Benjamin Segobaetso
Published online August 12, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
CLARENDON – Against the scenic backdrop of Pure Conscience Farm Cottage, local entrepreneurs gathered on July 30 for an evening of networking and practical advice aimed at strengthening the financial health of Pontiac businesses.
Hosted by the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce, the event, themed “Numbers That Matter,” brought together business owners, community leaders and economic development organizations to explore strategies for managing finances and planning for long-term growth. About 20 people attended the event.
Financial professionals Kevin Ablé and Ariane Amiri led the presentation, sharing practical guidance on improving cash flow, making informed financial decisions and preparing businesses for future opportunities. Their message emphasized that sound financial management is essential to building resilient and sustainable enterprises. Suggested example included invoicing customers immediately after delivering goods or services, follow up promptly on overdue accounts, offer small discounts for early payment where appropriate, diversify revenue sources to reduce reliance on a single client or product and review pricing regularly to ensure margins keep pace with rising costs.
In terms of when to consider growth or change; the presenters advised that it should be considered when the business demonstrates consistent financial stability rather than simply increasing sales. For example, operations should be running efficiently without constant owner intervention, the business should be maintaining adequate cash reserves and debt should be manageable, and payments should be comfortably affordable.
According to Chamber organizer Gema Villavicencio, the session was designed to provide value for businesses at every stage of development. “Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, a small business or a larger enterprise, there was something for everyone in the presentation,” she said. “The focus was on planning for growth and strengthening businesses during these challenging economic times,” she added.
The evening also gave participants an opportunity to connect with representatives from the Pontiac Community Futures Development Corporation (SADC), MRC Pontiac and the Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the network of organizations available to support local economic development.
Pontiac MNA André Fortin attended the event and chatted with some of the local entrepreneurs about issues affecting their businesses. “These gatherings are an opportunity to listen,” Fortin said. “It’s important to understand the challenges businesses are facing and hear their ideas about how we can help create the conditions they need to succeed,” he noted.
Fortin told the Journal he had just heard from one of the attendees, local microbrewery owner, Todd Hoffman, of Brauwerk Hoffman in Campbells’ Bay. Hoffman expressed concerns about Quebec not participating in the interprovincial alcohol sales agreement, which was signed by nine other Premiers this month. (See page XX for more details on this issue.)
By combining practical financial expertise with opportunities to build new connections, the event reflected the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to helping Pontiac businesses grow, adapt and thrive in a changing economic landscape.
Photo – Business owners, community leaders and economic development organizations’ representatives gathered to explore strategies for managing finances and planning for long-term growth.
