Super User
Mommy Mops
Mommy Mops
Mommy Mops has rolled with the pandemic punches, persevered, and successfully expanded with two new branches within the last two years.
Founded by Stephanie Rayton in 2018, Mommy Mops started out as a membership-based home cleaning service with clients paying a flat rate for cleaning on a consistent basis.
Mommy Mops offers judgement-free service and is reducing employment barriers in the community by hiring people who may not be able to work during a traditional timeframe, especially moms!
The company is on a mission to help people embrace the concept of home cleaning differently, offering personalized home management teams to help you maintain your beautiful spaces. Rayton is building a culture of empowerment, wanting more women to feel comfortable in their homes, in their skin and in their communities.
Challenges & Successes
Once the pandemic hit, Mommy Mops was faced with many COVID related challenges. Many moms were unable to work while schools were closed and restrictions were put in place on the types of homes they could clean that fit a certain criteria.
In a direct response to COVID challenges, Rayton launched Major Mops and started cleaning businesses and public spaces. She also entered the vacation cleaning property market and launched Suite Services in 2021.
Mommy Mops has since incorporated into Mopsinc Ltd with three divisions.
“The resilience that we have developed in the past few years of business will be something that can carry us forward for years to come,” says Rayton. “We have had to face COVID related closures which resulted in financial stress, staffing shortages, and the fear in the unknown. Projections were put on hold, and we looked at business operations from a day-to-day perspective.”
Community Impact
Rayton is happy to announce that Mopsinc Ltd is a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
“When I wrote our first business plan, one of the objectives was to be able to pay our team a living wage,” she says. “We worked hard to reach this goal and are pleased to be able to offer a starting wage of $18 an hour.”
Rayton also made the decision to reinvest in the business this year by hiring on a leadership team.
“With the staffing challenges that are present, we believe that supporting team members is crucial. We have a vibrant office space, wonderful team, and a desire to share our passion which is cleaning,” she says. “We have full time, part time, and seasonal opportunities within our company.”
The Bay of Quinte (BOQ) is a strong community and Rayton says she feels lucky to call this area home.
“We are surrounded by people who support our vision and connect us to opportunities and resources to support our growth goals. I am inspired by many individuals in this region and look forward to giving back,” she says.
The BOQ region is also a destination location and Mopsinc Ltd takes pride in being a part of that experience. Rayton says she looks forward to working with resorts and property owners to create clean and sanitized spaces for their guests and will continue down this path with interest in hotel housekeeping opportunities.
Trenval experience
When Rayton first arrived at Trenval she had a good business model but says she identified as an ostrich when it came to her finances.
“I was connected with Eileen, a loans officer who set windows of time aside for me to ask the questions and worked with me to piece everything together,” says Rayton. “Her support and patience allowed me a space to gain confidence.”
Rayton says she felt ready when meeting with the Trenval investment committee for the first time. She knew her numbers, the committee supported her vision, and she was able to answer any questions they had.
“The comfort I felt at that meeting was a direct reflection of the kindness and encouragement shown to me by the committee. The questions were tough but relevant. I am proud to be a client of Trenval and would encourage anyone who knows it’s time to grow to call and book an appointment,” she says.
Working with Trenval, Rayton says she was happy to be treated as the person behind the business.
“I felt supported and that there was a group of people who were willing to give us a chance,” says Rayton. “They were not just investing in an idea, but in me as a business owner. The staff are always excited to hear how we are doing. I call all the time to ask questions about a new direction of business we are going in and I am provided information and connections to the resources needed to get me to the next level.”
For more information, visit mommymops.com.
About Trenval
Trenval Business Development Corporation is Bay of Quinte’s Community Futures Business Specialist, financing business start-ups, expansions or successions in the Quinte region for 34 years.
Do you have a business plan that you would like to bring to fruition? Contact Trenval at 613-961-7999.
Dahlia May Flower Farm Success Story
Dahlia May Flower Farm has continued to bloom and evolve over the past seven years thanks to the vision and hard work of owner Melanie Harrington, who continues to make her dreams a reality.
Rain or shine, Harrington has persevered since she launched her business in 2014, combining 10 years of experience in floral design, a background and education in horticulture and her childhood experience of being raised on a farm.
“I hoped to carve out a niche in growing flowers right here in the Bay of Quinte and partnering with other growers to offer only Ontario grown flowers through my business,” says Harrington, who sustainably grows specialty cut flowers and offers beautiful and seasonal floral design services for all occasions.
Challenges & Successes
“What challenges haven’t we faced may be an easier question to answer,” says Harrington, who has faced countless weather-related challenges, a lack of infrastructure to grow and zoning issues.
A lack of access to capital as a small business and niche farm meant years of struggling with cash flow, Harrington recalls.
“Our lack of infrastructure limited our growth and work-life balance was impossible as we ran a busy farm out of our own home,” she says. “We spent seven years washing buckets at our kitchen sink, splitting dahlia tubers in our farmhouse basement and using the dining room table as an office.”
As a business steeped in agrotourism, when the pandemic hit in spring 2020 Harrington had to make a sharp pivot. She moved her offerings online and started a delivery service when customers were no longer able to connect with the farm in person.
Through her hard work and perseverance, Harrington’s dreams of expansion are finally becoming reality as Dahlia May Flower Farm is in the process of building a new facility, thanks to the federal government’s Community Futures Program initiative and Trenval.
“Trenval, in partnership with BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada), offered us the opportunity to break ground on a building that will house and grow our business for the foreseeable future,” says Harrington. “We anticipate that this new building will increase our profitability by streamlining systems, while allowing us to create new jobs as we expand several of our product lines.”
Over the last seven years, Dahlia May Flower Farm has become an economic driver for agrotourism. Visitors come to the Bay of Quinte region throughout the year to visit the flower farm and Harrington has amassed an incredible social media following of more than 90,000 followers on Instagram.
“We’ve created consumer demand for locally grown and Ontario Grown flowers, driving the expansion of our farm and our offerings,” says Harrington.
Once the new production facility is up and running, Harrington plans to build a new retail store at the farm and hopes to expand her online shipping services outside of Canada to include the United States in coming years.
Community
Being located in the heart of Bay of Quinte allows the opportunity to develop community in a way that would be lost in a larger city centre, says Harrington.
“Our customers have become our friends and their support is what sees us through the difficult times,” she says. “Our community has gotten to know us in a way that’s possible only in small towns. They are always cheering for us and are always here to help us win.”
Dahlia May Flower farm now provides 20 jobs in the Quinte area as they lead the way in agrotourism.
“We love being able to grow and offer something special right here in our own small town,” says Harrington.
For more information on Dahlia May Flower Farm, visit dahliamayflowerfarm.com, call 613-403-5055, visit the farm stand at 1226 Stockdale Rd. Trenton and follow Dahlia May Flower Farm on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Trenval experience
“The entire Trenval team has been wonderful to work with. Because they are all members of this community, they know our business and our work, and it feels like they are all invested in helping us succeed. The Trenval team has been an incredible resource as we work to grow our business. Having access to the Trenval team’s knowledge and resources as we work through our business growth has been a strong asset for our farm,” says Harrington.
About Trenval
Trenval Business Development Corporation is Bay of Quinte’s Community Futures Business Specialist, financing business start-ups, expansions or successions in the Quinte region for 34 years. Trenval provides small business support by offering various small business loans to entrepreneurs to start, grow and thrive their business in our local communities.
Do you have a business plan that you would like to bring to fruition? Contact Trenval at 613-961-7999.
SOFII SUPPORTS RURAL CLEANTECH COMPANY, FIREREIN INC.
SOUTHERN ONTARIO FUND FOR INVESTMENT IN INNOVATION (SOFII) SUPPORTS RURAL CLEANTECH COMPANY, FIREREIN INC.
NAPANEE, ONTARIO – March 25, 2022 - Rural cleantech company, FireRein Inc. successfully completes UL (Underwriters Laboratories) firefighting efficacy testing of Eco-Gel and continues its efforts to bring Eco-Gel to large markets across North America with support from the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII).
The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) is supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and is being delivered by Community Futures Eastern Ontario. SOFII provides interest-bearing business loans to support innovation and growth in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
“Small- and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in the economies of rural communities across southern Ontario and the Government of Canada is proud to support local Canadian businesses to create secure jobs and drive resilient economic growth in rural economies,” says the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
FireRein Inc. provides sustainable, bio-based water enhancing technologies for fire prevention and suppression. With the $500,000 loan provided from SOFII, FireRein’s product became the world's only certified 100% bio-based water additive for firefighting and fire prevention as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has officially recognized and verified the effectiveness of FireRein's Eco-Gel™ for the suppression of Class A and Class B fires.
"This is a significant milestone for FireRein as we now have UL recognition for performance. EcoGel™ is certified 100% bio-based by UL Environment and the USDA Bio Preferred program, making Eco-Gel™ the safest product available to the Fire Service and Industry," says Quincy Emmons, President and Co-Founder of FireRein.
"As one of the biggest accomplishments for FireRein, completion of the product testing with UL opens up sales channels into many key market segments, which will surge company growth," adds Zackery Hodgen, Vice-President, and Co-Founder.
Eco-Gel is currently sold to fire departments through fire product distributors in Western Canada, Ontario and Northern United States. FireRein also manages several commercial and fire departments directly. Regardless of where the order comes from, FireRein ships directly to clients to ensure quality assurance with the product and to provide training on proper use of the gel. This expansion has helped maintain 7 fulltime employees and will create an additional 20 fulltime jobs within the next three years.
About FedDev Ontario
For more than 12 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving their productivity, growing their revenues, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects.
Contacts
Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca
For more information about SOFII and other CFDC programs, please visit: www.cfeasternontario.ca
For more information on FireRein Inc., please visit: https://www.firerein.com/
ACCFUTURES HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ACCFutures' Board of Directors is pleased to announce Greg Pietersma as their new Executive Director effective February 14, 2022.
With deep roots in the SDG area and a wide range of experience and expertise, Greg Pietersma will continue to drive ACCFutures towards its mission to deliver financing, collaborative SME support, strategic community planning, and economic development solutions for Akwesasne, Cornwall, and the SDG Counties.
Mr. Pietersma brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, having scaled a small business in North Dundas with his partner into an international exporter of highly sought-after niche tin products. The company attracted clients like Holt Renfrew, Lee Valley Tools, and Martha Stewart. He also has extensive experience in Board Governance, Financial Management, Software and Coding, and Tourism. Most recently, Mr. Pietersma was Executive Director of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce. There, He catapulted the organizations' reputation and positioned the Chamber as the voice of business throughout the pandemic. He and his team secured and delivered multiple grants placing non-repayable funds in the hands of small businesses when they needed it the most.
"Mr. Pietersma's innate ability to lead, manage large projects, and navigate sensitive and significant issues will undoubtedly serve this region well." States ACCFutures Chair, Lila Romanko. "We are very excited to welcome Greg to the ACCFutures team!"
"I am very thrilled by the opportunity to join the ACCFutures team and to give back to this community," remarks Mr. Pietersma. "They have a fantastic staff and Board of Directors, and I look forward to leveraging my unique skills to explore how much more we can positively impact this community together."
Greg Pietersma can be contacted at 613-932-4333 ext 1 or gpietersma@mycommunityfutures.ca .
Trenval CFDC Funds N I N E Golf
“Trenval’s investment in us is something we take great pride in and will deliver back in a major way. Thank you for providing us with an opportunity to fulfil our dream.”
Valley Heartland CFDC Funds Howling Designs
Howling Designs is a decal lettering, sign and promotional business located in Smiths Falls.
Grenville CFDC - B&H Your Community Grocer
Grenville CFDC - B&H Your Community Grocer
Careers
Current Opportunities
Operations Coordinator (Full-Time)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of business owners in Southeastern Ontario? We are seeking a highly skilled Operations Coordinator who thrives in a fast-paced, autonomous work environment to join our forward-thinking, high-performing team. This central role is ideal for a detail oriented, organized not-for-profit administrative professional with strong technical expertise in online office tools, financial acumen and exceptional coordination and administrative skills. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role will ensure the smooth operation of the organization’s day-to-day activities and coordinate key initiatives to support the CFEO team, the Board of Directors, and our member offices. You will be the go-to superuser for setup and coordinating tools such as MS O365, including core office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), SharePoint, MS Teams and MS VOIP. You will coordinate and execute the planning and scheduling of CFEOs activities and reporting, including improving data management systems and procedures to ensure optimal compliance, organization, and efficiencies.
Bring your innovative mindset to CFEO, where you'll coordinate our operational processes, and prepare high-visibility communications, liaising with external stakeholders on behalf of management. Enjoy a 4-day work week, work-from-home flexibility, a dynamic and collaborative team, and a comprehensive salary and benefits package. Apply on Indeed.
Download the full Job Description
Volunteer Board Director & Committee Member Recruitment
JOB DESCRIPTION
Are you passionate about economic development and supporting rural communities in Eastern Ontario? Community Futures Eastern Ontario is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors and Committees, contributing to our mission of fostering entrepreneurship and economic prosperity.
At CFEO, our board members make decisions in the best interest of the collective. Our board composition includes a diverse mix of Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) Executive Directors, CFDC volunteer Directors, and independent volunteers. Their mandate is to provide support to the CFDCs in Eastern Ontario, advocate on behalf of our members, facilitate collaboration among them, and promote economic prosperity in the region.
Download the full Board & Committee Recruitment Notice.
Ulula Canada Inc.
SOFII funding provided working capital to hire the additional developers, data scientists and account managers to support expansion to increase its market shares more aggressively
Tapplock Corp
SOFII funding provided working capital to finish development of some key enterprise technology enhancements and to expand their sales team to increase their annual recurring revenues.