If there are problems with how this message is displayed, click here to view it in a web browser.

October 2025

Tariff Tools and Support

Amid ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions, businesses in Durham Region have access to new tools and funding initiatives designed to help them adapt and stay competitive.

Companies facing global trade pressures may be eligible for funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). The RTRI is a national program delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies. RTRI funding targets time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets.  

The Canada Tariff Finder is a user-friendly way to check import and export tariffs for specific goods and markets. The tool shows both general tariff rates and preferential rates available under Canada’s Free Trade Agreements. 

For a one-stop source of up-to-date information, Invest Durham’s Tariff Response page brings together key resources, funding opportunities, support tools, and contact information—all in one place.

The Wellington Lofts: A Place to Grow

Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling your business, The Wellington Lofts in downtown Bowmanville helps entrepreneurship thrive in Durham Region.

This inspiring co-working and innovation space welcomes startups, creatives, and changemakers to its beautifully restored heritage building that blends historic charm with modern amenities.

The Wellington Lofts offers flexible workspaces including private offices. There are also two studios for content creation and access to a staffed cafe and event space.

From Oshawa Ice to Global Business

At just 22-years-old, Oshawa’s Zechariah Thomas is helping redefine the game of hockey. As founder and CEO of Swift Hockey, Zechariah manufactures and sells carbon fibre professional-level hockey sticks at a fraction of the cost.

Born from Zechariah’s own journey as a talented hockey player, Swift Hockey sells over 200,000 sticks annually across North America and Europe. Swift Hockey is also fueled by Zechariah’s passion to make hockey more affordable for young players by keeping hockey stick prices well under the national average. The company also donates sticks to kids in need—helping more young athletes stay in the game. 

From local pro shops to international markets, Swift Hockey is proving that big dreams can start on Durham ice.

Celebrate Small Business Week with BACD

The Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) is rolling out a dynamic lineup of events for Small Business Week. From October 20 to 24, BACD is offering workshops, panel discussions on emerging trends and opportunities and strategic planning sessions that will help you think long-term for your business. 

Their lineup of workshops and events include:  

• October 20: Understanding Financial Statements 
• October 21: AI for Marketing 
• October 22: Fundamentals of Buying and Selling a Business 
• October 23: Securing Your Online Presence 
• October 23: Clarington Local: Side Gig Bootcamp 
• October 24: We Mean Business Networking Lunch   

Almost every event is free, so register now as spots will fill fast.

Ontario is leading North America’s largest nuclear expansion and Durham Region is at the forefront. 

At the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) Nuclear Industry Day on September 11, Invest Durham was the key sponsor of the VIP breakfast and highlighted the region’s growing role in powering both Ontario’s grid and its economy.

Recognized at the event for its role as the Clean Energy Capital of Canada, Durham is home to the country’s largest nuclear facilities and is a hub for innovation, training, and investment in clean technology. Key projects include the nearly complete refurbishment at the Darlington reactor and construction of Canada’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at Darlington, with three more planned by the mid-2030s.

Durham’s clean energy ecosystem is attracting businesses across manufacturing, engineering, and specialized services. Ontario Tech University is helping to fuel this momentum by preparing a skilled workforce to support the province’s nuclear strategy and strengthen its energy future.

Events and Partnerships

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, celebrate local success, and get ready for a week of inspiration and growth with Whitby Local Business Week.

Organized by Invest Whitby, the week kicks off October 20 with breakfast at The Centennial Building. Other sessions include a workshop on savings and business retrofit incentives and a panel discussion on tourism trends and opportunities. The week ends with the Youth Micro-Hackathon. A chance for young people ages 16 to 20 to team up and create their own business concepts and pitch ideas.

Whether you're a startup, scale-up, or simply passionate about Canadian innovation, on October 21, take part in Masterclass: Prioritizing Canadian Entrepreneurship.

This free event brings together Durham Region’s brightest innovators to explore five key lessons for building a thriving national innovation ecosystem. Hear directly from local founders as they share what it takes to lead and grow in today’s competitive economy.  

Be inspired and connect at this session presented by Invest Durham, 1855 Whitby and 360insights.

The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) and the CMU College of Makeup Art and Design are offering an exciting opportunity on October 25 to see how special effects makeup brings characters to life.

With the help of prostheses, contouring, sculpting, casting, body painting and hair, filmmakers can achieve realistic effects that range from iconic superheroes like Iron Man to monsters like Godzilla. 

The free workshop at the Biltmore Theatre runs from noon to 2:00 p.m. Watch step-by-step demonstrations of four classic effects: zombie, cuts and bruises, burns, and frostbite. Afterwards, get in on the action when CMU alumni Amanda Russell and Kat Guerin will apply special effects makeup to members of the audience.

Whether you’re already a Feast On® certified business or curious about what it means to be part of Ontario’s local food movement, come out for the Feast On® Mixer happening November 10 at the Trail Hub’s Nest restaurant in Uxbridge.

This industry get together is your chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate good food. Want to know who’s already a part of Feast On® in Durham Region? Find certified businesses.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how small businesses operate. Get in the know now with the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD)’s free series on how to use AI in practical, impactful ways.

Future Ready: AI Skills for Small Business Success is led by experts from the AI/Hub at Durham College and Reply-All. This hands-on virtual program will help you build an AI adoption roadmap for your Durham Region based business. No tech background is required.

The next session on AI tools that automate admin and streamline teamwork, takes place October 2. Three additional workshops—each covering a different practical AI topic—will follow through to November 13.

Recent Business News

Spark visitor interest at your business with Durham Tourism’s Open Skies. This magazine is the ultimate guide to showcasing the region’s best experiences with 129 inspiring ways to play, stay, and support local. Reach out to Durham Tourism for information on how to get copies for your business. You can also find it online at DurhamTourism.ca/discover.

Congratulations to the Durham Region Association of Black Professionals (DRABP) on their new office home in Pickering. DRABP is a nonprofit empowering Black entrepreneurs and leaders across Durham. Learn more about their services. 

On October 24, catch “Things You Kill”, Canada’s Oscar submission for best international feature, at the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF). In this CBC article, find out from Toronto Director, Alireza Khatami how his psychological thriller is inspired by his own family trauma. 

DRIFF’s feature film on October 23, Nika and Madison, is part of a recent explosion of Indigenous-made cinema. Read more about how Indigenous cinema spans across genres and is more recognized than ever before. 

Invest Durham was proud to celebrate Durham Region’s arts, culture and creative sector as a sponsor of the recent DREAMS! Music Awards, the successor to the Oshawa Music Awards. The celebration on September 21 honoured local music legends and rising stars. Read more about the people shaping Durham’s sound. 

Oshawa’s Economic Development website has a brand-new look and features. The site includes real-time data, sector insights, and business support tools. Investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders can explore Oshawa’s talent pipeline, site selection services, and resources, including an AI-powered funding search and trade navigation support. 

Do It In Durham is coming up November 17 to 25. Led by the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD), this week-long celebration of entrepreneurship is all about encouraging and supporting the entrepreneurs, job creators and innovators who create economic growth in the Durham Region. Registration opens in October, but sponsorship opportunities are available now! Connect with BACD to get involved. 

At Ontario Tech University, Brilliant Catalyst is empowering students, alumni and international innovators to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. With three main programs, Brilliant Catalyst supports a range of goals to help you build momentum. Read our blog to learn more about Brilliant Catalyst.

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



As a contact of the Region of Durham's Planning and Economic Development Department, you have been added to our mailing list. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please use the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of this e-newsletter.

If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Invest Durham.