A growing business – Ontario Approved Professionals – has roots in Brockville and is now a recognizable name throughout Leeds and Grenville and beyond. The “B2B” (business to business) membership group has a strong focus on municipal advocacy, and small businesses in particular. But what is an “Ontario Approved Professional”?
The business aims to connect, educate, and advertise for the small business community. It aligns business owners and members of the public with other vetted, trusted, and approved professionals, to ensure a standard of good business, proven experience, and demonstrated qualifications when a person or business is in need of professional services.
Membership with Ontario Approved Professionals offers:
- a public listing that is utilized by general consumers and professionals
- advertising – monthly ads on social media and the company website, and more
- networking such as B2B networking and “after 5 pm” events
- special events such as a Christmas Gala, trade shows, and group sponsorships
- community involvement – heavy involvement with local charity and community organizations
- opportunity to save money through Member-to-Member referrals and discount offers
- advocacy: local municipal representation and advocacy
- support: education, training and support for all your small business needs
- professional status: membership is a symbol of quality, integrity, and consistency of service
All of OAP’s Approved Professionals members are local, vetted, and trusted professionals within their trade or business sector. “We do all the background checks for insurance, licenses, and professional certifications. We are building a network of small, medium, and enterprise (SME) businesses who are here to serve the general public with honesty, integrity and professionalism,” the organization boasts.
Ontario Approved Professionals has expanded to include the following divisions:
- Ontario Provincial Division, aka: ONT Approved
- Leeds & Grenville Division, aka: LG Approved
- Kingston South Frontenac Division, aka: KSF Approved
- Stormont Dundas Glengarry Division, aka: SDG Approved
- Ottawa Orleans Nepean Division, aka: OON Approved
The organization consistently seeks feedback from the clients of its members to evaluate the quality of work completed, quality of service, professionalism, and overall experience. The public is valued as a key component in providing the positive and negative feedback that can help ensure that the professionals in the program are up to the right standards. Professionals can be removed from the program when they don’t meet the standards.
Approved Professionals complete a standard member application to verify relevant professional standing, insurances, education, government regulations, recent work, and professional references before they can be accepted as an Approved Professional. All Approved Professionals are required to sign off upon registration and follow and adhere to the organization’s Code of Conduct.
For more information, visit https://ontapproved.ca/.