In This Issue:

• OEMC 2025, September 17th to 19th
• EDCO’s 2025 Eastern Region Professional Development Event—hosted in partnership by the Township of Rideau Lakes. 

• Ontario East Revives YouTube Channel

• Landing-Pad Accelerator Program Accepting Submissions

Ontario East Events

Visit the Ontario East Events Calendar and stay up-to-date on what's happening

in Eastern Ontario. If you have any events that you would like us to share,

please forward to info@ontarioeast.ca.

Ontario East Municipal Conference 2025

Wednesday, September 17 to Friday, September 19, 2025

at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre

REGISTRATION OPEN

Join Ontario’s leading economic development event to connect with decision-makers, gain expert insights, and drive regional growth. OEMC is your opportunity to shape the future of Eastern Ontario’s economy.

The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre (OCEC) is less than 10 minutes from Parliament and national museums, minutes from highway, train station and airport access. This excellent location provides easy access to Highway 417 for our delegates driving in.

Upcoming Highlights:

Wednesday Morning Panel

Dealing with Change – Supporting Manufacturing & Jobs in a New Trade World

Jayson Myers, Chief Executive Officer, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Trevin Stratton, Americas Economics Leader, Partner, Deloitte

Sara Wilshaw, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada

Keynote Speaker

Jessica Holmes, Celebrated Comedian, Author, Mental Health Advocate

Doug Ellis Ontario East EDO of the Year Award Ceremony

Featuring remarks from Steve Clark, MPP Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, and Dave Paul, HLM, Ontario East Economic Development Commission.

Banquet Entertainment

The Chesterfields will be returning to perform at this year’s Thursday night banquet! They joined us a few years ago, and we can’t wait to welcome them back for another unforgettable night of music, dancing, and fun! 

OEMC: Flash your Badge Program and Transportation Updates

After the Opening Reception on Wednesday, September 17^th evening, OEMC delegates are invited to enjoy a free evening to discover Ottawa! OEMC has partnered with Ottawa Tourism and Coventry Connections to make exploring the city easy!

SPONSOR AND EXHIBIT AT OEMC

Support OEMC and take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with

Ontario East Members and OEMC attendees.

OEMC presents an incredible opportunity for extended networking with attendees! The meal room is directly across from the exhibit hall with all the food stations and buffets located right in the exhibit hall. This setup enhances the ease of mingling and maximizes your opportunities for meaningful connections!

Meet with CAOs, Wardens, Mayors, Business Development Professionals, Clerks, CEOs, Community Outreach Professionals, Councillors, EDOs, Planners, and more. 

Please contact Megan Howes at oemc@ontarioeast.ca if you are interested in purchasing a sponsorship and/or exhibit booth.

Limited space available - don't miss this opportunity to support and participate in this eastern Ontario event that has key decision makers in attendance!

If you haven't done so already, check out the OEMC website's fresh new look! 

Economic Developers Council of Ontario is hosting their Eastern Ontario professional development event in Rideau Lakes on October 2!

EDCO’s 2025 Eastern Region Professional Development Event—hosted in partnership by the Township of Rideau Lakes.

The day is jam packed with sessions on border effect and Rail Trails, along with panels on workforce strategy, agri-food innovation and much more. This event offers insights and takeaways for economic development professionals across the region.

Ontario East News

If you have any news that you would like us to share, please forward to info@ontarioeast.ca.

Ontario East Revives YouTube Channel!

If you haven't seen the latest Ontario East promotional video, please check it out here: Ontario East - YouTube

You can also review our video archive from 2014, while a lot has changed, the many investment attraction advantages for Ontario East remain the same!

We will post new videos to the channel as they are developed, please share this link or embed on your websites as you see fit.

Thank you to members who provided footage for this video and to 1dea for putting it together!

Are you a newcomer to Canada or a female founder ready to scale your business in eastern Ontario?

The Landing-Pad Accelerator Program might be the launchpad you’ve been waiting for.

🔹 What’s Included:

• A dedicated advisory team (Entrepreneurs in Residence) guiding your growth journey
• A custom action plan built around your company’s specific acceleration needs
• Masterclasses and workshops on customer acquisition, hiring strategies, and capital management
• Access to the Eastern Ontario Innovation Corridor and curated networking opportunities
• Leadership coaching for founders and leadership teams
• Exclusive perks through Spark Centre and Launch Lab
• IP strategy support and access to funding for protection and growth
• A $10,000 accelerator grant + $10,000 co-investment to help fuel your next steps
• Non-collateral loans of up to $10,000 from Rise Helps
• Up to $50,000 in funding for female founders from PARO
• Membership to PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise for women-led companies

🔹 Eligibility:

• Female-led ventures or newcomers to Canada (PR within the last 5 years)
• Innovating in the EN3 sector
• Entrepreneurs with demonstrated traction and coachability
• Businesses with fewer than 500 employees
• Located in or planning to grow in eastern Ontario

Don’t miss your chance to connect, grow, and thrive in a supportive community built for ambitious founders.

Find out if you qualify here

This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), in partnership with Spark Centre, Launch Lab and PARO Centre For Women's Enterprise Canada.