Rural businesses, organizations and communities are the cornerstone of Canada’s economy. To ensure rural Canadians are positioned for success, the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has partnered with Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) across southern Ontario to provide access to the tools and support these businesses within their communities need to succeed.
In Hickson, ON, East Zorra-Tavistock Township, Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Café Inc. received support through Community Futures Oxford (CF Oxford) that allowed the owners to grow their company with a comfortable, no-pressure buffer. They invested in renovations to better serve their clients and generate more business.
Business owners, Jodi Pendry and Pete Overdevest, are contributing to the community by providing a destination for tourists and residents that promotes stress relief and relaxation. In addition to employing 27 people, Terra Nova Nordic Spa & Café supports local sports teams and the community through sponsorship and providing admission passes for fundraising, raffles and more.
“It’s encouraging to see our business succeeding, and it is rewarding at the end of the day to recognize the results of your hard work,” says Pendry.
Demonstrating resilience through the pandemic, Pendry opened an outdoor café, in addition to her massage therapy practice, that created awareness and provided the community with a safe place to gather outdoors. Evolving and growing with their business, the CF Oxford’s 2023 Access to Capital Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner continues to add income-generating elements.
“We’re planning more growth based on our recent success, relocating the café, and building new bathrooms and areas for sauna and relaxation. We’re installing a native healing garden in the spring – we have no shortage of ideas!” adds Pendry. “Our two-year plan includes another pool.”
The owners describe their setting as a mini retreat for those who may not want to spend the money on a big tropical vacation.
“I love to see the change in people from when they arrive to when they leave – it’s a real mood booster that ripples out to their families and colleagues,” says Pendry.
As for advice, both owners recommend staying focused and sticking with what you think you’re good at – staying on track! According to Overdevest, “Sometimes you underestimate the work that’s required. Jody may come home exhausted at 9pm, but then get up the next day full of energy to do it all again!”
Small and local businesses are the lifeblood of rural communities in Canada, and with investments from the Government of Canada, rural Canadians are reaching their potential and turning possibilities into realities.