Sustainable Business Summit
Reducing Emissions while Increasing Profits:
Local leadership and practical solutions for rural small businesses in a clean energy economy
April 24, 2026
8am – 12pm
Municipality of North Grenville,
285 County Rd. #44,
North Grenville ON
TICKETS: $25.00/person
Rural businesses play a critical role in shaping a strong, competitive local economy. This half-day summit brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and public-sector partners to share real examples, practical approaches, and local supports that help businesses adapt, reduce costs, and stay competitive as the economy evolves. The event is designed for businesses of all sizes and sectors. Participants will hear what’s working locally, learn about available tools and supports, and leave with clear ideas they can apply in their own operations. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided.
Agenda
8:00am | Registration | Networking and Continental Breakfast |
|---|---|---|
8:30am | Welcome | Municipality of North Grenville, Community Futures Grenville |
8:45am | Why Local Businesses Matter More Than Ever — and How You Can Lead | Small businesses of all sectors and sizes can become more competitive and resilient while leading in Canada’s changing economy. Learn about practical, affordable tools designed for entrepreneurs to build your business’s pathway to sustainability. Matthew Lynch, Executive Director, Green Economy Canada |
9:30am | Panel: Accelerating Local Clean Energy and Innovation | Local business leaders share how they are managing energy use, investing in improvements, and making decisions that support long-term business performance. The discussion will focus on lessons learned, challenges, and practical insights relevant to a wide range of businesses. David Beatty, CEO, CANARM David Beking, Managing Partner, Beking’s Poultry Farm Will Pearl (moderator), Stevens Creek Décor Centre, NG Chamber of Commerce |
10:30am | Networking Break & Light Lunch | |
11:00am | North Grenville Climate Action Plan | North Grenville’s newly released Climate Action Plan sets a supportive direction for community and business-led emissions reduction efforts: Hillary Geneau, Director of Corporate Strategy, Municipality of North Grenville |
11:15am | Local Businesses’ Approach to Energy and Emissions | Highlights from the Leeds Grenville 100 Islands Rideau Lakes 2025 Business Survey, with a focus on what local businesses are already doing, where they are facing barriers, and what supports would help them take next steps. |
11:30am | Interactive Session: Shaping Our Clean Tech Future Together | A facilitated discussion using live polling to gather input on business needs, collaboration opportunities, and practical supports that would help businesses move forward. |
12:00pm | Closing Remarks and Next Steps | Summary of takeaways, acknowledgments of speakers, sponsors, and participants. |
Agenda
8:00am - Registration
Networking and Continental Breakfast
8:30am - Welcome
Municipality of North Grenville, Community Futures Grenville
8:45am - Why Local Businesses Matter More Than Ever — and How You Can Lead
Small businesses of all sectors and sizes can become more competitive and resilient while leading in Canada’s changing economy. Learn about practical, affordable tools designed for entrepreneurs to build your business’s pathway to sustainability.
Matthew Lynch, Executive Director, Green Economy Canada
9:30am - Panel: Accelerating Local Clean Energy and Innovation
Local business leaders share how they are managing energy use, investing in improvements, and making decisions that support long-term business performance. The discussion will focus on lessons learned, challenges, and practical insights relevant to a wide range of businesses.
David Beatty, CEO, CANARM
David Beking, Managing Partner, Beking’s Poultry Farm
Will Pearl (moderator), Stevens Creek Décor Centre, NG Chamber of Commerce
10:30am - Networking Break & Light Lunch
11:00am - North Grenville Climate Action Plan
North Grenville’s newly released Climate Action Plan sets a supportive direction for community and business-led emissions reduction efforts: Hillary Geneau, Director of Corporate Strategy, Municipality of North Grenville
11:15am - Local Businesses’ Approach to Energy and Emissions
Highlights from the Leeds Grenville 100 Islands Rideau Lakes 2025 Business Survey, with a focus on what local businesses are already doing, where they are facing barriers, and what supports would help them take next steps.
11:30am - Interactive Session: Shaping Our Clean Tech Future Together
A facilitated discussion using live polling to gather input on business needs, collaboration opportunities, and practical supports that would help businesses move forward.
12:00pm - Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Summary of takeaways, acknowledgments of speakers, sponsors, and participants.
