Invest in Middlesex

Thames Centre has been Named One of The Best Places to Work!

Read more here: https://www.thamescentre.on.ca/articles/thames-centre-recognized-one-best-places-work

📢 Attention 🌾 Grain Farmers!
Funding Applications are now open for the Grains Innovation Fund

The Grains Innovation Fund aims to foster growth and innovation in Ontario’s grain end-use markets. This initiative supports the creation of new and reformulated products and processes that enhance market demand and opportunities for Ontario's barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat crops, as well as their residues. Eligible proposals can receive funding for up to 60% of project costs, with a maximum grant of $50,000.

Companies interested in applying are encouraged to reach out to Grain Farmers of Ontario to discuss their project ideas beforehand. The team can provide valuable insights and help determine if your proposal meets the program’s criteria.

For more information, please contact the Market Development and Sustainability Team at [email protected].

🌾Learn more and apply at their website here:
https://gfo.ca/market-development-and-sustainability/grains-innovation-fund/

🌾Watch the Grain Innovation Fund 2024 Promotional Video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeHwSkbkE9U

As we close out 🛍️ Small Business Month, we encourage everyone to support all small businesses in Middlesex County, with a special highlight today on The Shops on Sydenham in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc. This mall features a variety of local retailers offering unique products and services. By shopping local, you contribute to the growth and vitality of your community. Visit The Shops on Sydenham and discover the exceptional small businesses that help make Middlesex County a great place to live!

https://www.theshopsonsydenham.com/

💡 Interested in Market Trends and In-Demand Local Products in Ontario? Don't miss this FREE online workshop hosted by OFA Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Nov. 14, 2024 10:00 am EST.

👩‍🌾 Sign up today for Thursday, November 14th 2024 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm to roll up your sleeves and learn about market trends and in-demand local products in Ontario. Experienced farmers, new farmers, prospective farmers, and industry representatives are all welcome.

💼 This is the first workshop in a series of nine (9) online workshops taking place from November 2024 to February 2025 as part of the Cultivating Local Workshop Series.

👇 Click on the following link to register today!
https://ow.ly/SA4m50TeKZ9

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Market Trends and In-Demand Local Products in Ontario. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. With a growing demand and interest in seizing local selling opportunities, OFA’s Cultivating Local: Seizing Opportunities to Grow Ontario’s Local Agri-Products Sector project is hosting nine (9) online workshops from November 2024 to February 2025 to provide key expertise and resources for produ...

📰 Read our Fall Newsletter and stay informed about all things Economic Development and Tourism in Middlesex County.

👉 https://ow.ly/iH8R50TTI2X

📰 If you're not subscribed, don't miss out, sign up today! https://ow.ly/XCMA50TTI2W

📢 Attention Retailers! The Government of Ontario is hosting a FREE Webinar for your business.

Webinar: Getting Retail Ready
November 14 at 10:00am EDT

Join the Government of Ontario in collaboration with Sheri Evans, Local Development Specialist from Sobeys, for a free webinar on November 14, 2024 at 10:00am. This webinar will include information on how to grow your brand into retail, what you need to know and what the next steps are.

Register here: 👇
https://ow.ly/lpQG50TMFix

This week's Featured Property FOR SALE is located on Hagerty Rd in the Village of Newbury.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire 2.8 acres in the vibrant and expanding town of Newbury. One acre is currently zoned for C1 commercial use, and a completed site plan is ready for submission to the town for the development of two plaza buildings.

https://ow.ly/Piwy50TMMWl

Photos c/o Blue Forest Realty.

🎉 Join us in celebrating all of our small businesses in Middlesex County! 🎉

📆 Small Business Week is running October 20-26, 2024.

Over three-quarters of businesses have 10 or fewer employees, with many run by families or individuals. These small enterprises drive millions in economic activity across diverse sectors, from innovative tech solutions to unique food products.

We are celebrating the hard work and creativity of our local businesses during Small Business Week! Feel free to tag your favourite small business in the comments below, give them the shout out they deserve!

Need help finding that business that you are looking for? You can find all of our businesses plotted on our map here:

📍 https://ow.ly/ieWg50TR7PP

This week's Featured Business is 🌞 Sunshine Bakery located in the quaint town of Mount Brydges, Ontario in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Sunshine Bakery was opened in 1957. They have been baking home made treats for the community for over 65 years! Some of their specialties include Buttercream Icing Tarts, Mocha Boats, Vanilla Slices, Cream Horns, Fruit Squares, Danishes and Custard Tarts. They also carry a selection of freshly baked 🍞breads and buns and a small gift shop🎁 is attached to the bakery where you can even pick up a card to-go with your special treats or foodie gifts!

If you have not been to this little gem... get their today and say hi to Bill the baker - you will delighted by all of these handcrafted treats.

https://ow.ly/JkQK50TMKWI
22406 Adelaide Road, Mount Brydges, ON, Canada, Ontario

🎗️Here's one last reminder that the Ticket to The Trades is this 📅 Wednesday, October 24, 2024. Its going to be an amazing event to connect, learn and find the path to your next career!

📢 Attention Agri-Food Businesses!

Experts have recently highlighted that the growing reliance on technology in the Agri-Food supply chain is creating significant vulnerabilities to cybersecurity threats. A successful attack could disrupt food production and processing, affecting both supply and pricing. Despite these concerns, the Agri-Food sector often lacks strong cybersecurity measures.

In light of this rising risk, the Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative (https://www.oc-innovation.ca/programs/cit/) is backing Ontario-based company consortia to develop and implement innovative solutions aimed at tackling cybersecurity challenges in the province's Agri-Food sector. Join this webinar from Critical Industrial Technologies and OCI to learn how your business can qualify and apply for support.

🔐Agri-Food Cybersecurity Solutions Webinar

🔹Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
🔹11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
🔹Online Event

Sign up here:
f6b63396-1d4f-4a4b-b7b7-a46dbd16530d@11eccf07-bfca-427e-aab9-cb6d5987d84e" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f6b63396-1d4f-4a4b-b7b7-a46dbd16530d@11eccf07-bfca-427e-aab9-cb6d5987d84e

Today, we're excited to shine a spotlight on 🫒The Fat Olive, a beloved gem in Middlesex County. Known for its authentic Italian pastas and delicious pizzas, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Italy.

From their hand-crafted pasta dishes to perfectly baked pizzas topped with fresh ingredients, The Fat Olive delivers a delightful dining experience that’s sure to satisfy.

🍽️🎉Celebrate National Pasta Day 🍝✨by indulging in a hearty plate of pasta or sharing a pizza with friends and family! Let’s support our local restaurants in and enjoy the flavours they have to offer.

What’s your favorite dish at The Fat Olive? Share in the comments below!

Fat Olive

🍕🍝

Today, on 🌍 World Food Day, we join the global movement to raise awareness about hunger and poverty while celebrating the vital role of agriculture in our local economy here in . This day inspires us to think about how we can work together to create solutions 🤝 that foster a sustainable🌱 and equitable food system.

🌾 Supporting Our Local Farmers: Our local farmers are essential to our community’s health and economic vitality. By choosing to support local agriculture, we not only help ensure access to fresh, nutritious food, but also strengthen our economy and create jobs. Visiting farmers' markets and farm-to-table restaurants is a great way to invest in our community. Don't forget for the month of October select restaurants across Middlesex and Lambton Counties are participating in From Our Hands to Your Table with Harvest Menus-which pair locally grown food with local restaurants.

🤝 Building Community Connections: Food is a powerful way to bring people together. Local food initiatives and community programs enhance access to healthy options while encouraging collaboration and engagement among residents. Together, we can build a supportive local food network that addresses hunger and uplifts everyone in our community.

🌱 Embracing Sustainable Practices: On this important day, let’s also consider how sustainable farming practices and innovative food solutions can help us tackle food insecurity. By focusing on environmental responsibility, we can create a food system that supports both our local economy and our planet.

Let’s use World Food Day as an opportunity to come together, share ideas, and inspire meaningful change in Middlesex County. Together, we can ensure everyone has access to the nutritious food they deserve.

Learn more about World Food Day here:
https://ow.ly/wVe350TFWi4

This week's featured property FOR SALE is located in Municipality of Thames Centre

➡️ This property offers numerous possibilities beyond its current/former use as a restaurant. For many years, it has operated as a family-style restaurant with banquet room facilities.

➡️ The property can be sold with all restaurant equipment for continued use as a restaurant or without equipment for a different purpose, as it complies with zoning regulations that permit various uses. Additionally, there are four apartments in a separate building that generate rental income.

➡️ Situated on 1.24 acres, the property features ample paved parking, prominent pylon signage, and excellent visibility with easy access. The main commercial building spans a solid 6,000 sq. ft. with high ceilings, making it versatile and easy to divide for multiple uses.

👉 https://ow.ly/e7fe50TFIkP

As we head into🌾Thanksgiving weekend, let’s celebrate the incredible agricultural contributions of Middlesex County. Our region produces 17% of all turkey 🦃 in Ontario, ensuring many holiday feasts feature locally sourced turkey.

Middlesex is also known for its diverse crops: 30% of Ontario’s green peas 🫛 come from this area, making them a delicious addition to any meal. 18% of Ontario’s green and wax beans are grown here, adding color and nutrition to our plates.🌽 Corn grown in the County accounts for 9.9% of Ontario’s corn production, another local favourite at the table at Harvest time.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work of our local farmers. Wishing everyone a joyful and bountiful Thanksgiving weekend!

On October 9th, 2024 the Middlesex County Economic Development team proudly welcomed Ontario Plants Propagation Limited to the community. This new facility represents a major investment in the county and underscores the community's readiness to collaborate with innovative agri-businesses aimed at enhancing agricultural growth in the region.

Ontario Plants is set to invest an estimated $75 million starting with a remarkable 13-acre greenhouse, which is part of an ambitious four-phase project. Each phase is expected to create between 40 and 50 jobs, providing valuable opportunities that will improve the livelihoods of residents and bolster the regional economy, further establishing Middlesex County as a key agricultural hub in Ontario.

The decision by Ontario Plants to establish their facility here is a testament to the county's strengths and the collaborative efforts of Economic Development partners at all levels. From the initial collaboration between the County Director and site selection consultants to the ongoing support from the staff and Council of Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, the commitment to creating an environment where businesses can thrive is evident.

Ontario Plants’ focus on sustainable and efficient growing practices aligns seamlessly with the municipality's values. As Middlesex County continues to prioritize sustainability and quality of life, the partnership with Ontario Plants is a source of pride. The state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Glencoe incorporates the latest robotic growing techniques, advancements in biosecurity, and effective pest control methods. Notably, a 45 million-litre on-site water retention pond will capture, recycle, and reuse over 90% of rainwater from the greenhouse roofs, while a six-acre rooftop solar initiative is planned for the loading and office areas.

Warden Aina DeViet, along with the Mayor of Southwest Middlesex and both county and municipal staff and council members, were present to tour the facility and officially welcome Ontario Plants to the community. Warden DeViet stated, “This investment goes beyond the physical; it is an investment in our community, our families, and our shared future.”

Special thanks to Southwest Middlesex and OPPL for coordinating the tour through the facility during this Grand Opening. Many thanks to Amanda Gubbels (Southwest Middlesex), Collin Phillip (OPPL) and Shaina Scrimgeour (Gemstone Event Management Inc) for making this tour happen.

🌱 https://www.ontarioplants.com/

🌟 This week’s Featured Business is Canada Curling Stone, located in Komoka, Ontario, in the vibrant Municipality of Middlesex Centre! 🥌

Since 1992, Canada Curling Stone Co. has been at the forefront of curling stone manufacturing. From their innovative Trefor granite stones that bring a fresh spin to the game, to their lightweight 25lb LiteRock junior stones designed to introduce kids to curling, they have everything you need to elevate your game.

🥌 Why don’t curling stones ever get lost? Because they always follow the “line”!

🧹 Hurry hard and check them out! https://canadacurlingstone.on.ca/

� Ready to dive into a shiny new venture? � Don't miss out on this business opportunity!

This week's featured property for sale is located in Komoka in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre

https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/27309135/22663-komoka-road-middlesex-centre-komoka-komoka

Small Business Week is coming up... October 20-26, 2024! 👏🛍️

Join Community Futures Middlesex - The Business Help Centre and Meridian Credit Union for a cyber security workshop/webinar during Small Business Week!

Learn from expert Barry Heffernan (a retired London Police Officer) about the latest threats and how to protect your business from online fraud and cybercrime.

Register now and stay cyber savvy: 🔒
https://lnkd.in/gUGK-x7y

The Canadian and Ontario governments are investing up to $1.5 million in the Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) to support minority groups in the agri-food sector.

Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AWEDI offers grants up to $100,000 for Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, youth, women, and French-speaking communities.

AWEDI welcomes applications from various organizations, municipalities, and Indigenous communities.

📆 The application period runs from October 8 to December 3, 2024.

👉 Learn more here:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/agricultural-workforce-equity-and-diversity-initiative

Did You Know❓

There are 22 pumpkin farms in Middlesex County.

As we enter harvest (and pumpkin🎃) season, we wanted to highlight the importance of the farming industry on the regional economy.

You can find more quick facts about Middlesex County here:

👉 https://ow.ly/1Q5W50Tpua7

You can also explore all of our Agri-farms here:

👉 https://visitmiddlesex.ca/shop/farm-fork-more

📢 Attention small and medium-sized enterprises!

The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) loan program supports high-growth, innovative small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in rural and urban communities by offering loans of $150,000 to $500,000 to support all aspects of growth challenges facing them. Funded in part by FedDev Ontario, SOFII empowers innovation in southern Ontario.

Learn more here and see if you qualify:
https://www.sofii.ca/en/

Portions of this event are going to support the North Middlesex Trails 🌲system. Great job Nikos Restaurant 👏

GREEK NIGHT DINNER FUNDRAISER AT NIKO'S!

A Greek-themed dinner at Nikos Restaurant in Parkhill is planned to help raise funds for expansion of the trail system in North Middlesex.

WHAT: Greek Night Dinner Fundraiser
WHEN: Monday, October 21, 2024 (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Dinner is served between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Nikos Restaurant, 245 Main Street, Parkhill
WHY: To support the Parkhill-area trail enhancement project
WHO: Friends of North Middlesex Trails in partnership with the community
HOW: Buy your ticket now by phoning 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 (You may buy your ticket by cash or cheque or by credit card or e-transfer). Tickets are $50 each and $20 from each ticket sold supports the Parkhill trail enhancement project. (There is a charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, for $20 of the ticket purchase price).

The Greek Night fundraiser takes place on Monday, October 21, 2024. Seating is limited to 140 people and tickets must be purchased in advance. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The evening will include memorabilia from Greece such as photos, videos and Greek music. The meal will include a soup starter followed by an entrée of Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Salad, Roasted Potatoes, Rice, and Spanakopita. To top it off, the meal will be completed with a Greek dessert. (To substitute Pork Souvlaki for Chicken Souvlaki, please advise organizers when purchasing your ticket).
The cost per ticket is $50. Twenty dollars from each ticket sold goes to the Parkhill trail expansion project of Friends of North Middlesex Trails (FNMT). Ticket buyers receive a $20 charitable gift receipt, for income tax purposes, from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.

https://www.facebook.com/share/hNskkpnriVCXzo9v/



To learn more visit: https://www.abca.ca/events/

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
Nikos Restaurant Parkhill

🍪 This week's featured business is Hollandia Cookies located in Mount Brydges, Ontario in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc.

🍪 Hollandia Bakeries Limited has grown from a tiny corner bakery into a thriving large-scale production plant. Covering 35,000 square feet of space, the current plant houses two-band ovens, capable of producing 3500 pounds of cookies each hour and up to one and half million cookies each day!

🍪 It is not just the premises and equipment that has changed, the staff has grown in numbers and become more specialized. Currently, Hollandia employs 60 trained individuals that work as a team to ensure the dough is mixed according to the formulations; cookies are baked, checked, packed and shipped with care.

🍪 https://www.hollandiacookies.com/

This week's Featured Property for sale is in the heart of Glencoe, Ontario in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex.

This property features a 3,150 sq.ft. restaurant + patio with capacity for 120+ patrons inside. The property sits on the primary intersection of Main and Appin and offers ideal exposure to a steady stream of traffic.

https://ow.ly/gwyu50TtGpt