The Local Edge, hosted by Rose Austin, is a community-focused podcast dedicated to shaping a stronger future through collaboration. In partnership with local leaders, it brings together the voices of people, organizations, and businesses driving growth, innovation, and positive change across the region—offering real conversations and insights that highlight what’s happening now and what’s next for the community.
In this episode of The Local Edge, host Rose Austin interviews Courtney Spang, the founder of Barking Brew, a Canadian company that produces non-alcoholic craft beer for dogs. The conversation explores Courtney's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced in product development, and her innovative marketing strategies that have helped her brand gain traction in the pet products industry.
25 Sept 2026
SEDC 40 Years!
The podcast episode celebrates the 40th anniversary of the SEDC and features discussions with board members Irene and Gary. The conversation delves into the organization's relevance, challenges, successes, and future trends in rural communities. Key themes include workforce shortages, leadership challenges, community partnerships, and the impact of technology and diversity on economic development. The conversation covers topics related to building organizational capacity, increasing employee engagement, leveraging AI and automation, identifying employee superpowers, community development, and the role of SEDC in supporting local businesses and communities.
11 Sept 2026
Partnerships That Work
The podcast episode features a discussion with Rhonda Neeson and Robin Mulder, Economic Development Officers, focusing on the role of municipalities in economic development, the importance of partnerships, support for local businesses, community improvement programs, housing and workforce in economic development, innovative solutions for labor shortages, and the attractiveness of municipalities to younger families and skilled workers. The conversation also explores the connection between tourism and economic development. The conversation covers topics such as rural tourism and collaboration, regional economic development, trends shaping rural communities, and business success stories that demonstrate the value of collaboration. The speakers discuss the importance of working together, the impact of AI, and the need for a people-first approach in rural communities. They also share success stories of partnerships and offer advice for those looking to start a business or become more involved in their community.
29 Aug 2026
Buying & Selling a Business
The conversation covers the importance of succession planning, consequences of lack of succession planning, misconceptions about succession planning, elements of a good succession plan, different types of business transitioning, challenges and benefits of succession planning, and changing the dialogue on succession planning. The conversation delves into the exploration of business networks and opportunities, the advantages of buying an existing business, the importance of due diligence for buyers, transition support for buyers and sellers, succession planning and the BisLink program, succession opportunities, and key takeaways and final advice.
Takeaways
Succession planning is crucial for business continuity and community development.
Misconceptions about succession planning can hinder effective planning and execution. Importance of seeking advice and support in business acquisition and sale
The significance of early planning and taking a vacation before selling a business
BEC – Grey County - Royden’s contact info is:
519-371-3232 (tel:(519)%20371-3232)
bec@grey.ca (mailto:bec@grey.ca)
Grey.ca/bec (http://Grey.ca/bec)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GreyCountyBEC)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/businessenterprisecentregrey/)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/89710514/admin/dashboard/)
15 Aug 2026
Cash Flow vs. Profit - Why It Matters
The conversation explores the critical differences between cash flow and profit, emphasizing the impact on business operations and financial decision-making. It delves into the challenges of managing cash flow, understanding financial statements, and the implications of inventory and accounts receivable. Additionally, it highlights the dangers of relying on credit, misconceptions about profit, and the surprising expenses that entrepreneurs often overlook. The conversation covers a range of financial topics including pricing and profitability, financial management, budgeting, emergency reserves, cash flow management, debt management, cash flow challenges, seeking financial assistance, and financial planning. The key takeaway is the importance of understanding cash flow and its impact on business operations and decision-making.
31 Jul 2026
Municipal Spotlight - Growing Our Communities
The Municipal Spotlight episode features a discussion with economic development officers from Hanover and Brockton, highlighting the unique aspects of each municipality, the current economic climate, challenges, opportunities, and upcoming developments. The conversation also covers the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), supports for newcomers and startups, and workforce challenges and solutions. The conversation covered various themes, including the challenges faced by newcomers, the need to adapt to attract and retain individuals, supporting newcomer entrepreneurs, attracting younger families, municipal challenges and opportunities, the impact of provincial and federal policies, collaboration among municipalities, economic development and collaboration, challenges and frustrations of economic development, advice for business relocation, exciting events and opportunities, the future of the community, and accessing support and information.
30 Jul 2026
Advice For New Business Owners
A Bit of Advice!
17 Jul 2026
Pivot or Perish
The conversation with John Collius covers his journey as an entrepreneur, the impact of the fire on his business, and the process of pivoting to adapt to new challenges. It also delves into the evolution of his brands and the financial struggles associated with pivoting. Ryan Harris shares his journey of resilience and success in business, navigating cash flow challenges, community improvement programs, and life lessons. His commitment to staying positive, seeking help, and making tough decisions has led to his enduring success.
4 Jul 2026
Ask an Advisor - Real Questions from Real Clients
The episode explores the top questions entrepreneurs ask when considering moving or opening a business in a new community. It covers topics such as addressing community gaps, finding available properties, business zoning and permits, municipal support for businesses, incorporating a business, hiring the first employee, and the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make. The conversation emphasizes the importance of seeking help and guidance from professionals and organizations to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship.
19 Jun 2026
Doing Business In Rural Ontario
The conversation with Nikki Wise, owner of Harley's Pub and Perk in Mildmay, Ontario, covers the challenges and rewards of running a business in a rural community. Nikki shares insights on supporting local businesses, finding and retaining staff, mental resilience, and the value of regional cooperatives. She also discusses the potential for business growth and expansion in a rural area. The conversation covers the importance of relationships, adapting to a changing workforce, flexibility and control in business, business reputation in a small community, challenges of doing business in a small community, community support and fundraising, advice for opening a business in a small town, empty storefronts and community engagement, and doing business in rural Ontario.
5 Jun 2026
Why Loan Applications Get Declined
The conversation delves into the loan application process, emphasizing the importance of business plans, cash flow projections, and understanding financial statements. It also explores the challenges and considerations in the loan approval process, including board approval, client decision-making, and red flags in loan applications.
15 May 2026
A Start-up Journey
The conversation with Irene Dixon, owner of Kids Play, covers the journey of starting and running a successful business. Irene shares insights on the importance of passion, belief, financial understanding, and the challenges faced in the process. Her advice and experiences provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
4 May 2026
More Than Loans: What We Actually Do!
Episode 1 of The Local Edge introduces the work of the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation, based in Neustadt, Ontario. This episode breaks down who they are, what they do, and how they support local businesses and entrepreneurs across the region. From financing startups and helping existing businesses expand, to supporting diversification and long-term growth, SEDC plays a key role in strengthening the local economy. Listeners are encouraged to see them as more than just a funding source—this episode highlights the value of building a relationship early and reaching out for guidance, connections, and conversation at any stage of business.
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