EOAN News
Your thoughts or feedback about shared kitchens
Posted on : 2025-09-29
Do you have any thoughts or feedback about shared kitchens? We’d love to know if you’re interested in using them, what your past experiences have been, and any ideas or suggestions you’d like to share. You can reach out to us anytime with your experiences by sending an email to info@agro-on.ca
Bridges to Better Business: Pathways to Growth
Posted on : 2025-09-26
The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Cornwall and SDG Business Enterprise Centre, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Bridges to Better Business—the premier event celebrating and supporting the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship in our region.
Join us for a power-packed half-day summit designed to arm you with the connections and strategies you need to thrive. This is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus on your future success alongside fellow small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Small businesses are the heart of our community, and every contribution matters. Bridges is your half-day learning event to gain practical insights, share ideas, and discover strategies that help your business—and our local economy—thrive.
October 22nd, 2025
Ramada by Wyndam, 805 Brookdale Ave. Cornwall ON
8:00am – 12:00pm
$40 per ticket. Limited tickets. Registration closes October 15.
PARO is hosting a collaborative roundtable for women-owned businesses that sell packaged consumer goods or agri-technology.
Posted on : 2025-09-26
This roundtable offers women access to networks, funding, and programming. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their views on the state of the Canadian economy. PARO is coordinating these discussions across the country, and the data will help inform recommendations for changes in economic policy.
Eligibility criteria – Client profile:
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50.1%+ women-owned
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Business registered in Ontario, Manitoba, or New Brunswick
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Annual revenue of $50,000+
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Sells an agri-food consumer good or an agri-technology product
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Able to attend the live virtual session on September 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
There is no cost to participate. It is not necessary to use the services or programs suggested.
To register, please contact Renée Gendron at parobizeast@paro.ca.
RTO 9 SEe ON Tourism Summit – Vendors Wanted
Posted on : 2025-08-01
Calling All Local Makers & Artisans! 
We’re thrilled to invite local producers to take part in the Makers Market at the annual RTO 9 SEe ON Tourism Summit happening in Kingston on November 4 & 5, 2025!
This is your opportunity to showcase your locally made products to over 150 tourism professionals from across Southeastern Ontario.
Choose Your Preferred Day: November 4 or 5
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly The Ambassador), Kingston
Setup: 7:30 AM | Wrap up: ~3:00 PM
What’s Included:
Receive $100 for participating
Display table w/ tablecloth + power if needed
Lunch provided
Access to the day’s sessions
We’re looking for a curated mix of handcrafted, locally made products – whether it’s food, drink, gifts, art, skincare, or anything uniquely Southeastern Ontario!
Interested in joining us for a day? Complete the short intake form to reserve your spot.
Ontario Investing in Agri-Food Research to Help Farmers and Agribusinesses Compete Globally
Posted on : 2025-07-23
TORONTO — Ontario is investing over $5.4 million in 28 agri-food projects through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to help businesses commercialize new, cutting-edge research for Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these transformational research projects will lead to new discoveries and innovations that can help businesses grow, create jobs and boost their competitive advantage in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.
“Our government’s strategic investments into transformative agri-food research is empowering Ontario’s producers and innovators to turn world-class research into real-world solutions,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By helping our farmers and agribusinesses innovate, create local jobs and compete globally, we’re ensuring that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty.”
Today’s $5.4 million investment is part of government’s $40 million investment over six years into the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s tier 1 research programming. Examples of projects supported by the Alliance this year include:
- using economic data to help farmers and businesses respond to market changes and explore new trade opportunities
- developing a battery-powered, AI-driven robot to manage pests in soybean fields
- creating healthier beehives using advanced technology to protect honeybee colonies from Varroa mites
- helping farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pigs
The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through a competitive process on an annual basis. Today’s investment will help achieve the government’s Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption by working closely with our industry partners, agribusinesses and research organizations.
UCFO Supports the Next Generation of Farmers – 2025 Edition of the Entrepreneurship Grant
Posted on : 2025-07-23
The Union of Franco-Ontarian Farmers (UCFO) Reaffirms Its Commitment to the Next Generation of Farmers with the Launch of the 2025 Edition of Its Agricultural Entrepreneurship Grant
Staying true to its mission, UCFO will award a $6,000 grant to a Franco-Ontarian farmer whose initiative stands out for its vision, creativity, and transformative potential in the agricultural sector.
This recognition aims to support innovative efforts that are shaping the future of Franco-Ontarian agriculture.
Are you leading a project for change? Or do you know someone actively contributing to the evolution of the agricultural sector? Now is the time to submit a nomination.
📅 Application deadline: September 5, 2025
📞 For any questions:
📧 Adelphine Kabedi – akabedi@ucfo.ca | 📞 613-488-2929, ext. 103
Foodpreneur Advantage Start-up Seminars
Posted on : 2025-07-18
The Foodpreneur Advantage program is presenting a comprehensive series of virtual Start-Up Seminars specifically crafted for food and beverage entrepreneurs. Covering a variety of critical topics—from product innovation and regulatory compliance to branding, packaging, marketing, and distribution—these sessions offer invaluable expertise for those launching or growing a food business. Click here for all the information of the seminars!
Here are the dates, titles, and links of the seminars:
- Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 10:00 am : Barcodes and Beyond: What You Need to be Market-Ready
- Thursday, August 21st, 2025 at 10:00 am : Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
- Thursday, August 28th, 2025 at 10:00 am : How to Sell Your Food Product
- Thursday, September 4th, 2025 at 10:00 am : Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
- Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 10:00 am : Marketing & Branding your Food Product
- Thursday, September 18th, 2025 at 10:00 am : Food Safety Fundamentals for Startups
- Thursday, September 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am : Labelling & Packaging your Food Product
Rural Ontario Development Program
Posted on : 2025-07-18
The Ontario government’s Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program offers $20 million in funding over two years to support economic growth in rural communities. Replacing the former Rural Economic Development (RED) Program, it aligns with Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy, Enabling Opportunity.
The program provides cost-share funding for projects that:
- Build capacity and address barriers to economic development
- Attract, retain, and expand businesses, investment, and jobs
- Strengthen regional partnerships and resilience
- Address workforce challenges
- Transform community assets to drive growth
Eligible applicants include municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits, local services boards, and small rural businesses (1–20 employees). Projects must be located within eligible rural areas of Ontario.
The program features multiple application intake periods through 2027, with the next deadline on September 24, 2025.
Destination Discovery Series
Posted on : 2025-07-18
Curious about who’s working behind the scenes to boost tourism in your region? Want to know who to call for support, collaboration, or funding opportunities? Join us for the Destination Discovery Series, brought to you by RTO 9, and get connected with the people and programs that are here to help your tourism business grow.
This informative webinar series is designed to introduce tourism operators to the key players in your destination:
Regional Development Advisors from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG)
Your local Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Destination Marketing Program (DMP), or Destination Marketing Management Office (DMMO)
The team at RTO 9, your regional tourism organization
Why Attend?
Whether you’re a long-standing operator or new to the industry, this is your chance to:
- Build valuable regional connections
- Learn about marketing and development resources
- Ask questions directly to the experts
- Get inspired to participate in upcoming initiatives
Exhibitors Wanted for the Wood and Forest Expo 2025! (Last Call)
Posted on : 2025-07-18
The Wood and Forest fair experience awaits you!
On September 14, 2025, in Riceville, join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with exchanges, discoveries, and opportunities. This event is the perfect occasion to showcase your products, share your knowledge, and connect with an audience passionate about wood, nature, and sustainability.
Practical Details:
• Stand fee: $50
• Only three exhibitors per product to ensure diversity and quality of offerings.
• You must provide a valid insurance certificate to protect yourself as an exhibitor.
Spaces are very limited, so don’t waste any time! Sign up before July 31, 2025, to secure your stand and be part of this unique experience.
Why Participate?
• An engaged and curious audience
• Passionate exhibitors and inspiring partners
• Increased visibility for your business and products
• The opportunity to strengthen ties with the local community while supporting eco-friendly practices
This weekend is yours. Join us and showcase your expertise.
To register, please complete the attached business form and send it to us at expo2025@boisesest.ca. If you would like more information, you can contact us at expo2025@boisesest.ca or visit our website: https://boisesest.ca/expo2025.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this must-attend experience!