Frontenac Business Services Announces Retirement of Founding Executive Director
Harrowsmith, Ontario – September 23, 2026 – Anne Prichard, founding executive director of Frontenac Business Services, formerly Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation, has advised the board of directors of her intention to retire.
For the past 23 years, Anne has worked closely with board members, staff, local businesses and community partners to support business start-up and growth through advisory services, financing, and community economic development initiatives.
“Anne has played an important role in building the organization from the ground up,” says Andrew Douglas, Chair. “Her commitment to our clients and the communities we serve has been a key part of our success. I thank Anne for her many years of dedicated service on behalf of the Board and the many entrepreneurs who have benefited from her wise counsel and support. She will be sorely missed.”
During her tenure, Anne oversaw the delivery of the Eastern Ontario Development Program, which provided $7.9 million in government contributions to 280 businesses and organizations across Frontenac County. She also managed the federal pandemic response program that provided $2.16 million to 57 Frontenac businesses, and oversaw more than $25.1 million in investments in new and existing businesses.
“One of the things I am most proud of is being able to ‘connect the dots’ for business owners,” says Anne. “Sometimes that meant making an introduction that opened a door and other times it meant connecting someone with a program, service or resource that could help them grow their business. Being able to make those connections and see the difference they made has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. It has been an honour to be part of this organization, and I look forward to seeing all that it will accomplish in the years ahead.”
The Board will begin the recruitment process for a new Executive Director shortly and will provide updates at www.frontenacbusiness.ca and on Facebook and LinkedIn. The Board thanks Anne for her leadership and dedicated service and wishes her all the best in her retirement.
Frontenac Business Services is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. FBS provides business advice and loan services that nurture and support the entrepreneurial spirit in Frontenac County. The organization invests for impact for the business and the community.