In This Issue:

• OEMC 2025, September 17 to 19
• Intro to Bootstrapping and Financing Strategies Workshop, March 18
• AEDP CoP: Buy Canadian-How Municipalities Can Support Ontario’s Ag and Food Sector, April 10
• Landing-Pad Accelerator Program Funding Opportunity
• Ontario East Welcomes Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas

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

The 2025 Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) will be in person from Wednesday, September 17 to Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

OEMC is the most popular, and longest running, annual regional municipal conference held in eastern Ontario.

Each year our speakers, delegates and exhibitors comprise a diverse group of elected officials, economic development professionals, entrepreneurs, municipal service providers, private sector business leaders and provincial and federal government  partners involved in community economic development.

In attendance will be CAOs, Wardens, Mayors, Business Development Professionals, Clerks, CEOs, Community Outreach Professionals, Councillors, EDOs, Planners, and more.

CALL FOR SPEAKERS - CLOSED

Thank you to everyone who submitted a topic for this year’s OEMC concurrent sessions.

Once again, we have had an overwhelming response from a diverse group of expert presenters. 
In the coming weeks, the selection committee will be reviewing the submissions, and our conference planner will be notifying all who submitted proposals with the results. 

 
Stay tuned! 

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!

RESERVE YOUR ROOM FOR OEMC - ROOM BLOCK OPEN

The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre is less than 10 minutes from Parliament and national museums, and only minutes from the highway, train station and airport access.

One connected location! The accommodations are connected directly to the meeting space. You can walk directly from the conference floor to your room! 

OEMC is pleased to provide a special group rate for OEMC delegates at the Courtyard Ottawa East by Marriott for $209-$239.00 per night — the same great rate as last year! 

Special room rates are only available until August 16, 2025 (subject to room availability). 
Limited rooms available – please book as soon as possible to secure your room!

Intro to Bootstrapping and Financing Strategies Workshop

11:00am to 12:00pm, Tuesday, March 18th

Webinar

Are you a tech entrepreneur or small business owner working to fund your venture without relying on external investment?

Join deep-tech investment expert, Moien Giashi, for an introduction to creating sustainable business growth within your current financial landscape.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Intro to bootstrapping strategies to grow your business without external funding

✅ Overview of budgeting and cash flow management for financial stability

✅ Breaking down smart investment strategies for long-term success

AEDP CoP: Buy Canadian -

How Municipalities Can Support Ontario’s Ag and Food Sector

10:00am to 11:30am, Thursday, April 10th

Webinar

In this webinar, together we’ll discover how municipalities and organizations can boost Ontario’s farm and food businesses amidst the rising “Buy Canadian” movement.

We’ll share initiatives and strategies to foster sustainable growth in the agriculture and food sector.

Ontario East News

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

Landing-Pad Accelerator Program Funding Opportunity

Calling all women and newcomer founders across eastern Ontario!

Could $10,000 take your business to the next level?

Spark Centre, in partnership with Launch Lab and PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise, and funded by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, the Landing-Pad Accelerator Program is offering $10,000 grants — but only for eligible founders in the EN3 sectors (Energy, Environment and Engineering).

Welcome to New Member

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas
 

Ontario East is pleased to welcome Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas as a member!  

The Innovation Cluster is part of an influential and well-connected entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Peterborough region supporting developing ideas into successful businesses.

Included in their suite of services is the LevelUp Accelerator Program.