Access Business Funding and Support | | |
Invest Durham has partnered with Fundica to provide businesses with a simple way to find government funding in Canada.
Through its proprietary search tool and intelligent filtering, Fundica helps entrepreneurs and businesses find grants, tax credits, other tax incentives, loans, loan guarantees, equity funding and accelerator programs.
The service is free to use and supports businesses of all sizes and sectors, including non-profits, startups and small, medium and large companies. Getting started requires creating a profile and setting a password. Once registered, users receive instant access to funding opportunities tailored to their needs.
| | Durham Region's Appeal to Global Businesses | | |
Durham Region offers more than strong economic opportunities; it also embodies many of the qualities Canada is known for globally: a high quality of life, unique experiences and an inclusive community.
From local sports teams and multicultural festivals to waterfront trails, global cuisine and four-season recreation, Durham Region offers a diverse and balanced lifestyle that resonates with today’s workforce.
For global companies, this environment supports attracting and retaining talent. The region’s population continues to grow and diversify, shaped by global newcomers and a highly educated workforce. Together, culture, lifestyle and opportunity make Durham Region a welcoming place to do business.
| | Port Perry: from Destination to Opportunity | | |
Port Perry is emerging as one of Ontario’s iconic small-town destinations. With a waterfront setting, historic downtown and diverse recreational options, downtown Port Perry welcomed nearly 2.3 million visits from tourists and locals alike in 2024.
Like Niagara-on-the-Lake or Prince Edward County, Port Perry’s future growth lies not in rapid expansion, but in a clear sense of identity and place. This is a town where entrepreneurs can test ideas, build loyal followings and become part of the story rather than fight to be seen.
For entrepreneur Jack Doak, who owns three established businesses in the Port Perry area, that distinction is key. “If someone has a passion for history, wants to restore a building, live here, work here, this is an ideal time to invest in Port Perry,” he said.
Port Perry’s success has been built from stewardship. Its next phase will come from investment that respects character, builds loyalty and supports sustainability.
| | Durham Region Business Count is Back | | |
Durham Region business owners can expect a knock on their door this summer. The Region of Durham is conducting its annual Business Count to gather information from local businesses about their operations.
Business Count surveyors will be visiting businesses from May to August and will be recognizable by their navy blue Region of Durham shirts and photo ID cards. All businesses, including home-based businesses, non-profit organizations and farms, are encouraged to participate and help us plan our support for business services.
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Businesses in Brock Township looking to grow, upgrade or invest in their operations may want to explore the micro-loan programs offered by South Lake Futures.
The not-for-profit organization currently offers two programs with loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. The Community Capacity Fund supports downtown revitalization projects, such as storefront improvements, accessibility upgrades and interior renovations. Through the EquipUp program, businesses can access financing for equipment upgrades, including point-of-sale systems, kitchen gear, fleet vehicles and more.
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Experience a day of bold ideas and inspiring conversations at TEDxOshawa on May 2 at the Biltmore Theatre.
Invest Durham is proud to sponsor this event, which brings together 14 speakers from across the region to share fresh perspectives on innovation, creativity and community. TEDxOshawa has been creating space for meaningful dialogue and challenging assumptions since 2023. The non-profit event is organized by a group of volunteers and all speakers, partners and sponsors provide their services for free.
| | Invest Durham at Canadian Radiotheranostics Leader’s Summit | | |
Invest Durham will be an exhibitor at the Canadian Radiotheranostics Leaders’ Summit in Toronto on May 25 and 26, joining leaders from across the global isotope supply chain.
Register today for the annual event that brings together experts from business and investment communities, government, healthcare and academics to explore the future of radiothernostics and isotope innovation. Durham Region plays a leading role in isotope innovation, supported by strategic assets and world-class infrastructure.
The region is home to the headquarters of Ontario Power Generation, the Pickering and Darlington Nuclear Generating Stations and is advancing the first of four planned Small Modular Reactors—the first in the G7. Durham is also located next to the future Port Hope Wesleyville expansion project.
Together, with a growing innovation ecosystem, these strengths position Durham as a globally competitive platform for isotope research and production, helping drive life‑saving advancements in health and medical research.
| | Beyond the Music: Ready or Not Ready | | |
Beyond the Music is back, bringing industry insight, community and live music together in Port Perry. Hosted by Invest Durham in partnership with Old Flame Brewing Co. and Small Town Open Mic, the free event takes place on May 28 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Designed for musicians, venue owners and creative professionals, this edition, Ready or Not Ready, dives into the business side of music, from getting work published to promoting songs to radio and beyond. Attendees will take part in a roundtable and hear from industry experts focusing on artist development. The panel will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the speakers.
The night wraps up with an open mic session, where singers and musicians are invited to take the stage and have fun. Those interested in performing must pre-register by emailing Camperdown. Participants can bring their own instrument or use one of the house guitars.
| | Is Your Business Ready for its Next Phase of Growth? | | |
Whether you’re focusing on research and development (R&D), hiring, market expansion, customer acquisition or strategic partnerships, you don’t have to do it alone.
Spark Centre’s Landing Pad Accelerator Program (LPAP) supports founders with up to $10,000 in non-dilutive funding, plus hands-on advisory support to help you grow with clarity and momentum.
Through LPAP, you’ll gain:
• Guidance on IP protection, product development and R&D.
• Hiring and workforce planning support.
• Access to experienced advisors and a trusted innovation network.
• Expert support to strengthen pitches and funding applications.
• Brand, marketing and design support aligned to revenue growth.
• Investor-readiness coaching and commercialization planning.
• Customer acquisition, sales pipeline and go-to-market strategy.
If you’re ready to move from potential to performance, LPAP provides the funding, expertise, and ecosystem to help you scale.
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The City of Oshawa wants to be a leader in Canada’s defence sector. View this CBC article to find out why some local politicians feel it could become a hub for national defence.
The Town of Ajax has launched a new platform to connect local businesses. Discover how the ‘Powered by Ajax’ registry works.
Oshawa reveals plans for the $50 million renovation of the Tribute Communities Centre. Explore what’s coming to the downtown arena.
Durham College and Scotland’s Ayrshire College are growing their partnership through immersive training. Learn about the collaboration which includes a 3D mixed-reality model of a Boeing turbine engine.
Oshawa hits a new milestone to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with help from Ontario Tech University. Read more about Oshawa’s environmental achievements.
Lakeridge Health Oshawa will receive a $250,000 donation over five years from Laurentis Energy Partners toward the purchase of a new gamma camera. Discover how the investment will support health care in Durham Region.
Durham College’s Electric Drive Vehicle Technician program is powering Ontario’s workforce. Explore career paths in electric and hybrid vehicles available to students.
The Ontario government is investing $3.2 million in stormwater upgrades in the City of Oshawa. Find out where the funding will be put to work.
Durham College has been recognized by Colleges and Institutes Canada with its Award of Excellence. View the announcement to learn what earned Durham College the award.
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