This electronic communication is a resource providing businesses and interested parties with relevant information about funding sources, events, resources, and other local municipal information.

Think Renfrew County - Response to Tariffs Threat

In response to the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Canadians are rallying to support local businesses and products. The Town of Petawawa and County of Renfrew Economic Development departments encourage you to buy local and support the businesses which create jobs, make products, provide services and contribute to the economy. When possible, support local, think Renfrew County.

Ottawa Valley Business Summit Returns April 11

The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2nd annual Ottawa Valley Business Summit on April 11th.

Guest speakers include:

✅ Andrew DiCapua, Senior Economist at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Lab. 

✅ Todd Letts, President of Todd Letts Consulting, a strategy firm serving member-based community organizations. 

✅ Jennifer Layman has been advising businesses and organizations on strategic marketing for 18 years.

Whether you're looking to expand your business, gain valuable knowledge, or make meaningful connections, this summit is an event you don’t want to miss!

Petawawa "In Business" Series with YourTV

The Town of Petawawa Economic Development Department is partnering with YourTV Ottawa Valley to launch a new business video spotlight series. "In-Business" is a dedicated series highlighting local entrepreneurs, their commitment to Canadian goods, and their role in strengthening our economy.

To start, eight unique Petawawa businesses will be highlighted over the spring and summer months. There may be opportunity to feature additional businesses depending on the first round of engagement.

We are encouraging you to submit videos that could be used as promotional footage in the series. Whether you're a business owner, employee, or community member, we want to see short video clips of you working, living, or enjoying Petawawa, running your business, exploring the outdoors, experiencing community events and more!

Eastern Ontario Development Fund Now Open

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations.

FUNDING: Loans up to 15% funding interest free during the project period. Up to 30% of the loan may be forgiven. Grants are available only for specific circumstances, up to 15% to a maximum.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 21, 2025

Apply for Funding to Improve Your Business

Did you know that the Town of Petawawa has a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) that local businesses and commercial property owners can take advantage of? Most grants cover 50% of project costs up to $5,000. Categories include:

Accessibility Improvement Grant

Brownfield Redevelopment Grant

Building Facade Improvement Grant

Commercial Retail Market Study Grant

Green Initiatives Grant

Landscaping and Parking Area Improvement

Planning and Building Fee Grant

Signage Improvement Grant

Tax Increment Equivalent Grant

Upcoming Business Workshops & Engagements

April 1 & 3: Starter Company Plus Info Session

April 2: Intro to Ontario's ONT-TAXS Online System

April 8: Merchant Services Orientation - Clover

April 9: Creative Meetups

April 11: Ottawa Valley Business Summit

April 11: Business Basics for Newcomers

April 29: Hiring Essentials - Attract Top Talent

Mike Thompson Retires After 16-Years with RCCFDC

In March of 2025, Mike Thompson retired from the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation.

Mike helped support small businesses in the region and had a hand in distributing over $34 million in loans.

Meghan Sutherland has been hired as the new Business Development Officer to support business growth in our community.

Congratulations and all the best in your retirement!

Petawawa Container Market Opening May 3rd, 2025

The Petawawa Container Market is gearing up to open for the 2025 season! The market will open for the 2025 season on May 3rd, from 10:00am to 3:00pm and be open every Friday from 3:00pm to 8:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm until mid-October. Stay tuned for information about the season opening event!

Deadline Approaching for Local Tourism Awards

Nominations are open for the 2025 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards. You are encouraged to self-nominate or nominate someone you feel is deserving of the award. Nominations close on April 14th, 2025.

There are six categories:

Tourism Champion Award

Business/Organization of the Year Award

Event of the Year Award

Tourism Marketing Award

Sustainability Champion Award

New Tourism Product Award

The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association 2025 annual general meeting and Tourism Awards will be held on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, at the Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown.