Sabrina Teixeira, 22, started her small business refurbishing and selling unique, sustainable and affordable pieces in her parent’s garage last year.
Small Business
Economic Development Action Plan continues strengthening York Region business community
While actions in the Council-approved 2024-2027 Economic Development Action Plan are progressing well, York Region continues to adapt to changing economic conditions and incorporate tailored business supports in collaboration with local municipalities and industry partners.
YSBEC Success Story: AET Basketball
Santhosh Rajmohan, founder and director of AET Basketball, is passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play sports.
The Tariff Impact Podcast | Dennis Dussin | President, Alps Welding
Listen to the fourth episode of The Tariff Impact Podcast to learn more about what steps Alps Welding President Dennis Dussin suggests other local manufacturers take to minimize the impact on their business by looking at diversifying to new markets and building cooperation at home.
The Tariff Impact Podcast | David Paterson | Ontario Representative in Washington DC, Ontario Government
Listen to the third episode of The Tariff Impact Podcast to learn more about what the Government of Ontario’s representative in Washington DC is seeing on the ground there as Canada and the province continue to work towards a resolution with tariffs imposed by the US Government.
The Tariff Impact Podcast | Dennis Darby | President & CEO of CME
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) has been advocating for and representing member interests and have earned an extensive and effective track record of working for and with 2,500 leading manufacturers from coast to coast to help their businesses grow. Listen to the second episode of The Tariff Impact Podcast to learn more about what Canada’s largest manufacturers and exporters industry association is seeing and doing in regards to the trade uncertainty and tariffs with the United States.
The Tariff Impact Podcast | Todd Winterhalt SVP | Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada can start all the way at the beginning of an exporter’s journey or at the beginning of a business plan in some cases with market intelligence and information that can be provided to companies, who are looking to diversify markets, put together an exporting plan, and in some cases, all the way through a suite of financial products. Listen to the first episode of The Tariff Impact Podcast to learn more about the supports in place and a historic $5-billion investment to support Canadian exporters during this time of market uncertainity.
Support local Black-owned businesses on April 12!
This free one-day business expo and marketplace is open to the public and will showcase 30 Black-owned small businesses in York Region ranging from food, art, health and wellness and more!
YSBEC Success Story: Paris Calling Pastry
Mona Prasad is the head chef and owner of Paris Calling Pastry in Aurora, Ontario. After training as a pastry chef in Paris, Mona wanted to bring European pastries to the Greater Toronto Area.
‘Cherished landmark’: Postmark Hotel marks grand opening on Main Street Newmarket
Newmarket’s new boutique hotel marked its years-long journey of restoration, renovation and construction with a ribbon cutting and celebration on October 3.
Ontario Investing in free business training for racialized and indigenous entrepreneurs
The Ontario government is investing $5 million in the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program for 2024-25 to provide free access to business coaching, training and grants for more than 400 Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs.
York Region named one of ‘Canada’s Best Locations’ to invest by Site Selection Magazine
York Region is a top destination for business, innovation and talent and investing in business supports and services is integral to ensuring businesses and employees in York Region contribute to a strong economy.
Vaughan’s New Grant Aims to Enhance Tourism in the City
The Host in Vaughan Grant supports events and projects that draw tourists to the city, and the applications for the latest intake round will be accepted until Monday, Sept. 30.
Funding Opportunity: Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
New King City animal hospital aims to ‘revolutionize’ care
The owners of a new “cutting-edge” animal hospital in King City say it will “revolutionize animal care by bringing together specialists and advanced technologies under one roof.”
Aurora STEM centre, King-based farm partner to engage next generation of farmers
Brandon Hebor, who owns Boreal Farms, has partnered with Anu Bidani, founder of Aurora-based Stem Minds, to run monthly free, community nights since March. There have also been a dozen workshop sessions for children and a free, agriculture-themed summer camp for youth aged 15 and up.
Support local student businesses at the York Region Summer Company Showcase
The York Small Business Enterprise Centre invites the community to two special showcases where local ambitious students from the Summer Company program will promote their businesses.
Inaugural Newmarket market to highlight young entrepreneurs
Chris Cartwright and Bill Gianopoulos team up to organize and support a marketplace experience for young people with fledgling businesses
Muddy York Brewing spreading its wings in Stouffville
“We realized that Stouffville doesn’t have a brewery and we thought it would be a good idea to look at some options here,” Michalek said.
Summer Company Success Story: AV Interiors
At just 16, Venneri founded AV Interiors, a mobile car detailing service that brings luxury treatment right to client’s driveway.
YSBEC Success Story: Coconut Village Nails Spa
Phiona started Coconut Village in 2019 and built her spa with support from the York Small Business Enterprise Centre.
York Region thrives as business hub where talent and opportunity intersect
“Identifying challenges in the business community and taking action to overcome them is the backbone of the 2024 to 2027 Economic Development Action Plan,” said City of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, Chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development. “The 2024 to 2027 Action Plan builds on important work already underway to complement our partners’ efforts and drive economic prosperity together.”
‘Truly something huge’: Nemarket’s Ghost Taco celebrates its journey to success
One of Newmarket’s most popular Main Street eateries, born as a pandemic pop-up, celebrated its journey to success with an official grand opening March 1.
Richmond Hill offering free sessions for women entrepreneurs
Small Business Enterprise Centre offering webinars, in-person events March 4 to 8 for women starting, running businesses to mark International Women’s Day.
More than $1 million in funding approved to support women entrepreneurs and attract international businesses to York Region
“Economic vitality remains a strategic priority for York Regional Council and it is integral our local businesses have resources to help them succeed,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Additional funding provided through York Region’s Innovation Fund will empower growing businesses, attract international entrepreneurs and support foreign direct investment, strengthening York Region as a thriving hub for talent and opportunity.”
York Region creates new plan to boost business, economy, workforce
York Region business and research leaders are welcoming a new strategy to help develop the regional economy and businesses.
Newmarket creating $1 million fund to boost economic vibrancy and create community brand
The town is now creating a $1-million fund — drawn from existing reserves, not paid by taxpayers — to boost economic vibrancy by attracting companies and creating jobs, and to create a community brand.
Launch of Digital Main Street program in partnership with the Town of Georgina and Town of East Gwillimbury
Local businesses in the Town of Georgina are set to receive valuable assistance with the introduction of the Digital Main Street program, a collaborative effort between the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury.
Announcing the third cohort of ventureLAB’s Accelerate AI
ventureLAB is proud to announce the 3rd cohort of the Accelerate AI program. This transformative 6-month program is designed to champion the growth and scaling of AI startups, empowering them to deliver cutting-edge solutions and applications that tackle the challenges in the modern industry!
Government of Canada invests in main streets and neighbourhoods across southern Ontario
With this investment, the organization will launch two new programs through MMS to provide funding and support for businesses and community organizations across southern Ontario. The new programs will support up to 325 businesses on main streets across 100 communities, along with 75 community projects promoting high-impact placemaking activities. These activities will help draw people to main streets and encourage locals and visitors to support an estimated 2,500 community businesses and organizations.