Celebrating Small Business Week in
Clarence-Rockland
This Small Business Week, we're serving you a slice of the stories, opportunities, and resources that help local businesses thrive. Whether you're launching something new, growing your team, improving your space, or planning what's next, this edition of The Slice includes updates, resources, and ways to celebrate the businesses that make Clarence-Rockland feel like home.
What’s Happening in Economic
Development and Tourism
Celebrating Local: We Want to Hear from You!
Our Economic Development and Tourism team is focused on listening to local business needs, making resources easier to access, and sharing more of the stories behind our business community. Through ongoing outreach, business retention and expansion conversations, website improvements, and upcoming initiatives, we are working to better understand what businesses need to stay visible, connected, and supported.
Make sure your information is up to date in the Clarence-Rockland Business Directory. A complete and accurate listing helps residents, visitors, partners, and other businesses discover what is available locally.
Update or add your business here
Nominations Open for the 2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards
The Ministry of Rural Affairs is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards. These awards recognize the people, communities, businesses, and organizations making a positive impact and helping rural Ontario thrive.
Awards will be presented in eight categories, including Rural Community, Rural Entrepreneur, Rural Economic Innovation, and Rural Youth Leader. Organizations are encouraged to nominate young leaders who are making meaningful contributions in their communities and helping shape the future of rural Ontario.
Nominations close October 23, 2026.
Christmas Parade of Lights: Float Registration Now Open
Looking ahead to the holiday season, local businesses are invited to take part in the annual Christmas Parade of Lights on November 29 by registering a decorated float. The parade is a great opportunity to showcase your business, connect with the community, and be part of a cherished local tradition that brings the community together. Businesses interested in participating can register online and view parade details and guidelines on the City's event page. Don't miss your chance to help light up Clarence-Rockland this holiday season.
City of Clarence-Rockland News
Updated business licensing information is now available.
If you are starting a business, moving into a new location, changing the use of your property, or planning renovations, the City’s updated business licensing guide is a helpful place to begin. The guide explains that starting a business in Clarence-Rockland may require approval from one or more municipal departments, even when a business licence is not required. It also encourages business owners to reach out before signing a lease, purchasing a property, or beginning work so that zoning, building, fire, health, sign permit, and other approval requirements can be reviewed early.
Grow with confidence - Explore funding
Looking for support to train staff, improve your operations, grow into new markets, or plan for the future? Here are a few places to start.
Ontario Job Grant | ontario.ca: The Ontario Job Grant (OJG) provides funding to help businesses train their employees and update their skills.
Digital Transformation Grant 4.0 - Digital Main Street: The Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) program is designed to assist small businesses with adoption of technologies.
Core startup program – Futurpreneur: We offer young entrepreneurs up to $75,000 in startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship.
Start learning - Fuel your business growth
This year’s Small Business Week conversations are focused on helping entrepreneurs adapt, work smarter, and move forward with confidence. Consider setting aside time to explore one learning topic that could make a practical difference in your business this season.
BDC Webinar: Finding growth in a faster world: Join our expert panel to understand how to build up your resilience, navigate a changing trade environment and uncover new growth avenues for your company.
BDC Webinar: Smart AI investments that pay off: Join our panel of BDC experts to learn how to make smart AI investments that deliver real results.
BDC Webinar: Using acquisitions to accelerate growth: Join our expert panel for a conversation with an entrepreneur who’s gone through the process of making an acquisition.
More BDC Events: Over 100 events available to explore.
Succession Ontario: Whether you’re planning to sell, transfer, or wind down your business, the Succession Ontario Planning Hub provides the knowledge, resources and support network you need to take the next step with confidence.
Business success story
Rockland Athletic Zone
The RAZ brings movement, confidence, and connection to Rockland. The RAZ, Rockland Athletic Zone, is a new local space on Chamberland Street offering taekwondo, gymnastics, open gym drop-ins, and movement-based programs for children, youth, and families. By creating more opportunities to stay active and try something new close to home, The RAZ is helping strengthen community life in Clarence-Rockland.
Location: 2836 Chamberland St, Rockland
Stay connected and grow with us
Choose Clarence-Rockland
Our economic development and tourism website offers the opportunity to explore everything from business resources to tourism highlights. When you visit the website you will find valuable information, resources, and tools to better support businesses, investors, and developers.
The Slice
The Slice is your bi-monthly newsletter specifically designed for our city’s business community. This newsletter will offer valuable insights, timely updates, and essential resources to keep you informed and connected. Helps us reach a wider audience by sharing our newsletter with your business community network!
From investment to expansion to tourism development, our team is here to support your goals.
ecodev@clarence-rockland.com
613-446-6022 ext. 2113