Top feature photo: Dr. Dylan McCaffrey and his team: From left, Alyssa Aubé with Chummy, Danae O'Neill, Marissa Massey and Delenn Burrows with her dog Olive.

Photos above from top: Dr. Dylan with a parrot, Alyssa with Chummy and Danae with Mouse, a cat from the I Am Alive Cat Rescue organization based in Brockville.

Ready…Set …the Next Digital Transformation Grant is Available January 16^th

The Digital Transformation Grant will re-open January 16^th to once again offer eligible small businesses the opportunity to access $2,500 to upgrade their digital presence. Businesses already in the grant process can simply pick up where they left off. If you are new to the program, create your account here or contact your local Digital Support Specialist to learn more.

Funds will be available until September 30^th, or when exhausted, whichever comes first.

The Digital Transformation Grant program is focused on assisting small businesses with their adoption of technologies. The program provides training, advisory support and grants to brick-and-mortar small businesses looking to increase their capacity through digital transformation. Here is how some of the past recipients spent their grant funds:

• Digital Marketing - hiring a consultant/agency/person to execute Digital Marketing initiatives
• Website - development of a new site or redesign to improve the existing website
• Software - graphic design, productivity, social media software, security and more
• Digital Training - ongoing digital training courses (in-person and online)
• Hardware (maximum $1,000) - must be hardware deemed necessary (at the discretion of OBIAA).

To explore these and any other digital marketing topics call 613-342-3840 x 5368 or email Cyndy Bolton for more on this program. Visit the Leeds Grenville website or easily book a free consultation. Flexible time slots are available to serve you better.

RTO9 Accepting New Board Applications

Regional Tourism Organization 9 is seeking new board members. The Board has adjusted its approach and four positions are currently open. Candidates will bring a broad representation of the geographic regions within South Eastern Ontario while encouraging applications from talented individuals inside and outside of the tourism field and outside the region. Going forward, there is no longer designated geographic seats and therefore all four positions are open to candidates. 

The Board, in the broadest sense, sets the strategic direction and represents the highest level of decision-making in the organization. It establishes and monitors progress toward the organization reaching its vision, mission and strategic priorities. 

Individuals interested in a board position are encouraged to learn more and fill out the 2023 RTO9 Board Application form. Please provide all information requested and respond to all questions within the form. Return the completed form via email no later than this Friday, January 13, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. to Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director, at bruddock@region9tourism.ca.

Hiring Immigrants: Free Online Series for Employers

Are you struggling to find staff? Do you want to diversify your workforce, or are you interested in making international connections? Then check out the free training series focused on the needs of Leeds Grenville employers. Each session focuses on a different topic and you can register for as many or as few of the sessions as you would like.

First session: An Overview of the Current Market Context and Business Drivers

WHEN: Wednesday, January 18, 9-10 a.m.

Second session: Foreign Worker Solutions to a Domestic Problem

WHEN: February 1, 1-2:30 a.m.

The third and fourth sessions follow on February 16, 10-11 a.m., and February 23, 9-11 a.m.

Emotional Intelligence Management

The Eastern Workforce Innovation Board presents the THREE ON THURSDAY Free Employer Webinar Series. The presenter is Angela Hoyt who will look at strategies to navigate a way through the massive, ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19. In this current climate, the need for innovation, imagination and out-of-the-box thinking is greater than ever.

WHEN: Thursday, January 19, 2023,

10-11 a.m.

WHERE: 21A Mill Street, Gananoque

COST: Free

Income Tax Preparation for Sole Proprietorship and Partnership Businesses

This online workshop is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre. You will learn about filing business income to the Canada Revenue Agency, including:

• Business Income Tax Reporting – Completing the T2125E Form for CRA
• Reporting Business Income
• Reporting Costs of Goods Sold
• Reporting Business Expenses
• Calculating Business Use-of-Home Expenses
• Calculating Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
• Calculating Motor Vehicle Expenses

WHEN: Thursday, January 19, 9-10:30 a.m.

COST: Free

To learn more email Cindy James.

How to Use Video Content to Connect with Your Target Market

Think you can't make a social media video for your business? Sure you can and we're going to show you how! Social media creator and consultant Anna Ruck is facilitating this webinar and will show you how to effectively provide value via video marketing to grow a following and convert sales.

You'll leave this workshop understanding the importance of video content marketing and with the confidence to get out there and give it a try! Video marketing is the way of the future and the most effective way to connect with your target market via social media. You will learn:

• Why you should be prioritizing video content within your social media strategy (even if you feel like you don’t have one).
• How to identify who your target market is on social media and how to attract and connect with them through video content.
• How to effectively provide value via video marketing to grow a following and convert sales.
• How to brainstorm and organize strategic video content ideas and streamline your video production process (like a pro!).

WHEN: Tuesday, January 24, 10-11 a.m. online

COST: Free

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 January 24th, 2023 edition should be received by Monday, January 16th.
• Submissions for the February 7th edition should be received by Monday, January 30th.