Businesses from across Chatham-Kent had a busy week thanks to four education sessions held by Economic Development. The sessions saw nearly 100 businesses attend to learn information on a variety of topics including the Digital Main Street Grant, top Canadian agricultural grants for the food and beverage industries, and workforce programs and funding.
“The response from local business has been fantastic and was beyond expectation,” said Andrew Tompsett, Marketing and Communications Officer for Chatham-Kent Economic Development. “The Digital Main Street event filled up and we had to offer a second session on the same day, which was also very well attended.”
“Also, because of demand we also held our fifth Supercharge Your Workforce event in Blenheim where we saw 17 people register and then had 23 attend. This just shows us that businesses are investing in their staff and growing,” added Tompsett.
The Canadian agricultural grants session featured a presentation from Mentor Works, a business support organization specializing in Canadian government funding. The session looked at a range of topics including agrimarketing, innovation, jobs and training, and several provincial and federal development funds.
“One thing that struck me is the variety of businesses that attended the events. At the agricultural session we had everything from a small, family-owned, business all the way to a corporate client with over 200 employees,” said Tompsett. “We have seen a clear pattern of businesses of all size looking to innovate and diversify their operations. It’s good news as it will set them up for positive growth and provides a solid footing should markets change.”
When asked about what is next for business events from Economic Development, Tompsett indicated that there are several business events coming up.
“We have heard time and time again that there is a need for businesses and entrepreneurs to network and make connections with each other. That is why, starting this Wednesday, we are launching our first League of Business networking series. The event will be at the Blenheim golf course starting at 5:30 p.m. and features our take on a business speed dating event which gives people a chance to chat with each other for five minutes at a time,” said Tompsett. ”There is also a pop culture trivia night in Wallaceburg coming up in August. The League of Business events are open to anyone, including people in business or those who just have an entrepreneurial spirit.
For more information on upcoming events and activities, visit www.investck.ca and subscribe to their enewsletter.
