Almaguin Economic Development

10/30/2026

Today, ACED was pleased to attend the announcement recognizing the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation for upgrades at the SJJ Arena!

It was great to join our municipal partners from Sundridge, Strong and Joly, alongside MPP Graydon Smith, to celebrate this investment in an important community facility.

These upgrades help ensure the SJJ Arena continues to serve as a gathering place for recreation, sports and community connection for years to come.

Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, our municipal partners and MPP Graydon Smith for being part of this important investment in our community!

10/29/2026

CALLING ALL BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS!

ALMAGUIN BUILDING CONNECTIONS- Building Made Simple

The Township of McMurrich/Monteith is looking for industry professionals to participate in an exciting NEW event!

We are planning Almaguin Building Connections – Building Made Simple, a FREE educational and networking event taking place in February 2027 at the Sprucedale Community Centre!

Our goal is to bring together contractors, builders, homeowners and industry experts to help make the building process easier to understand, answer questions about permits and inspections, and connect our community with knowledgeable professionals.

WE ARE SEEKING ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIALTIES:

Concrete Contractor
Construction Supplier
Electrical Contractor
Excavation Contractor
Floor Joist Specialist
HVAC Contractor
Insulation Contractor
Plumber
Septic Installer
Truss Designer
Well Driller
WETT Inspectors

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Showcase your business and expertise
Connect with potential customers and fellow professionals
Participate in our Ask the Experts Q&A Panel
Help educate homeowners and contractors
Build valuable connections throughout the Almaguin Highlands
FREE participation and exhibitor space!

Whether you're helping someone build their dream home or guiding contractors through construction requirements, we want to hear from you!

Location: Sprucedale Community Centre
When: February 2027 – Date to be confirmed
Cost: FREE for participants and attendees!

INTERESTED IN REPRESENTING YOUR SPECIALTY?

Contact:
Lisa Firby
Communications & Recreation Coordinator
705-685-7901 ext. 111
[email protected]

Only ONE representative per specialty will be selected, so don't wait to express your interest!

Let's work together to make building in the Almaguin Highlands easier to understand, one connection at a time!

BUILDING CONNECTIONS. SHARING KNOWLEDGE. BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY.

10/29/2026

📣 Calling All Local Businesses!

ACED encourages local businesses to take part in the upcoming Explorers’ Edge Community Session on November 4 at the KCC!

This is a great opportunity to hear about current regional initiatives, share your ideas, and help shape priorities for our region moving into 2027.

Your voice matters! These sessions bring together businesses, tourism operators, community partners, and other stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our communities.

📍 Location: Katrine Community Centre, 6 Browns Dr. Katrine
📅 Date: November 4, 2026 1:30pm-2:30pm

Learn more about the Community Sessions and find event details here:
👉 https://explorersedge.ca/events/community-sessions-2026/

We encourage our local business community to get involved, share their perspectives, and be part of the conversation shaping our region’s future!

Bringing our community together to connect, share perspectives and explore opportunities for our region. We look forward to connecting with our regional partners, hearing your perspectives and continuing to work together to support a thriving visitor economy across our region.

10/28/2026

TBC Recommended Webinar:

StrikeUP Connects: Global Entrepreneurship Scaling and Trade

Wednesday, November 4 from 1pm-2pm via Zoom

Many entrepreneurs dream of growing beyond their local market — but what does it actually take to scale nationally or internationally?

Join StrikeUP Canada and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) for a conversation exploring the opportunities, challenges and emerging trends shaping global entrepreneurship. Whether you're beginning to think about expansion or preparing for your next stage of growth, this session will provide valuable insights to help you think strategically about scaling your business.

This free virtual webinar will feature Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder of the Diversity Institute and Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, who will share research-backed insights on women entrepreneurs, global growth and trade.

What You'll Learn
- The opportunities and challenges of expanding into new markets
- Emerging trends shaping global entrepreneurship and trade
- Research and insights on women entrepreneurs scaling their businesses
- Practical considerations for entrepreneurs preparing for growth
- Resources available to support business expansion

Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for:
- Women entrepreneurs considering expansion into new markets
- Established business owners preparing for growth
- Business support organizations
- Economic development professionals
- Researchers and ecosystem partners interested in women entrepreneurship

Register today at: https://luma.com/strikeupconnects-wekh

10/27/2026

Exploring Perry!

Our team spent the day in the Township of Perry, visiting some familiar faces and checking out what’s new around the community!

We stopped by Bizzy B'zz Bookbin, checked out the new location for RW Automotive , and caught up with our friends at the Perry Township Public Library. 📖

There’s lots of new and exciting recreational programming happening in Perry, so be sure to check it out and see what’s coming up!

Always a great day getting out into our communities, connecting with local businesses and municipal partners, and discovering all the great things happening across Almaguin!

10/27/2026

Ladies, Let’s Talk Money!

What you don’t know about money could matter more than you think!

Join us for a FREE Ladies Night Out Workshop: Building Financial Confidence!

Whether you're looking to better understand your finances, plan for the future, or simply feel more confident making financial decisions, this workshop is for you!

Come enjoy an evening of learning, great conversation, and connecting with other women in a welcoming and relaxed environment.

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Time: 6:30–7:00 PM – Snacks & Social
7:00–9:00 PM – Workshop

Location: Katrine Community Centre
6 Browns Drive, Katrine

Cost: FREE!

Registration is required!
Email: [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Grab a friend, enjoy a night out, and invest a little time in yourself and your financial future!

Better Choices. Brighter Futures.

10/26/2026

If you are an established (2 years or more) women owned business looking to grow, scale-up, or expand, BizGrowth by PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise may be for you.

Businesses may have difficulty moving their business to the next level and this program is designed to help businesses increase and capitalize on market opportunities to grow and expand. The purpose is to assist businesses to expand into new markets.

They can cover 50-90% from $2,500 to $5,000 in assistance towards approved costs in the following categories:
- Attend trade missions, conferences and trade shows
- Purchase equipment, training on how to use newly acquired equipment, and certification costs
- Utilization of Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Only businesses located in Ontario are eligible for this program.

For more information, visit: https://paro.ca/bizgrowth/

10/22/2026

📣 **Almaguin Business Community — You’re Invited!**

Join the Almaguin Highlands Chamber of Commerce for their **2026 Annual General Meeting** on Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 PM at the Burk’s Falls Legion.

🎤 **Special Presentation:** Karen Jones will present ACED’s Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan and share what’s ahead for Almaguin.

📅 November 19, 2026 | 6:30 PM
📍 Burk’s Falls Legion
🎟️ Free for Chamber members | $10 for non-members
🍽️ Food included | Cash bar available

ACED is proud to sponsor this event and support opportunities for our regional business community to connect and collaborate.

👉 **RSVP:** https://almaguinchamber.com/events/e7777f51-23fe-408d-8b0b-ce6020197112?fbclid=IwY2xjawVHWmVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR76uiwVvbp_RiqrnGMXpxCupC1Rjk_YWHA3vTgzL5AkZn-Jv1TH2pUB4WRh-g_aem_870QDEhN55RJHRWhqw0vAg

Let’s keep building a stronger Almaguin, together! 🌲

🎉 ALMAGUIN BUSINESS COMMUNITY — YOU'RE INVITED!

The Almaguin Highlands Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite you to our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)!

This is more than just a meeting. It's an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our progress, share ideas, and help shape the future of our Chamber and the business community we serve!

📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Burk's Falls Legion Branch

🎟️ FREE for Chamber Members
🎟️ $10 for Non-Members
🍽️ Food Included | Cash Bar Available

🎤 SPECIAL PRESENTATION!

We're pleased to welcome Karen Jones, who will present the ACED Strategic Plan, sharing insights into the future direction and development of our Almaguin Highlands region!

Whether you're a longtime member, a new member, or a local business owner interested in getting connected, we'd love to see you there!

We believe that when our businesses connect, our communities grow stronger!

✅ RSVP TODAY!
👉 https://almaguinchamber.com/events/e7777f51-23fe-408d-8b0b-ce6020197112

A special thank you to ACED - Almaguin Economic Development for sponsoring this event!

Let's continue building a STRONGER ALMAGUIN — TOGETHER! 🌲

10/22/2026

⚠️Deadline is October 31st! ⚠️

The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle has funding that may be available to your business - apply to win $10,000 or $5,000.

For more information, visit their website at: https://parrysoundareafounderscircle.com/

10/20/2026

🤝 Let’s support a great community initiative in Almaguin! 🍽️

The McMurrich/Monteith Recreation Committee is seeking community support for *At the Table: Sharing Food, Building Connections* a proposed initiative offering free monthly community suppers, guest speakers, and learning opportunities for middle-aged adults.

Through The Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative, this project has the opportunity to secure funding to bring people together, build connections, and strengthen our community.

Here’s how you can help:
✅ Visit the project page and leave a supportive comment.
✅ Share a story or photo showing what this initiative could mean to our community.
✅ Share the link with friends, neighbours, and your social networks.

📅 Show your support by October 30!

🔗 Support the project here: https://leaf.thecommonwell.ca/.../at-the-table-sharing.../

Let’s come together to help bring a year of food, learning, and connection to McMurrich/Monteith and the surrounding Almaguin Highlands!

Help us bring At the Table: Sharing Food, Building Connections to our community!

The McMurrich/Monteith Recreation Committee has applied for a grant through The Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative to provide free monthly community suppers with guest speakers and learning opportunities for middle-aged adults.

We need your help to secure this highly competitive grant! A total of $400,000 will be awarded across successful projects, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Our project is now live and eligible for consideration, and community support will help strengthen our application.

Please show your support by October 30!

Visit our project page to leave a supportive comment, share a story or upload an image showing what this project could mean to our community. Share the page with friends, neighbours and on social media to help spread the word.

https://leaf.thecommonwell.ca/projects/at-the-table-sharing-food-building-connections/

Together, we can help bring a year of food, learning and connection to McMurrich/Monteith and the surrounding Almaguin Highlands. Thank you for your support!