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Join North America's largest and longest-running local food certification program. Feast On® is for businesses across the food service chain—whether you’re serving or selling local food or creating, growing, and raising local ingredients for the food service industry.

Certification recognizes those businesses committed to sourcing and celebrating Ontario-grown food and drink. It also helps to increase demand and provide opportunities for our farmers.

Feast On® certified businesses must provide proof that at least 25 per cent of their annual spending is Ontario-grown and raised ingredients. Feast On® certified restaurants in Durham Region include Portobello Road, Bistro ‘67, Fig Kitchen and Market and Nest at Trail Hub.

Central Counties Tourism is accepting applications for its 2025-2026 Partnership Program. 

The Central Counties Tourism Partnership Program is an annual matching-funds program designed to financially support stakeholders in building capacity and driving growth in the visitor economy. 

The Partnership Program is open to tourism business, organizations, and event organizers within the regions of York, Durham or Headwaters to support their tourism-focused projects occurring within these boundaries during the period of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. The second intake deadline is June 13.

Get The Foodpreneur Advantage 

If you’re looking to start a food venture or want to expand your operation, the Foodpreneur Advantage program is for you. The Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) is launching the program in partnership with their Small Business Centre Network. 

Free workshops run from April 24 to June 5 on topics including how to start a food business, food production, pricing, selling to retailers and marketing strategies. There is also training in pitching products to national chains and learning about the money side of it. There is also an opportunity for up to $5,000 in funding for eligible participants.

The final report and action plan for the Scugog Business Program (SBP) is now available.

The Township of Scugog in collaboration with Invest Durham and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rual Affairs developed the SBP to collect first-hand information about the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses.

The goal was to enhance the understanding of the actions needed to create an environment where businesses want to remain and grow in the Township. The SBP identified six priority areas with 30 potential actions.

If you’re passionate about tourism and want to promote tourism growth in Durham Region, apply now to the Board of Directors for Central Counties Tourism (CCT).

This volunteer-led board provides strategic leadership to drive tourism initiatives, build partnerships, and support businesses across the regions of York, Durham and Headwaters. CCT is accepting applications until April 25 to fill six upcoming vacancies. They include:

• 1 Durham Region representative 
• 2 Headwaters Region representatives 
• 1 York Region representative 
• 2 Directors-at-large 

The City of Oshawa invites community members to celebrate its rich history with free admission to the Doors Open Oshawa event on May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the architecture and heritage of Oshawa by visiting unique buildings and sites across the city. Join Doors Open Oshawa 2025.

The Sunflower Farm is taking applications from vendors for their third annual Market Days on August 2 and 3. Apply now to be a part of their busiest weekend of the season. Get pricing information and application details. 

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation has announced the availability of office space for lease in the Greater Toronto Area's only First Nation On-Reserve Business Park. Discover the unique benefits it provides to businesses and learn more about this space. 

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery and Safari Zoo Camp at Jungle World are now Rainbow Registered for their work in creating welcoming and inclusive experiences. Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation program for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure all customers feel safe, welcomed and accepted. Learn more about Pride in Durham. 

The Maker’s Hub in Whitby is looking for someone to take over their love of handmade creativity and community. Owner, Cheryl Henry, is looking to pass the torch and has put the business up for sale. The Maker’s Hub offers unique gifts and products that are locally made and support artists and small businesses. Fill out the contact form to find out more information. 

The Roxy Theatre in Uxbridge is seeking a new owner with a passion for film, and the current owners are seeking individuals who could keep the theatre locally owned and operated. Reach out to current owners Cathy and Mark at RoxyTheatres.com to learn more about this business sale opportunity.

Current News & Trends

The global trade war sparked by U.S. tariffs continues to evolve. Ensure your business is prepared by visiting InvestDurham.ca/tariffs. You’ll find resources, updates, and support contacts.

With continued trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., Attractions Ontario wants to know how current economic conditions may be affecting tourism businesses with an online survey. The results will be used to better understand industry challenges and advocate for meaningful support. Complete the Attractions Ontario survey. 

Destination Canada has released a first-of-its-kind measurement tool to calculate tourism’s far-reaching impacts. Tourism's Wealth & Wellbeing Index looks beyond traditional metrics like visitor spending and arrivals to assess the comprehensive benefits tourism brings to Canadians. Check out the insights on how tourism impacts communities. 

Destination Canada is also teaming up with Tourism HR Canada to improve tourism workforce data as part of the Canadian Tourism Data Collective. The collaboration aims to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness, help businesses better understand workforce dynamics and showcase tourism as a viable, long-term career path. Read more about the partnership. 

Local chef Matthew Simpson was recently featured in Toronto Life. The owner and chef of The Springwood shared some of his favourite culinary stops in his hometown of Whitby. Get the full story in Toronto Life. 

Looking to build your business’ online presence? Find inspiration in the success story of a small coffee shop in Rhode Island. Discover how the Nitro Bar became a viral TikTok sensation.