Frontenac Business Services Celebrates 20 years at AGM

Sarah Hannon | Jun 26, 2024

Frontenac Business Services (FBS) has been integral to local economic development in Frontenac County for the last 20 years and that milestone was recognized last Wednesday on the beautiful grounds of RKY Camp in Parham. Joined by local businesses, board members and community ambassadors the Annual General Meeting (AGM) contained formalities but also celebrated success over the years.

FBS has facilitated small and large loads, as litte as $1500, and as much as $300,000. It has established an accessible and viable option for businesses of all sizes. Jobs have been not only created but also maintained throughout Frontenac County. In 2024, for example, South Frontenac businesses, received 49% of loans followed by those in North Frontenac at 20%, Central Frontenac at 17% and 14% to the Frontenac Islands.

Fifty-five different businesses in the county were also supported with non-loan services. The food and beverage sector in the region was the recipient of 32 % of loans last year, thanks in part to FBS commitment to its FAB (Food and Beverage) initiative.

Through their commitment to tourism as a key component of economic growth, FBS will be brining a selection of food and beverage events to the region later this year.

Their contribution to successful businesses in Frontenac was showcased in a booklet, “20 years, 20 stories”, that was released last week to commemorate the anniversary.

“Entrepreneurs such as the ones highlighted in this publication help to create the unique identity and vitality of our communities” said Ian Murdoch, Chair, Frontenac Business Services.

For a snap shot of the booklet, go to www.frontenacbusiness.ca/category/success-stories/

A panel discussion at the AGM, moderated by staff member Shaunis Sakell. featured panellists Ian Stutt of Patchwork Gardens and David Craig of Mobile Kitchens Canada. They discussed their beginnings and the evolution of their businesses over the years.

Ian Stutt explained that finding farming was an elimination process and that he was intrigued by the multidisciplinary angles of running a farm. Utilizing connections made with local restaurants while selling at local markets, Ian talked about how that shifting Patchworks Garden sales to bigger orders and a smaller number of customers, allowed them to focus on the consistency of production at their farm, which is located near Battersea.

David Craig worked as a caterer for over 20 years, before starting his company. Since then, he has built over 42 mobile kitchens, that are located all over North America, from his facility in Inverary. He said that his best advice was to invest back into your business and yourself, and talked about a huge risk his business took at one point that has resulted in big rewards over the past couple of years. Craig also discussed the particular challenges experienced by the food industry during the pandemic and how his business became heavily involved in ghost kitchens. They continue to be at the forefront of their industry.

The AGM took time to celebrate the commitment of past and present board members, all business people in Frontenac County, with a special mention for Anne Pritchard who has been with the organization since its inception, and is responsible for much of its success.

The recipients of the FBS 20th Anniversary Futures Grants were also announced.

The Frontenac Business Services 20th Anniversary – Futures Grant, was designed to support entrepreneurs and organizations who are dedicated to driving economic development. The one-time grant was initially set to disburse $20,000, but given the caliber of the requests, the grating envelope grew to $32,000.

The recipients are: Blue Moose Bread and Breakfast – Wolfe Island Tourist Kiosk Ice Cream Shop, Frontenac County – Physician Operational Efficiencies, Grains and Good Bakery – Business Expansion Project, Kick and Push Brewery – Learning and Art Hub, Myer Cave Resort – Oktoberfest event, Frontenac Folk Club – Music and Tasting series, and Sharbot Lake Farmers Market – revitalization project.

At the AGM, the FBS board announced that they had provided $1,778,062 in new loan funds during the 2023-24 fiscal year, supporting 22 businesses with loans, of which 4 were startups. Six of the loans were to businesses in North Frontenac, 1 in Central Frontenac, 12 in South Frontenac and 3 on Frontenac Islands.