Rural Ontario Institute

10/15/2026

We’re excited to take part in the Small Business Funding Forum in Marmora and Lake. We hope to see you there!

The Municipality has partnered with CFDC of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin for the very first Small Business Funding Forum in Marmora and Lake.

If you're a small business owner, this forum is for you! Join us on November 25 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Marmora and Lake Community Centre (28 Victoria Street, Marmora).

Connect directly with local, municipal, provincial and federal funding partners, and learn about what they have to offer your business. Discover how to access grants, programs and services tailored to rural Ontario.

We will have speakers from the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs, Rural Ontario Institute, Small Business Centre, Community Employment Services - Loyalist College, Nventure and more!

Between speakers, you can visit more than 15 booths featuring local organizations.

This event is FREE to attend, and includes breakfast.

Interested in joining us? Sign up via Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/yrs8bsak

Stirling-Rawdon
Municipality of Centre Hastings
Municipality of Tweed
Town of Bancroft

10/15/2026

The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards celebrate the people and places making a difference across rural Ontario.

Nominations are OPEN!

The awards recognize individuals, businesses, organizations and communities that are supporting local economic growth and creating a stronger, more prosperous rural Ontario.

The eight award categories are:
• Rural Inspiration
• Rural Community
• Rural Entrepreneur
• Rural Youth Leader
• Rural Economic Innovation
• Rural Partnerships
• Rural Champion
• Rural Heart

Nominate an individual, business, organization or community making a difference in rural Ontario, or nominate yourself.

Submit a nomination by: October 23, 2026
🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/page/rural-ontario-inspiration-awards

10/15/2026

🌱 The future of rural communities starts with their emerging leaders! Help us “Lift Up Through Learning” as 24 Change Makers embark on their leadership journey. Your support will provide the resources they need. Let’s reach our goal for books and supplies!

To take part in , please visit https://bit.ly/4hLDzvi.

10/15/2026

Applications are OPEN! Join an upcoming information session to learn what’s ahead for Class 22 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) and how you can get involved. To register, please visit https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/events

10/14/2026

🌟Introducing 2026 Rural Change Maker – Amy Rushlow!

Amy Rushlow is a lifelong resident of Quinte West, ON, and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and economic development in the Bay of Quinte region. After graduating from the Business Administration program at Loyalist College in 2024, Amy began her career with Trenval Business Development Corporation (Community Futures/SBEC), where she has worked for the past two years as an Entrepreneurship Officer. In her role, she leads provincial and federal grant programs, provides business advisory services, and creates learning opportunities and events that support the local business community.

Amy is currently completing the Certified Economic Developer program at the University of Waterloo and is on track to earn her designation (Ec.D.). She also leads the Quinte Young Professionals program, helping create opportunities for young professionals to connect and grow within the region.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys travelling, gardening, and all things fashion and beauty. Through the RCM program, she hopes to strengthen her leadership skills, prepare for future managerial opportunities, and build meaningful connections with new people in her community.

To learn more about the Change Maker Program, please visit https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/changemakers

10/13/2026

🌟Introducing 2026 Rural Change Maker – Andrew Grose!

Andrew was born and raised in a close-knit family of 6 on his family’s home farm near Alma Ontario; where he now lives in his own tiny house. He studied computer engineering at Fleming College and business at St. Lawrence College. He works at Husky Farm Equipment Ltd in sales and administrative support; as part of the third generation at the family business with his brother.

He is passionate about photography, working with computers, gaming, and building Lego. He has traveled around the world, including places in Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, in addition to as an exchange student to Taiwan and Nunavut.

Andrew is a brain tumor survivor and is working to get back to doing what he loves in the local community. After surgery in 2025 he is building back up to be a community volunteer with the Alma Optimist Club, Wellington County Farm Safety Association, and Silver Lake United Church Camp. He is also a 4-H Alumni having completed 100 clubs while in the program.

To learn more about the Change Maker Program, please visit https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/changemakers

10/13/2026

Help us "Lift Up Through Learning" the emerging leaders of change in our rural communities! 24 Rural Change Makers have begun their leadership journey on a shared mission to give back to their communities. Help us reach our goal for learning resources, including curriculum books, supplies and materials for the 2026 Rural Change Makers.

To take part in , please visit https://bit.ly/4hLDzvi.

10/12/2026

🍂 This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the land that nourishes us, the farmers who bring food to our tables, and the family, friends and communities who make this season meaningful. Wishing everyone a warm and happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍎

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day. Mental health is a universal human right and everyone deserves access to quality care. See how ConnexOntario data is highlighting mental health and substance use support needs across urban and rural Ontario in our mental health factsheet➡️https://bit.ly/4idZkmw
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Consultez notre fiche d'information sur la santé mentale pour découvrir comment les données de ConnexOntario mettent en lumière les besoins en matière de soutien à la santé mentale et de lutte contre la toxicomanie dans les collectivités de l'Ontario. ➡️https://bit.ly/44iDGIF