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February 2025

Film and Television Industry Career Fair

Be a part of the magic that brings stories to life. Join Film Durham on March 17 for the Film and Television Industry Career Fair.

Explore more than 150 career opportunities that exist right here in Durham Region, from production and cinematography to visual effects, costuming and much more. The film and TV industry is thriving in Durham Region and there is a growing demand for skilled workers. High school and post-secondary students, or adults in search of a fresh start, are invited to take advantage of this unique and free opportunity.

Hosted at the Durham College and Ontario Tech University Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre in Oshawa, you’ll connect one-on-one with industry professionals, learn about post-secondary programs that can set you up for success, and experience the industry in action with interactive display booths.

Durham Region is celebrating the substantial completion of Durham OneNet's flagship broadband project, Project Genesis. 

With more than 99 per cent of the underground fibre optic infrastructure built, there are now 1,800 rural homes, businesses, farms and municipal sites across, and in between, 10 previously underserved communities that now have access to reliable fibre-based broadband and high-speed internet through Vianet.

Durham OneNet has delivered on its promise ahead of schedule, covering almost 30 per cent more premises than originally planned.

10 Durham Region communities, and many homes and businesses in between, will benefit from this project. Service is available to more than 90 per cent of the locations through Vianet, with the remaining 10 per cent expected by the end of winter 2025.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, thoughts inevitably turn to chocolate. Kenesha Lewis, chocolatier and owner of One More Cocoa in Whitby, has tapped into this market with uniquely flavoured chocolates, bonbons, and hot chocolate. 

Kenehsa’s journey began with her love for chocolate and an entrepreneurial spirit. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her job, she channeled her energy into creating chocolate bars that were loved by family and friends. By May 2021, she moved her growing business to a commercial kitchen and retail space in downtown Whitby. 

Business was made even sweeter when in 2023, her Hot Chocolate Trio box was chosen as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things. While she appreciates the national and international success that came from it, Kenesha values the support from Durham Region residents. This year she plans to bring back a short-run project called the “Whitby Box”—with one of the bonbons named “The Roy,” in honour of Whitby’s Mayor Elizabeth Roy. 

Elevate Your Sales Game  

Whether you’re just starting out as a small business owner or you are a seasoned entrepreneur, selling your product or service can be intimidating. 

Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) is here to help with its six-week coaching program, The Sales Blueprint.  

Build your sales confidence with weekly two-hour online sessions that offer practical, easy to follow techniques and real-world examples. Topics include: 

• Sales foundations and mindset 
• Sales-driven marketing 
• Prospecting and qualification 
• Sales conversations that convert 
• Objection handling and negotiation 

By the end of the course, you’ll have a sales strategy in place that’s right for your business and stays true to your personal mission. The course starts February 13. 

Supporting Agriculture in North Durham 

Thank you to agriculture businesses and community members who provided feedback on Durham Region’s study to update policies for agriculture-related and on-farm diversified uses in the townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.

The agriculture sector is an important component of the local economy—providing food, products, a livelihood and jobs for farmers and their employees. It also helps to support rural businesses that provide products and services, contributing to the agricultural system.   

The study's overall objective is to support a thriving agricultural system and rural economic opportunity, while balancing farmland protection. Your feedback has been valuable in determining the policies and application processes for these uses/activities. Draft recommendations will be shared for community feedback between February and March.  

An online survey will be launched in the coming weeks, and the public open house date will be shared soon. 

Events and Partnerships

Durham College’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) and Community Employment Services are hosting two virtual sessions to hear from employers on the transportation challenges in North Durham.

This initiative is part of the work being done by the Durham Regional Technology Development Site (DRTDS)—a partnership between Durham College, Spark Centre, Ontario Tech University and the Region of Durham—in bringing smart mobility solutions to the residents of Durham Region. Two of the DRTDS private sector partners,

Hopin Tech and Naryant, will share examples of work they have done with others to show attendees the types of solutions currently in use.

Sessions will take place on February 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and February 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. To register, e-mail your name, organization and the session you would like to attend to Chris.Gillis@DurhamCollege.ca.  

There is also a short survey asking employers to provide a more detailed level of understanding of transportation issues in Durham’s northern municipalities. 

Be a Part of Accelerate Durham

Nobellum, in partnership with the Town of Ajax and Invest Durham is proud to announce Accelerate Durham, a groundbreaking Innovathon designed to empower Black entrepreneurs in Durham Region.

The in-person event will take place on February 15 and aims to provide innovative startups with the resources, exposure, and support they need to succeed.

With a $10,000 prize at stake, this event will showcase the brightest ideas in STEM and foster a supportive community for Black founders and innovators. Attendees can expect a day of inspiration, networking, and a tradeshow organized by All BLK Market. 

Recent Business News

Toronto Star has named the head of Hydro Cool Systems one of 11 Canadian tech entrepreneurs to watch in 2025. The Toronto startup is developing smart, zero-carbon mobile refrigeration units and is working with ACE at Ontario Tech University.

The City of Oshawa is offering an opportunity to reimagine the space at 47 Bond Street West. The space was formerly known as the downtown bus terminal. The goal is to transform this fully serviced space and land into a development that will positively contribute to downtown Oshawa. Learn more and how to submit a proposal. 

The City of Oshawa has set a March 1 deadline to apply for Community Improvement Grants. These incentives are designed to encourage development and redevelopment in designated areas throughout the city. Find out how to apply. 

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



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