January 2026 Old South Business Insider

Thursday, Jan 8, 2026 4pm-5pm Location: The Pickle Barrel ITEMS: 1. London Small Business Centre update 2. City of London update 3. Recycling and waste collection discussion 4. Old South Community Organization (OSCO) update 5. Smart Commute London presentation 6. OSBA business awards recap 7. Upcoming OSBA and member announcements 1. London Small Business Centre update Julia  from the London Small Business Centre outlined free supports available to entrepreneurs and established businesses, including: Starting a Small Business seminars held twice monthly Next session: January 31, 2:00 to 3:30 PM (virtual) In-person CRA tax sessions Jan 28th & Feb 25th: Bookkeeping best practices and social media content planning workshops Free one-on-one business advising (virtual or in person) Starter Company Plus program opening in spring, offering training and grants up to $5,000 for eligible businesses under three years old > Juliane Ferreira Business Card > London Small Business Centre Services & 2026 Events 2. City of London update Skylar Frank, Ward 11 Councillor: Upcoming community town halls (next expected February or March) Forthcoming Council items including the downtown master plan, economic development strategy, and LTC governance audit.   10 Marley Place development: A proposal involving renovation of a heritage home plus additional stacked townhouse units has passed planning with conditions. Public input is invited before the matter goes to Council later in the month.   London’s 200th anniversary and opportunities for community groups to connect with City branding. 3. Recycling and waste collection discussion Significant concern was expressed by members regarding the removal of City recycling pickup for small businesses in residential areas. Key points: Changes are due to the provincial Extended Producer Responsibility framework and the transfer of residential recycling to Circular Materials Ontario. (Not run by city) Small business recycling in the residential stream no longer picked up. Interim options under review with the City of London that include alternate facilities, depot drop-off, and limited composting support. Communication to affected businesses was acknowledged as insufficient. Those interested in attending a separate follow-up meeting for this next week to focus specifically on recycling and waste solutions, please email info@OldSouthBA.com. 4. Old South Community Organization (OSCO) update Nicole shared OSCO updates, including: OSCO marked its 50th anniversary last year and continues to seek volunteers and potential board members (board capacity up to 15). Upcoming events: Tecumseh Community School Open Skate Night: February 6 Chili Cook-Off at Wesley Knox Church: February 28 Monthly OSCO meetings held the second Tuesday of each month 5. Smart Commute London presentation Molly Mikza introduced the Smart Commute London program, which supports employers and employees in reducing single-occupancy vehicle use through tools such as carpool matching, bike infrastructure support, and transit incentives. Interest was expressed in piloting a BA partnership in Old South. > Why not carpool flyer-Side 1 > Why not carpool flyer-Side 2 6. OSBA business awards recap Congratulations again to the Old South Business Awards winners!: Nicole Phillips (OSCO), Local Champion Award Westland Gallery, People’s Choice Award Tuckey’s Home Hardware, Business Excellence Award Promotional impact reported: Approximately 45,000 Facebook views during Oct 15 to Nov 25 6,800 Google Business profile searches in 30 days Feedback requested for improving next year’s awards, including possibilities like: Longer social/networking periods Vendor tables Expanded format options (including gala/dinner concept) 7. Upcoming OSBA and member announcements Potential return of Village event: Wortley Village “BuskerFest” may return with grant support, larger and improved. Ontario Queer Chamber initiative: Ontario Queer Chamber drop-in networking gathering February 11 Intended for queer-owned businesses, supporters, and allies Hosted at the Blue Elephant (156 Bruce Street) per announcement Staples update: Ontario pay transparency requirements (Brock Marifield): Shared that new requirements include: Job postings must include pay range Employers cannot ask candidates what they currently earn Hiring decisions must be communicated within 45 days of last interview Hiring records must be retained for 3 years Noncompliance may lead to penalties under Employment Standards Act Mylie Group (Angie and Krista): Community hub and event calendar targeting approximately 48 events annually. Public event noted: February 12, pre-Valentine’s themed session with a dance lesson plus mortgage and renewal discussion. Continued interest in lunch sponsors and partner collaboration. London Martial Arts Centre promotion: New Year promotion: uniform purchase includes first four weeks free. Valentine promotion: February 1 to February 14, pay for one membership and get two for a pair (couples, siblings, parent-child). Parents’ Night Out: February 14 (Saturday), 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Seeking collaboration opportunities such as exchanging flyers. Old South Pub: Mentioned ongoing food, drinks, seasonal offerings & Dad jokes. 😀 Mark your calendar with upcoming OSBA Meetings! Full list here: Meetings schedule & locations Or import the full schedule into your calendar with this calendar link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=c_cac6d04119e668640f4f29fc2fb21595b1df58f21633bf999aace735c96edd73%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FToronto It was great start to 2026 together!   It's nice to have those discussions of how to move forward with recycling together, to hear about all of the happenings in Old South London, and talk of how collaborations are taking place to mutually support each other and Old South London business community as a whole.  There's a lot to look forward to in 2026 and I have no doubt that we will be even stronger together collectively through conversations like what we just had, and it's only the beginning.  On behalf of the Board of Directors, we're looking forward to the year head and hopefully seeing you next at the Old South Business Mixer next month! Sincerely, Ian Ian Sterling Leishman President Old South Business Association 190 Wortley Road LL10 London, Ontario N6C 4Y7,  info@OldSouthBA.com www.OldSouthBA.com, facebook.com/OldSouthBA The most recent Old South business mixer at Rebel Layne: ↓ ↓ ↓ The next Old South Business Mixer! ↓ ↓ ↓ With free hors d'oeuvres and first drink! ↓ ↓ ↓ Full 2026 Schedule! ↓ ↓ ↓ Do you know of a new business in Old South? Message us! We're looking for the newest exciting additions to our amazing business community. If you have seen a new business open up in the area, we'd love to know about it. Would you like some OSBA pens or an outdoor sticker for your business? Contact us! If you're conducting business in Old South, you're welcome to attend.  We also encourage you to get more involved and join the OSBA for just $100! www.OldSouthBA.com/join Whether you're already a member or just curious, you’re always welcome to join our Agenda Meetings. We share updates that impact Old South businesses and discuss ways to strengthen our local business community. www.OldSouthBA.com/join   Join us in reaching new heights, strengthening each others business and the Old South neighbourhood as a whole! NEXT OSBA EVENTS: (Mark you calendars!) - Old South Business Mixer: Thursday, February 12th, 4:30-6pm @ Luan's Seafood & Grill, 315 Wellington Road with free first drink & hors d'oeuvres. - OSBA Agenda Meeting: Thursday, March 12th, 5p-6p @ the Sidetrack Café, 136 Wortley Road. > Full Calendar of events Hopefully we'll see you soon! Board of Directors Old South Business Association 190 Wortley Road LL10 London, Ontario N6C 4Y7,  info@OldSouthBA.com www.OldSouthBA.com, facebook.com/OldSouthBA   (Annual Membership dues: Only $100! / Business outside of Old South: Only $150!) Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.