EOAN News
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!
RTO 9 Partnership Fund Information Session 2025/2026
Posted on : 2025-07-18
Join Meg from RTO 9 as she goes through the 2025/2026 Partnership Fund application, guidelines and eligibility requirements for the Partnership Fund Program. This information session will go through the application process and help you determine whether your project/business is eligible to apply, how the program works, and what expenses can be incurred under the project. There will also be time at the end of the presentation to ask questions about the program. This is your opportunity to get familiar with the program before applying!
To find out more about the program, be sure to check out our website here.
To join our newsletter to hear about funding opportunities and events like these, subscribe here.
2025 SEe ON Summit
Posted on : 2025-07-18
Join RTO 9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kingston, Ontario for our 2-day SEe ON Summit experience on November 4th & 5th, 2025!
Both days will be packed with incredible speakers, forward thinking ideas and inspiration to spark creativity and help Envision Tourism Growth in South Eastern Ontario.
Looking to spend the night? We have a block of rooms reserved at a special rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton. You can book a room at the button below, or click here.
Lunch will be provided both days. Please reach out to Meg Dabros at mdabros@region9tourism.ca for any dietary considerations. Tickets for this event are non-refundable. If you have any questions prior to purchasing a ticket or have extenuating circumstances, please contact Meg at RTO 9.
Tickets are now available for purchase with limited spots available! Grab your tickets today!
Interlude 2025 fundraising campaign
Posted on : 2025-07-17
On November 27, Interlude (formerly known as Maison Interlude House) will be hosting a major fundraising evening, bringing together influential members of our community: municipal officials, business leaders, dedicated professionals, and more.
During the event, gift baskets filled with local products will be auctioned off to raise essential funds in support of services provided to women and children who are victims of violence. The goal is to create one sweet basket, one savoury basket, and one wellness basket.
We are reaching out to you, as a local producer, for your generosity:
Would you be willing to contribute 1 or 2 of your products to help fill these unique baskets?
This is a great opportunity to:
✔ Showcase your products to an engaged audience
✔ Support Interlude’s essential mission
✔ Demonstrate the strength and solidarity of our agri-food community
If you’d like to contribute to the gift baskets, please reach out to Myriam at: soireebenefice@minterludeh.ca
A quick but important reminder: please don’t forget to include a business card or an informational tag with your products, to encourage bidders to discover more about you afterward! Also, make sure to indicate the value of the product(s) you’re donating (to help us share the total value of each basket).
A heartfelt thank you in advance for your generous contribution from all of us at Interlude.
