Watch Now: Tariff Supports for Businesses Seminar | | |
Catch up on the latest tariff-related business supports by viewing Invest Durham's recent Tariff Supports for Businesses Seminar.
On October 15, Invest Durham was joined by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, (FedDev) to discuss eligibility information for the BDC Tariff Support Program and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
Find additional resources at the Invest Durham Tariff Response page. It details funding and support programs as well as resources and tools to help businesses adapt to evolving market conditions. The Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) continues to play a key role in this work, bringing together partners across all levels of government and local partners to monitor emerging challenges, share information and connect local companies with available support.
| | Holiday shopping starts local | | |
With the holiday season approaching, Shop in Durham Week returns November 23 to 29 to celebrate the small businesses and entrepreneurs that help make Durham strong.
The week encourages residents and visitors to explore the region’s urban downtowns and small-town main streets; discover unique local retailers and experience all that Durham has to offer. ShopInDurham.ca brings it all together with shopping destinations, farmers’ markets, restaurants and events from across the region. Businesses can also connect with local support networks.
With ongoing economic pressures, every local purchase can make a meaningful difference. Share the campaign with your networks and social channels using #ShopInDurham and tagging @DurhamTourism.
| | Supporting Local in a Changing Economy | | |
From manufacturers and farms to restaurants and retailers, economic challenges affect businesses of all sizes.
That's why Durham Region is working with partners across the community to share information and connect businesses with resources and support. The Region is also reviewing its own purchasing practices to identify opportunities to support Ontario and Canadian suppliers where possible, and encouraging people to support local by shopping, dining and exploring close to home.
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Ontario businesses involved in defence, public safety and space-related markets may be eligible for new funding through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).
OVIN has expanded its R&D Partnership Fund to include a new funding stream focused on defence, dual-use and space technologies. Eligible projects may include technologies related to autonomous and uncrewed systems, drones, electrification, propulsion, sensor systems, satellite communications, space transportation and earth observation.
Successful applicants can receive up to $1 million in funding to support eligible projects.
| | Support for AI Adoption and Growth | | |
With artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping business, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is helping businesses and organizations leverage new AI opportunities.
Applications are now open to the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative. The program provides funding to help businesses and organizations adopt and integrate AI, help Canadian companies commercialize and scale AI solutions, and strengthen organizations that help businesses adopt or commercialize AI.
The Government of Canada has invested an additional $500 million over five years in the initiative as part of its national AI strategy.
Apply by November 24, if your project and eligible costs start before March 31, 2027. Otherwise, applications will be accepted until January 19, 2027.
| | Be a Part of Durham's Entrepreneurship Week | | |
Join fellow entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders for a week of connection and growth when Do It in Durham Week returns November 16 to 20.
Organized by the Business Advisory Centre of Durham, Do It in Durham Week brings together business support organizations, educators and local experts to help you build connections, gain insights and discover resources to support your business journey.
With more than 35 free events available online and at locations across the region, Do It in Durham Week is designed for entrepreneurs at every stage.
| | From Local Gigs to New Opportunities | | |
Invest Durham, in partnership with Town Brewery, is hosting the next Beyond the Music event on November 19 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Beyond the Music: Building a Live Music Career will help participants find and create more live-performance opportunities and share what presenters, venues and buyers are looking for.
The free evening will continue with the Songwriter's Showcase. The open mic offers local songwriters and musicians a chance to perform, connect and share their work. Light refreshments will be served, with additional food and beverage items available for purchase.
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Employers interested in exploring different ways to meet their workforce needs are encouraged to attend a webinar on November 19 hosted by Durham Local Immigration Partnership.
While there are many programs and services to help employers find newcomer talent, and programs for job seekers to find job vacancies, it can be challenging to know where to start.
The online session will spotlight three organizations working in Durham to assist and connect employers with qualified immigrant talent:
- Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Invest Durham
- Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, Pickering
Employers will also hear about other programs and opportunities that support newcomer hiring and retention in Durham.
| | Keep Pace with a Changing Industry | | |
For anyone working in renewable energy or looking to move into the sector, strengthening your project management expertise can help you take on bigger challenges and opportunities.
Corporate Training Services (CTS) at Durham College is offering an online learning module on renewable energy project management. Developed in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands, the 12-week, self-paced course features industry insights from Ontario Power Generation, Statkraft, and Scottish and Southern Energy. Participants will learn from real-world challenges and explore projects from early concepts and planning through execution, delivery and closure.
| | New Program Connects Startups with Investors | |
Applications are now open for Spark Centre's newly launched Spark Capital Access Program (SCAP). The initiative is designed to help Canadian startups become investment-ready, access early-stage capital, and connect with investors across Canada and the United States.
Open to companies with a market-ready product, demonstrated traction and at least $200,000 in revenue over the past 12 months, SCAP provides fundraising advisory support and investor-readiness coaching.
In addition to the new program, Spark Centre is also hosting Fast Track to Funding on November 19 as part of Do It In Durham Week. Register for this free event, where innovators can connect with funders and decision-makers through a speed-networking format.
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Whitby's North American Steel has received a $25,000 grant after winning the Town's first Industrial Energy Challenge. Find out how the company plans to put the funding to work.
From nuclear power and its supply chain to clean technology and energy storage, Pickering’s energy sector is evolving and creating new opportunities along the way. Get the details.
Ajax has once again been recognized as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community. Read more about the Town's investments in cycling.
Clarington's first new recreation centre in nearly 20 years has opened. The Bowmanville Community Complex features a FIFA-sized multi-sport dome, indoor walking track and gymnasium, with pools and other amenities still to come. Learn more about this new facility.
A new garden is taking root at Durham College. Discover how it's bringing together Indigenous knowledge, hands-on education and sustainability.
New government funding will help small businesses in the agri-food industry expand operations and enhance food safety. Find out eligibility rules and how to apply.
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Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857
InvestDurham.ca
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