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October 2026

Tariff Support for Durham Businesses

Support, tools and resources are available to help Durham Region businesses respond to evolving Canada-U.S. trade conditions.

The Invest Durham Tariff Response page brings the latest information and supports together in one place, with updates, business tools and links to federal and provincial programs, including recently announced expansions to the Ontario Trade Together Fund, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Canada Strong program. 

The Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) also continues to work collaboratively to identify emerging challenges and help connect local companies with relevant information, tools and support. The DETF is made up of Invest Durham, local municipal economic development teams, chambers of commerce and boards of trade, post-secondary institutions and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

For Durham's farms and rural businesses, attracting visitors can open the door to new ways of doing business. 

Cycling tourism is one example. The Region's 13 rural on-road cycling loops help riders explore the countryside while connecting them with businesses and experiences along the way. Each stop at a farm, market, café or other local business is an opportunity to connect with new customers. 

For farms, visitor experiences can also be part of a broader approach to diversification. Agritourism generates an estimated $633 million in economic output and supports 8,734 jobs across the province, highlighting the potential of this growing sector. 

So, what can diversification look like? Brooks Farms offers a local example of how new ideas helped the business evolve, while staying true to its agricultural roots.  

Durham Region is also working with the Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge to help farmers and rural business owners pursue agriculture-related and on-farm diversified activities.

Why Accessibility Matters for Business

For Durham Region entrepreneur and consultant Anthony Lue, a life-changing experience became the catalyst for a career championing accessibility and inclusion. 

While focused on breaking down barriers and creating inclusive communities that help people with disabilities lead active, healthy and connected lives, Lue also views accessibility through a business lens. 

With more than a quarter of Canadians identifying as having a disability, Lue believes accessibility should be part of the business conversation, providing an opportunity for companies to reach and better serve more customers. 

For Lue, creating more accessible spaces and experiences starts with understanding the different barriers people may face and recognizing that accessibility needs can vary from person to person.

Oshawa has been named one of Canada’s Best Locations for 2026 by Site Selection Magazine.

The recognition reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing, technology, clean energy, life sciences, defence innovation and logistics. It highlights Oshawa's competitive advantages, including its strategic location, talented workforce, innovation ecosystem, and commitment to supporting investment and industrial development. The recognition also reflects the collaboration of the city's business community, educational institutions and industry partners in driving economic growth and opportunity.

Events and Partnerships

From October 19 to 23, celebrate the entrepreneurs and small business owners who help drive our economy during Small Business Week, Canada's largest annual celebration of entrepreneurship. 

Locally, the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) and the region's Chambers and Boards of Trade are hosting a week of practical workshops and networking opportunities. Sessions will focus on helping businesses navigate rapid change, adopt new technologies and find innovative ways to grow. 

Whether starting a business, growing an established company, or exploring the next opportunity, Small Business Week offers practical insights, new connections and ideas that can be put into action.

The lineup is out for Durham Region International Film Festival's (DRIFF) milestone anniversary.

Celebrating ten years of film and storytelling, DRIFF returns from October 22 to 24, with Sundance award-winner Hold Onto Me as its opening night feature.

With affordable ticket options, and venues across Durham Region, filmgoers can enjoy a lineup of local and international features and shorts, filmmaker Q&As, an interactive workshop, red carpet photo opportunities and a Local Culinary Showcase. New this year, DRIFF and Film Durham present Myth2Market: The Future of Movie Making Summit, a full-day exploration of the ideas, technologies and business trends shaping film and television production.

In honour of DRIFF's 10th year anniversary, festival-goers have the chance to win one of six Night-Out Giveaway Packages. The giveaway includes: a one-night hotel stay (one room), restaurant gift card or voucher and two DRIFF Tickets. Purchase a DRIFF Pass to be automatically entered for a chance to win.

Recent Business News

Durham Workforce Authority has launched a free career training program for jobs in the health care sector and in nuclear energy. Explore the training opportunity. 

A new academic building, sports centre and residence is coming to Ontario Tech University. Learn more about the school's plans to grow its campus. 

Doors are open at Whitby's new Fieldgate Sports Complex. Discover what makes this facility an 'important milestone' for the town. 

Durham College has joined the Canadian Nuclear Association as an affiliate member. Find out how the partnership will support the talent pipeline for nuclear energy. 

The village of Orono has received provincial funding to support its economic development strategy and marketing plan. Read about the funding announcement. 

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will begin taking Units 5 to 8 offline at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station in preparation for a major refurbishment project. Learn how the station's renewal will help power Ontario’s clean energy future. 

As Pickering Nuclear prepares for refurbishment, Candu Energy and Aecon Group Inc. have signed a $1.7 billion contract with OPG to begin work on Unit 5. Get more details about the deal. 

Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs is one of nine organizations receiving federal support to help Black entrepreneurs and business owners build, grow and scale their businesses. Read more about the investment. 

More students will be able to train for in-demand careers in Durham Region, with the province investing $79 million to add more than 2,800 new student seats at Ontario Tech University and Durham College. Discover what the expansion will mean. 

A skilled trades career fair is making a stop at the Tribute Communities Centre. Explore what's planned for the Oshawa visit. 

Durham Region's music success stories were celebrated at the 2026 DREAMS! Music Awards. Catch up with the winners.

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



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