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June 2025

With its strong network of artists, venues and audiences, Durham Region’s local music scene is thriving and poised for growth. The recently released Durham Region Music Industry Analysis found that Durham’s music ecosystem not only entertains but also drives economic and cultural growth. Insights include: 

• Durham Region’s music industry generated $162 million in gross domestic product (GDP), contributed $110 million in labour income and supported 4,895 full-time-equivalent jobs in 2023. 
• People spend, on average, $138 a year on live music in Durham Region, with another $90 spent in the community before and after a music event. 
• There are 469 music-related assets in Durham Region: including 125 spaces and venues and 74 music-related festivals and events. 

In 2024, Invest Durham engaged with local musicians, industry stakeholders and music lovers through a forum, group discussions and a survey to develop the Durham Region Music Industry Analysis. Their input, combined with research completed by consulting firm Nordicity, has been instrumental in identifying the strengths of Durham Region’s music industry and the opportunities for growth.

Beyond the Music: Business Skills and Branding

Invest Durham is committed to building a stronger, more vibrant music industry in Durham Region. We have launched a new event series called Beyond the Music.

The first session, Beyond the Music: Business Skills and Branding, takes place June 5 at the Centennial Building in Whitby and offers networking and concurrent workshops to boost your brand value, commercial readiness and music business management skills. 

This free opportunity to connect and learn was created through a partnership between Invest Durham, the Canadian Musicians Co-operative and the Town of Whitby. It is open to both established musicians and professionals in Durham's music scene and newcomers eager to join.

Hop In Technologies Driving New Routes to Employment

Hop In Technologies is transforming workplace commutes. Seeing how limited transportation options can impact business growth and job opportunities for workers, Hop In Technologies has created a data-driven platform that offers customized commuting solutions for organizations and their employees.

For example, shift-based manufacturers are often in remote locations where employees need their own vehicle to get to and from work. Hop In Technologies can use its logistic software to create traffic routes and then work with transportation providers to pick up employees from common meeting points.

Founded in 2018 by Boyd Reid and Erich Ko, Hop In Technologies has worked with companies in Durham Region and across Canada and the United States.

The Region’s annual Business Count is underway.

Data collected through the Business Count will be used for municipal planning and analysis, programming to grow our local industries, and to help plan for business services to build a stronger local economy.

All businesses, including home-based businesses, non-profit organizations and farms, are encouraged to participate.

Eligible Ontario companies impacted by trade disruptions can now get support to enhance resilience, strengthen capacity, build local supply chains in Ontario, and expand market reach.

It’s part of the recently launched Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF). 

To qualify, projects must address the impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including trade diversity and trade security. 

The types of support through OTTF include funding and complementary supports and services. The intake period for applications is continuous which means applications can be submitted any time while the program is open.

Events and Partnerships

Celebrate Local Food Week in Durham Region

During Local Food Week (June 2 to 8), we recognize businesses that champion the food grown, made and produced in Durham Region.

From farmers’ fields and markets to restaurants, breweries and retailers, these establishments make it possible for our community to eat and drink locally. Every bite makes a difference. Here are ways to support them:

• Find all things delicious at our Local Food directory. 
• Go farm to fork with fresh produce from a farmers’ market or farm stand.
• Learn what’s in season right now on the Durham Farm Fresh website.  
• Serve up something delicious with recipes from Chef Alex Page using locally sourced ingredients.  
• Feast locally and dine out at a Feast On® certified business that supports local food and drink. Start planning your meal now with these must-try restaurants for local food lovers. 

Make Local Food Week a delicious way to support those who keep Durham Region’s food industry thriving.

Established and aspiring filmmakers are invited to make their submissions for the 2025 Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF). 

Submit your film by June 30 for the chance to win a $700 cash prize in each of the following categories: 

• Best Student Film   
• Best Canadian Short Film   
• Best International Short Film  
• Best Regional Film 
• People's Choice Award  

DRIFF 2025 takes place October 23 to 25.

Recent Business News

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has been given the go-ahead to build the first small modular reactor (SMR) in Canada. The SMR is the first of four at OPG’s Darlington nuclear site with plans for it to be in service by 2030. Read more about the first new nuclear build in Ontario in more than three decades. 

Lakeridge Logistics Centre in Ajax has achieved the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero-Carbon Building™ (ZCB) design certification. The 1.2 million square foot building is one of the largest industrial properties in Canada to do so. Find out more about its sustainability features. 

Durham College (DC) has received renewed funding for its Intellectual Property Support Program. In partnership with Intellectual Property Ontario, Conestoga College and Sheridan College, DC is playing a key role in supporting local businesses with strategies that protect, promote and commercialize their ideas. Learn more about how DC is helping businesses grow and thrive.

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



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