On Monday, March 24, 2025, the Invest Halton Hills division presented its 2024 Annual Report to Town Council. The report showcases key economic development initiatives and achievements over a highly productive year. Through a comprehensive work plan, the division's focus remains on supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment, and marketing Halton Hills as a prime investment destination.

Following the success of last year's Visit Halton Hills Sticker Map Campaign, the Economic Development division is excited to introduce the Halton Hills Discovery Pass program — a FREE, mobile-exclusive digital pass designed to help visitors explore and support local businesses in Halton Hills!

Discovery Pass Details

The Discovery Pass will feature visitor check-ins, exclusive incentives, and grand prize rewards - all aimed to promote Halton Hills as the best place to visit, drive foot traffic to our unique attractions, and boost sales for your business. The program will run during two seasonal campaigns, facilitated through the Visit Halton Hills website.

Get Involved

If you are a business in Halton Hills looking to increase tourism visitor traffic this year, complete the intake form by Friday, March 28, 2025 (11:59 p.m.) to be considered. Limited space is available, with only 25 spots per seasonal pass (a total of 50 participants across the two campaigns). Selection will be based on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit Halton Hills aims to have a variety of experiences and businesses represented through this program and staff will select businesses based on the goals of the program. 

Are you a downtown business and/or property owner? Looking to update your space through beautification, retrofits, and/or overall enhancements? The Town has incentives available to increase downtown vibrancy through multiple programs. Join the Town’s Economic Development and Heritage Planning staff for two upcoming drop-in sessions to learn about how you can access these incentives through streamlined application processes. 

Reporting to the Economic Development & Tourism Officer, this position will support the Economic Development Division with growing the Visit Halton Hills tourism program and assist with projects focused on local small business supports.

Please note: to be considered for this position, applicants must be working towards or recently completed post-secondary education.

Closing Deadline: Monday, April 7, 2025

L-R: Erin Kaiser, Manager, Economic Development & Innovation; Mayor Lawlor; Monica Van Helden, Owner, Smooth Solutions Spa & Laser Clinic; Councillor Albano; Matthew Galliford, Acton BIA Coordinator; Councillor Somerville.

On March 6, the Town of Halton Hills proudly awarded the Facade Improvement Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grant to Smooth Solutions Spa & Laser Clinic located at 129 Mill St E, Acton. The $24,288.89 grant funded vital improvements, including a new walkway, upgraded lighting for the back parking area, and new siding on the rear of the building. These improvements have greatly enhanced both the functionality and accessibility of the property. 

Students! Be Your Own Boss this Summer

The Summer Company program helps enterprising students between the ages of 15 and 29 start and run their own summer business. The Halton Region Small Business Centre coordinates the program locally, and delivers it with the support of experienced business advisors from the community.

The Summer Company program offers young entrepreneurs:

• hands-on business training and mentoring
• up to $1,500 in the spring to help with business start-up costs
• up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program requirements

You may participate in the Summer Company program if you:

• are 15 to 29 years old (with parental authorization if you are under 18)
• are a student in high school, college or university
• are returning to school in the fall, after the program ends
• live in Ontario and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• are not already running a business
• are not working at another job or going to school for more than 12 hours a week during the program

How to Apply? 

Contact the Halton Region Small Business Centre at smallbusiness@halton.ca or call 905-825-6000 ext. 7900 to request an application. Applications close on Monday, May 12, 2025. Visit online to learn more about the Summer Company program. 

Information Session:

Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Time: 4 - 5 p.m.

Location: Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville

Register online

Consultant On-Site Program

The Halton Region Small Business Centre, in partnership with the Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL) will be offering the Consultant On-Site program for local entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout 2025. Consultants from the Halton Regions Small Business Centre will be available at HHPL's Georgetown Branch to meet with you free of charge.

Whether you're planning to start a business or expand your existing small business, the Region's Business Consultants are ready to help!

A Business Consultant will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Thursdays in 2025:

April 10, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 14, September 18, October 23, November 20, and December 18.

Registration is required - contact the Halton Region Small Business Centre at 905-825-6000 ext. 7900 or via e-mail by clicking "Book Now" below.

April Seminars & Webinars

Let's Talk Halton Hills: Town Projects

The Town is preparing a Secondary Plan for the Guelph Street Corridor to help guide development of land use policy that will incentivize redevelopment and intensification in the area. Visit the project page to register for ongoing updates and engagement opportunities.

Halton Hills is growing and we need a plan that reflects today's municipality and preserves our community's character while creating a new vision for the future. Complete a brief survey today (deadline April 4) and help shape future OPR engagement. Make sure to register to receive ongoing updates on engagement events, feedback opportunities, available resources, and more.

Town Amends Purchasing Policy to Support Local Businesses, Mayor Writes the President

In the spirit of a ‘Team Canada’ approach, the Town of Halton Hills has amended its purchasing policy to encourage staff to focus on procuring local goods and services.

The report follows a review of current practices and a municipal and market scan resulting in recommendations to ensure operational efficiency, maximize flexibility and prioritize support to local businesses. Staff were also directed earlier in the year to cease making purchases on Amazon where feasible.

Halton Hills Business Community

5-Minute Tariff Impact Survey

The Town's Economic Development staff is seeking input from local businesses to better understand the impact of the recently announced U.S tariffs.

The information collected will help staff identify key areas for advocacy, prioritize the right support for businesses, and explore potential solutions to help mitigate any negative effects.

Halton Hills Economic Development Services

The Town of Halton Hills Economic Development division, Invest Halton Hills, provides a full suite of high-quality services and supports to the business community that in turn foster a prosperous economy and enhance quality of life.

Invest Halton Hills supports and services include:

• Financial incentives via the Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Business retention and expansion (BR&E) programming
• Investment attraction, expansion, and relocation
• Business concierge service
• Site selection assistance
• Market research
• Industry engagement
• Workforce development
• Amplifying tourism’s economic benefits via Visit Halton Hills

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