Establishing, expanding or relocating a business might be all new to you, but Smiths Falls has an extensive network of business support services which have collectively assisted entrepreneurs in meeting their goals. This welcoming town, about an hour from Ottawa and Kingston, is the ideal place to leverage the skills of experienced professionals who are ready to help your business prosper.
A full suite of services under one roof
The Town’s Economic Development and Tourism office works closely with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association, the Small Business Advisory Centre, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation and ontrac Employment Resource Services. “Core business support organizations are all located in the municipal Welcome Centre, so in-person access to all the resources couldn’t be easier,” says Julia Crowder, manager of economic development and tourism for the Town of Smiths Falls.
Small town a big innovation hub
Lanark County is thriving and Smiths Falls serves as the region’s booming and resilient hub – in fact, it’s been a magnet for new development and investment over the last five years.
The Town constantly adapts services and supports to keep pace with changes in business sectors. It welcomed Canopy Growth and supported its evolution into the world’s largest cannabis firm; now the manufacturing space they created is primed for the return of Hershey Canada.
Elite European company Le Boat established their North American headquarters because of the area’s extensive tourism offerings, and many new entrepreneurs from all over Ontario and Canada have set up shop here.
Smiths Falls makes it affordable to own and operate a business. As well, the Town recently invested over $50 million in infrastructure plus it has implemented economic and community development strategies to build and grow the community’s sought-after lifestyle. With a good stock of available commercial and industrial space, at affordable prices, you can open your business here for less, then tap into Community Improvement Grants to help with the cost of renovating and beautifying your space.
Personal connections make a difference
“It’s not a one-time interaction with the Town or our partner organizations; we are all in it for the long haul and the personal connections we make and keep with business owners is most important,” notes Crowder. “Our level of service and support is built on simple things like being responsive and accessible no matter what stage your business is in. Ours is a welcoming and collaborative town. The business community wants their fellow entrepreneurs to succeed. We are proud to play a role in helping new and existing businesses succeed.”
The Smiths Falls Economic Development and Tourism Department and local business organizations are eager to help. “Come to us with your dreams and we’ll help guide you through to opening day and beyond,” confirms Crowder.
For more information, please visit www.SmithsFalls.ca/doingbusiness or contact Julia Crowder at jcrowder@smithsfalls.ca.
Fast facts:
- Smiths Falls has experienced a 5.4 per cent population increase since 2016
- Its appealing lifestyle draws new families and young creative professional
- Over 70 new businesses have opened in Smiths Falls since 2019
- For over 30 years the Town’s Small Business Advisory Centre has helped entrepreneurs access funding, guidance and mentorship
