Year in Review

On June 16, 2026, Frontenac Business Services welcomed clients, partners, and community members to our Annual Meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate the achievements of local entrepreneurs, and recognize the partnerships that continue to strengthen our business community.

We are proud of the impact made in 2025/2026 and look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.

Seeking Board of Directors Volunteers

 

Frontenac Business Services is seeking volunteer Board Members who are interested in supporting local business and strengthening the communities we serve. Our Directors help guide our work in community economic development and business support. Residents and/or business owners within the County of Frontenac are eligible to serve as Directors.

 

We would love to hear from individuals who bring knowledge of the local community, business experience, sector-specific expertise, or a background in banking or accounting. We are also currently seeking a representative from North Frontenac.

 

Interested in learning more? Contact Anne Prichard, Executive Director, 613-372-1414 Ext 204 or anne@frontenacbusiness.ca

Coffee & Conversation – Emma’s Place

 

Please Join Us

This is a casual monthly drop-in for Frontenac County businesses to connect over coffee/tea and explore ideas,  especially around marketing, growth, and opportunities.

 

Tuesday June 9, 2026 from 9-10:30am

Emma’s Place

4415 Wheatley Street, Sydenham

We can’t wait to connect with you!

Annual Meeting

Please join us for our Annual Meeting

Tuesday June 16 2026

from 5-7PM

at the Grace Hall, 4295 Stagecoach Road, Sydenham. 

 

5-5:45 – Light snacks, networking and cash bar

5:45-7 – Meeting with guest speakers from the Frontenac community

 

Guest Panelists include:

Jacob Babiak – East Ontario Aquaculture Inc.

James Bambury – Jean & Aggie’s General Store

Tristan Adams – Parallel Studios

 

Please RSVP by June 10th

Frontenac Futures Grant – CLOSED

 

FRONTENAC FUTURES GRANT – CLOSED

Frontenac Business Services is offering a one-time grant opportunity to support business and community development and enhance the resiliency and vibrancy in the County of Frontenac.

 

Eligibility

  • Registered as a business in Frontenac County
  • NFP or social enterprises that supports the Frontenac business community

Funding

  • Non-repayable contributions of up to $5,000

Eligible Projects

Must contribute to the resiliency and vibrancy of Frontenac County.

Should be new initiatives or enhancements/additions to existing activities.

Cannot create a dependency on our funding or disrupt the market.

Eligible and Ineligible Costs

Eligible: Project-related costs including both capital and non-capital expenses.

Ineligible: Operating costs, wages for current staff (unless for additional hours required for a new project), basic websites, existing yearly festivals, and leasehold improvements.

Timeline: Successful applicants will be notified at our Annual Meeting in June and costs must be incurred between that date and February 28, 2027.  Eligible costs will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the project.

Application Process

Applicants are to submit a video of up to 90 seconds in length pitching their project and what impact the grant will have.  Videos may be uploaded using the free WeTransfer and sent to Courtney@frontenacbusiness.ca by no later than May 11, 2026.  Applicants will be asked to provide a release to enable Frontenac Business Services to show all or part of the video at our annual meeting and perhaps on social media.    

 

Evaluation Criteria

Projects must align with our strategic priorities, including supporting Frontenac entrepreneurs grow and strengthen their businesses, creating jobs and addressing local needs.  The organization supports entrepreneurs in key sectors, helping with business transition, encouraging youth (under 40) and skills trades and championing local food and beverage producers and processors.   Funding requests must have a clear budget, funding plan, and measurable outcomes.

 

Special Considerations for Projects Involving Vulnerable Persons

Organizations must comply with legal responsibilities towards vulnerable persons and provide necessary documentation, including policies for staff and volunteer recruitment, training manuals, and accountability structures.

About Us

Frontenac Business Services is a not-for-profit organization funded through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev). Our mission is to support enterprise and community-based development, enhance employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic and social well-being of Frontenac County.

Contact Information

Courtney Bright

613-372-1414 Ext 208

Courtney@frontenacbusiness.ca 

 

Coffee & Conversation

 

Please Join Us

This is a casual monthly drop-in for Frontenac County businesses to connect over coffee/tea and explore ideas,  especially around marketing, growth, and opportunities.

 

This month, Landon Arndt from MacDougall Insurance will be joining us as a community resource. There is no formal presentation, just an opportunity to ask questions and have informal conversations about business insurance coverage. 

 

Tuesday March 10, 2026 from 9-10:30am

Frontenac Business Services’ Office

5062 Road 38 Unit 8 Harrowsmith

 

We can’t wait to connect with you!

Holiday Drop In

Join us for a festive Open House and connect with fellow business owners, enjoy refreshments, and embrace the spirit of community

Join the Frontenac Business Services team for our Holiday Drop In on Wednesday, December 10th from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Trousdale’s General Store in Sydenham (gather in the workshop space located at the back of the store).

This informal gathering is a great opportunity to connect with local business owners, colleagues, and County partners as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next for our community. Light refreshments will be available.

To help us plan appropriately, please RSVP in advance.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Email Marketing, Made Easy

Join Becky Williams to learn how to stop overthinking your email marketing.
If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen wondering what to say in your emails — or when to send them — or even questioned if it’s worth sending them at all, this session is for you.

Whether you’re just getting started or already have a list and want to make things more efficient, we’ll walk through everything you need to make email marketing feel simple and doable. You’ll learn how to choose the right platform, use time-saving tricks and tools, and find a rhythm that actually fits your business (not just what the “experts” say you should do).

We’ll talk about planning and batching your content so you’re not scrambling last minute, and how to align your emails with the seasons or natural flow of your business. You’ll also get plug-and-play ideas and examples to make writing and sending emails feel easier and more natural.

By the end, you’ll have a clear plan, fresh content ideas, and the confidence to finally hit send.

Tickets are $25

Lunch will be provided following the session, with an opportunity to stay and network with fellow attendees.

AI for Business Efficiency – Your 24/7 Executive Assistant

Join us for a workshop series on how to implement practical systems that work in the background – helping you reclaim hours.

We’re continuing the AI for Business Efficiency series with Your 24/7 Executive Assistant on Wednesday, November 26, from 9:00–10:30 AM EST.
In this session, you’ll learn how to use AI to draft emails, capture meeting notes, and set priorities—keeping you focused on paid work, not busy work.

Each workshop is delivered in plain language and includes ready-to-use templates you can start implementing right away.

Who Can Attend: Business owners in the 1000 Islands, Frontenac, and Grenville regions
Format: Virtual | 90 minutes per session
Cost: $20 per workshop

Save Your Spot: Seats are limited — register below today!

Starting a Business – Next Steps and Key Considerations

Do you have a business idea and want to know the right steps to bring it to life? This free in-person workshop will guide you through the process of starting a business with confidence.

In this session, we’ll cover:

  • Business Planning Essentials – how to shape your idea into a solid plan
  • Legal & Regulatory Considerations – registrations, licenses, and insurance
  • Funding & Financial Management – cash flow, bookkeeping, and financing options
  • Marketing & Branding – how to build awareness and stand out

Whether you’re just exploring an idea or ready to take action, this workshop will provide you with the tools, resources, and confidence to move forward.

Who should attend?
Aspiring entrepreneurs, side-hustlers ready to grow, and anyone considering starting a small business in Frontenac County.

✨ Free to attend. Registration required.

AI for Business Efficiency – Declutter Your Back Office

Join us for a workshop series on how to implement practical systems that work in the background – helping you reclaim hours.

We’re kicking off the AI for Business Efficiency series with Declutter Your Back Office on Wednesday, November 12, from 9:00–10:30 AM EST.
In this session, you’ll learn how to automate invoices, manage bookings, and organize file tasks — so you can reclaim your time (and your evenings).

Each workshop is delivered in plain language and includes ready-to-use templates you can start implementing right away.

Who Can Attend: Business owners in the 1000 Islands, Frontenac, and Grenville regions
Format: Virtual | 90 minutes per session
Cost: $20 per workshop or $50 for the full series

Save Your Spot: Seats are limited — register below today!

Coffee & Conversation Pop-up

 

Coffee & Conversation is Coming to Sharbot Lake!


Frontenac Business Services is hitting the road! Join us for a relaxed morning of Coffee & Conversation at the Sharbot Lake Chiropractic & Wellness Centre on Wednesday, October 29 from 9:00–10:30AM.

 

14628A Road 38, Sharbot Lake

As space is limited, we ask that you register by visiting the link below

Optimizing Your Website: From Clicks to Customers

 

Optimizing Your Website: From Clicks to Customers

This workshop connects the two most critical aspects of online marketing: getting found (whether it’s through Search or Social) and driving business by converting website visitors. You’ll learn how to attract the right visitors and how to guide them to take action once they arrive.

📅 Wednesday, October 15th at 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Frontenac Business Services
💻 Bring your laptop!

You’ll leave with:
✨ A page on your site optimized to attract the right visitors
✨ Keywords that help you get found
✨ Headlines + calls-to-action that convert
✨ A system you can apply across all your marketing

👥 Limited to just 8 attendees for personalized support.

Led by Piotr from Tall Guy Marketing, this workshop gives you the tools to make your website work for you.

AI for Business Efficiency – Virtual Workshop Series

90-Minute AI for Business Efficiency – Virtual Workshop Series

Presented by Claire Bouvier

These hands-on sessions aren’t about ad tech or flashy marketing. Instead, they focus on quiet, practical systems that work in the background—helping you reclaim hours of admin time every week.

 

Workshop Lineup:

Declutter Your Back Office – Wed Nov 12 9:00 – 10:30am

Automate invoices, bookings, and file tasks so you can get your evenings back.

 

Your 24/7 Executive Assistant– Wed Nov 26 9:00 – 10:30 am

Use AI to draft emails, capture meeting notes, and set priorities—keeping you focused on paid work, not busy work.

 

Safe & Scalable AI Systems– Wed Dec 10 9:00am – 10:30 am

Learn how to choose the right tools, protect your data, and plan for growth so your business can expand with confidence.

 

Each session is delivered in plain language; with templates you can start using the same day.

 

Who Can Attend: Business owners located in the 1000 Islands, Frontenac, and Grenville regions.

 

Format: Virtual, 90 minutes each

Cost: $20 per workshop or entire series for $50

🔗 Save Your Spot: Seats are limited. Register today!

Coffee & Conversation

 

Please Join Us

This is a casual monthly drop-in for Frontenac County businesses to connect over coffee/tea and explore ideas,  especially around marketing, growth, and opportunities.

This monthly gathering will continue to occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

 

Tuesday October 14, 2025 from 9-10:30am

Frontenac Business Services’ Office

5062 Road 38 Unit 8 Harrowsmith

 

We can’t wait to connect with you!

Coffee & Conversation

 

Please Join Us

This is a casual monthly drop-in for Frontenac County businesses to connect over coffee/tea and explore ideas,  especially around marketing, growth, and opportunities.

This monthly gathering will continue to occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

 

Tuesday September 9, 2025 from 9-10:30am

Frontenac Business Services’ Office

5062 Road 38 Unit 8 Harrowsmith

 

We can’t wait to connect with you!

Designing Graphics with Canva

Join RTO 9 and JBC | Pushing Digital Boundaries to get started on creating professional and easy-to-create visual content to help you elevate your design game without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re creating content for social media or marketing materials, this session will show you how to make the most of Canva’s powerful features and tools. By the end of the webinar participants will:

  • Leverage AI-powered tools in Canva to speed up your creative process
  • Use customizable templates to maintain brand consistency and save time
  • Apply time-saving strategies to streamline your design workflow
  • Organize your projects with Brand Kits and folders for easy access and collaboration

September 16th, 2025 | 10-11AM  

Improve Your Digital Presence

Join Invest Kingston for an interactive, in-person session designed to help small businesses maximize their digital potential and leverage grants for digital investments. This workshop offers practical strategies to enhance your online presence and access financial support for growth.

Topics include:

  • Understanding the Digital Landscape: Explore the latest tools and technologies to benefit your business.
  • Creating a Digital Roadmap: Develop a tailored digital strategy aligned with your goals.
  • Navigating Grants: Learn about funding opportunities to support your digital transformation.
  • Strengthening Your Online Presence: Get expert advice on optimizing your website, social media, and marketing.
  • Interactive Q&A: Connect with peers and get your questions answered.

Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your business’s digital potential. Register now and take the next step in your digital journey!

 

September 9th, 2025 | 12-1PM  

T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar

 

Presented by the Canada Revenue Agency’s Liaison Officer Service Program

This seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations. The presentation is geared towards unincorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system.

During the seminar, the Liaison Officers will:

  • Explain common tax errors
  • Demonstrate how to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries
  • Provide information on various tools and services offered by the CRA
  • Explain general bookkeeping concepts and best practices

Multiple upcoming seminar dates:

Friday September 5, 2025

Friday October 3, 2025

Friday November 7, 2025

Writing Winning Grant Proposals

Join OHTO and Barbara Robinson of RiverRoad Creative, inthis hands-on session that will demystify the process of writing a grant proposal. From identifying the right funding fit to crafting a proposal that gets noticed.

You’ll learn how to:
• Evaluate whether a grant is the right opportunity for you
• Avoid common pitfalls that sink applications
• Write with impact, purpose, and persuasion
• Tell your story in a way that funders can’t ignore

August 26th, 2025 at 10:00AM EST

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation (2)

 

Please Join Us

This will be a casual monthly drop-in for Frontenac County businesses to connect over coffee/tea and explore ideas — especially around marketing, growth, and opportunities.

This monthly gathering will continue to occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

Tuesday August 12, 2025 from 9-10:30am

Frontenac Business Services’ Office

5062 Road 38 Unit 8 Harrowsmith

We can’t wait to connect with you! 

 

Business Networking at Lehlewa Lakeside Retreat

 

Tuesday, July 22 from 8:30–10:30am

Take a break this summer and come and join other businesses in Frontenac County for a morning of networking & connections. The event is a drop in & stay as long as you are able to. Tour the location that is hosting the event.

 

For more information or to register click here

Year in Review

On June 17, 2025, we gathered at Harrowsmith Brewing Co. for our Annual Meeting, welcoming clients, partners, and community friends. Together, we celebrated Frontenac Business Services’ impact over the past year. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and can’t wait to build on this momentum in 2025/2026.

Cross-Ministry Funders Forum

 

This in-person series is designed to boost awareness and readiness for key provincial funding opportunities that will be opening in the coming months. Featuring presentations from representatives of:

  • Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA)
  • Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)
  • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
  • Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)

These sessions will provide a direct line to the people and programs that support your work. Whether you represent a municipality, nonprofit, local business, or economic development group, this is your chance to:

  • Learn about upcoming grant programs and their timelines
  • Understand eligibility requirements and evaluation priorities
  • Build relationships directly with funders and other regional stakeholders
  • Ask questions in a supportive, in-person setting

Kingston session to be held on July 17, 2025, at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour from 10am-Noon.

 

For more information or to register click here

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation (2)

 

Please Join Us

This will be a casual monthly drop-in for Frontenac County businesses to connect over coffee/tea and explore ideas — especially around marketing, growth, and opportunities.

 

This monthly gathering will continue to occur on the second Tuesday of the month.

 

Tuesday June 10, 2025 from 9-10:30am

Frontenac Business Services’ Office

5062 Road 38 Unit 8 Harrowsmith

 

We can’t wait to connect with you! 

 

Annual Meeting

Blue and Teal Geometric Photo Medical Facebook Cover (1)

 

Frontenac Business Services’ Annual Meeting

Register now

Tuesday June 17, 2025 from 5-7pm

Harrowsmith Brewing Co. – 4143 Camden Portland Boundary Road, Harrowsmith

 

We’re pleased to announce our Annual Meeting and hope you’ll join us for an evening of networking and insight.

 

Agenda

5-5:45pm – Networking 

5:45-7pm – Meeting

 

For more information and to register, click here.

The A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market

 

There is still time to Register!

Friday April 25, 2025 @ 9:00am-3:30pm

Fee $20

 

The A to Z of Getting Your Food Products to Market

If you are interested in starting a small food production business, the City of Kingston, Frontenac County, the Township of South Frontenac and partners are here to help you. There are resources available to make the dream a reality, including three commercial kitchens in Kingston, many kitchens in Frontenac County, and a hall in South Frontenac. Anyone who is looking to produce and sell food products can access these facilities. This event is a steppingstone to help you get started. There is a lot to know about food production, regulations and resources.

Magnetic Marketing Workshop

 

Register now

Tuesday May 13, 2025 @ 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee $20

 
MAGNETIC MARKETING 

How to Attract, Engage & Sell with Confidence and Ease

Are you a small business owner juggling a million things, with marketing always slipping to the bottom of your “to do” list? No matter how many times you tell yourself, “I’ll get to it later,” it feels overwhelming—or worse, you’re putting in the time and effort but not seeing the sales to show for it.

If that sounds familiar, then this marketing workshop is for you!

 

This small-group workshop is designed to give you clear, actionable steps to market your business with confidence.

No fluff, no jargon—just real strategies you can start using right away.

 

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why small businesses have an advantage over big brands—and how to make it work for you
  • How to define and attract your ideal audience (because marketing to everyone is marketing to no one)
  • The must-have tools and tactics: newsletters, lead magnets, & more
  • Your sales pitch, perfected—so you can confidently sell without feeling pushy or salesy

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have:

  • A clear starting point and action plan
  • The tools to execute it without second-guessing yourself
  • The confidence to market and sell without the overwhelm

This is a small group workshop – Spots are limited to one person per Frontenac business ! So, if this interests you – don’t wait to register!

 

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

9am to 12 noon with an opportunity for lunch and networking afterwards

Frontenac Business Services, 5062 Rd 38, Harrowsmith

Join us and start marketing with clarity, confidence, and results. 

 

 

Meet your Facilitator 

Becky Williams is a farmer, entrepreneur, and former corporate sales and marketing professional who traded the boardroom for the barn. Becky knows both the big-budget strategies of large corporations and the boots-on-the-ground tactics that help small businesses succeed. Becky combines her real-world experience with proven marketing strategies to help fellow small business owners cut through the noise, attract the right customers, and grow with confidence

 

 To register, click here.

Navigating the Impact of U.S. Global Tariffs

Register now

Thursday March 27, 2025 @ 12:00pm-1:00pm – Virtual Webinar

 

Presented by the Ontario Business and Trade Leadership Coalition (OBTLC)

 

As Ontario businesses face ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and global market disruptions, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s OBTLC presents Trade Talks, a webinar series designed to equip businesses with the tools, resources, and industry insights to adapt and stay competitive.

 

The first session, on March 27 at noon, will feature experts from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Bank of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and Export Development Canada, sharing strategies to help small and medium-sized businesses navigate trade disruptions and build resilience.

 

The discussion will feature:

  • Insights on advocacy and the impacts of U.S. tariffs
  • Optimizing your current operations and leveraging your “Made in Canada” brand
  • Strategies for market diversification
  • Resources for freeing up working capital

 

For more information or to register, click here.

Introduction to QuickBooks Online

Register now

Wednesday April 2, 2025 @ 10:00am-11:30am


Introduction to QuickBooks Online

New to accounting or bookkeeping? This beginner-friendly workshop is designed for startups and entrepreneurs looking to understand the basics of cloud-based bookkeeping. In this 1.5-hour interactive session, you’ll receive a hands-on walkthrough of QuickBooks Online (QBO), helping you manage financial data with confidence—no prior experience required!


What You’ll Learn:

✅ Navigate the QBO dashboard and key features
✅ Record basic transactions, including expenses, invoices, and payments
✅ Understand bank feeds and reconciliation for simplified tracking
✅ Generate essential financial reports to monitor business performance


Perfect for students, entrepreneurs, and beginners looking to develop practical bookkeeping skills. Bring your curiosity and get started with QBO today!


For more information or to register, click here.

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