one on one with the Digital Support Specialist to determine your eligibility and answer any questions about the grant. Let’s get started while there is still time.
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Connect with our Digital Service Specialist Cyndy Bolton via email or call 613-342-3840, ext. 5368. See more on the program webpage. | |
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Bridges to Business Conference Registration Deadline is today!
The annual Bridges to Better Business Conference is fast approaching on Thursday, October 27th. This event is designed to bring small business owners together to learn and network.
This year's conference features keynote speaker Keeley Patterson, of O'Farrell Financial. Keeley will give a learning session on "Growing Profits in a Difficult Season." She will provide insight into how business owners can navigate the next few years, as well as providing tips and insights to get through these times.
In addition to the education session, there will be a panel of local, experienced business owners who have witnessed economic downturns in the past. The panelists will share their wisdom and provide insight on how to keep your business profitable. Panel members are Dina Elatawi, of the Best Adirondack Chair Company in Kemptville; Cathy Howley of Pauline’s Lingerie, Bob Pearce of Henderson Digital Marketing and Printing, both of Brockville; and Jason Thompson of Thompson Electric in Seeley’s Bay.
The event features the Entrepreneur of the Year and Paul D Boivin Memorial Award; and, in partnership with St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership, the Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, as well as workshops, networking and door prizes.
The Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre (LGSBC) hosts the conference. LGSBC is funded by the Government of Ontario with the mandate to support entrepreneurs in starting, expanding, purchasing and exiting businesses. LGSBC provides free consultations, resources, tools, education, programing, and networking opportunities to local entrepreneurs to help create a solid foundation, profits, and pride in their business.
WHEN: Thursday, October 27th, 4-8 p.m.
WHERE: Brockville Country Club
COST: $50 including HST
Deadline to register: Today - Tuesday, Oct 18th.
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Augusta Township Business of the Year Breakfast
The Business of the Year and New Business awards will be presented at this event hosted by Augusta Township Council and the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. The guest speaker is Katie Nolan, Executive Director of the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation.
WHEN: Friday, November 4, 7:30 a.m. networking; 8 a.m. Breakfast; 8:30 a.m. Presentations; 9:30 a.m. Wrap-up
WHERE: Maitland Education & Recreation Centre, Maitland
COST: $15 Pre-registration and payment are required by Monday, October 31st.
For more information, contact Annette Simonian via email or call 613-925-4231, ext. 105 Debit, cash or cheque payments will be accepted at the township office at 3560 County Road 26 or an e-transfer to tax@augusta.ca (please make a note that the payment is for the Business of the Year event).
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Apply Now and join the Online Information Session
Have you started a business or are you expanding an existing business? Learn how you can increase your profits, be more focused, and obtain an extra $5,000 in funding to expand or enhance your business.
The Starter Company Plus program is through the Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre, serving the municipalities of North Grenville, Prescott, Augusta, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Brockville, the southern portion Elizabethtown-Kitley, Front of Yonge, Athens, Leeds and the Thousand Islands and Gananoque.
At this Thursday's information session you can request an application form. Register with the link below for the online information session.
WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 12-1 p.m.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Dream Business Program Launched
This program is for people in the municipalities of Augusta, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Prescott and North Grenville that have a great idea, want to find out whether it can be a viable business and what their next steps should be.
The Dream Business Program is a free, virtual 6-week program that provides guidance, tools and resources to help entrepreneurs explore their ideas and think about the next steps. It also provides them with the opportunity for 1-1 coaching, new connections and a certificate upon completion. The program runs once a week from November 3rd to December 8th.
Learn more on their website, www.mashuplab.ca/easternontario
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The Importance of Onboarding
Training is an essential part of a health and safety program. It provides the knowledge and practice to prevent injuries and illness in the workplace. As the employer, you also have a general duty to take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of your workers. A good training program will provide your workers with the knowledge and skill to work safely. Let WSPS guide you in the development of your onboarding program to keep your new and young workers safe!
This workshop, hosted by the Employment + Education Centre, is followed by a quick info session on the Canada Ontario Job Grant. Register by clicking below or send Teanne an email.
WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 11 a.m. via Zoom
COST: Free
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Business Planning Fundamentals
Formulating a business plan should be the first thing done when starting a new business. A well-written business plan gives entrepreneurs the ability to lay out their goals and track their progress as their business begins to grow. Business plans are important for attracting funders so they can determine if your business in on the right path and worth investing money into. This webinar is hosted by Small Business Advisory Centre with speaker Carey McMaster, owner of Traicon. It includes templates for Business Plan, Vision & Mission Statement, and Cash Flow Projection. By the end of this webinar, participants will have the tools to create a comprehensive business plan that provides a foundation for a business to develop and the document to attract investors.
WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 9-10:30 a.m.
COST: Free
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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 November 1st edition should be received by Monday, October 24th.
- Submissions for the November 15th edition should be received by Monday, November 7th.
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Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
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Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
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Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
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Shelbi McFarlane
Business Development Officer
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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
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