In mid-February, Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced the success of Ontario's bid for the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster. This Supercluster bid was chosen as one of five bids to receive funding and support as part of the Government of Canada's $950 million Innovation Superclusters Initiative. 

The final release of Statistics Canada's 2016 Census Data was in November 2017. Read the full summary of the 2016 Census releases online here . Some key takeways include:

BEDC has a new 2018-2022 Strategic Plan that outlines our Vision for Economic Growth. Our Strategic Plan is fully aligned with the City of Burlington's Strategic Plan 2015 - 2040. Read BEDC's full Strategic Plan here.  The Strategic Plan focuses on:

• Keeping Burlington competitive
• Attracting and growing innovative companies
• Developing an attractive 21st century city.

TechPlace has accepted MyAbilities Technologies Inc. as their newest LaunchPad company.  MyAbilities is  a tech company offering a web-based SaaS platform using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to transform human asset management for insurance companies and their employer clients; disrupting a $3.5 trillion insurance industry. Learn more about TechPlace's LaunchPad program here  and visit the  MyAbilities site here.   

 Did you know TechPlace has their own newsletter?  Subscribe here and read   the January installment to get caught up on all things TechPlace. 

MP Pam Damoff is launching the Young Women in Leadership program for the second year in a row. This program will offer young women in Halton an opportunity to job-shadow in a local business, agency, organization, or government office. Last year BEDC participated and were thrilled with the outcome; we highly encourage local businesses to get involved! Get more program information here. 

It comes as no surprise to anyone following real estate that Burlington's ICI market is booming. To illustrate this point, consider the following. In Q4 2017 the office vacancy rate was  12.2% ; in Q4 2016 the office vacancy rate was 16.5%; and in Q4 2015 the rate was 20.6%. This is in addition to Burlington's industrial vacancy rate which has

decreased from 5.4% in Q3 2015 to 3.9% in Q3 2017. The current attractiveness of Burlington ensures a bright economic future for the city that brings new businesses, residents, and opportunities. For more information on these trends, please contact BEDC directly or click here to view our economic indicators.

This past month, the City of Burlington kicked off its 4th  Future Ready Leadership Program with Mohawk College Enterprise (MCE). The training is completely customized and will integrate key City of Burlington leadership competencies such as upholding integrity and respect, collaborating with partners and stakeholders, and promoting innovation and guiding change. MCE's training focuses on equipping current and future leaders with the skills necessary to adapt to the changing workforce and lead their teams. To learn more, visit their

website. 

Workplace Electric Vehicle Charging Incentive Program   
Ontario is making it easier to use electric vehicles to get to and from work by assisting employers, commercial building owners and managers to install charging stations at their wor kplaces. The Workplace Electric Vehicle Charging Incentive Program will provide 80 per cent of the capital costs to install level 2 chargers, up to $7,500 per charging space.  Learn more here. 

Funding: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities 

The application period is now open for organizations interested in receiving funding through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.  This program was designed to fill a gap in federal supports for Canadians with disabilities who are not eligible for the Employment Insurance program or training support. The program is intended to assist Canadians with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment or self-employment.  Learn more.

March 8th, 7 - 8:30pm

March 7th, 9 - 10:30am