NL’s tech sector is leading from the edge. Come experience the momentum. 

Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech sector has been building real momentum, and techNL’s new CEO, Andrea King, wants more people to see what is happening and be part of it. Her focus is clear: help Newfoundland and Labrador tech companies grow, compete globally, and create more opportunities here at home. 


That ambition will be on full display at techNL Summit 2026, October 19–20 at the St. John’s Convention Centre. Formerly Innovation Week, the Summit has a new name, a sharper focus, and a theme that fits this province: Leading from the Edge.

Attendees will hear from more than 40 speakers representing 30+ companies and organizations across more than 20 sessions. This year’s speaker lineup brings together perspectives from Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. The conversations will cover company growth, AI, talent, investment, customer acquisition, leadership, and market expansion, with practical ideas attendees can bring back to their teams.


The Summit pass packs a lot into two days. Monday, October 19, includes breakout sessions, the launch of Genesis’ T-Minus30, a free 30-day AI builder sprint, followed by the Summit ‘26 Networking Social that evening. In addition, students and recent grads are invited to visit the Summit on October 19th from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. for an exciting opportunity to explore careers, meet local tech companies, and discover what’s happening in Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing tech sector. Students can register at technl.member365.ca to attend.

On Tuesday, October 20, attendees can take in Main Stage programming, a light breakfast and lunch, and techfest 2026: Battle of the Tech Bands to close out the night. Separate techfest passes are also available.


If you want to understand where Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech sector is headed, meet the people building it, learn something useful, and make real connections that could move your business or career forward, this is the room to be in. 



See the full lineup and get your conference passes today: technl.ca/technlsummit26.

 

City Initiatives

 

My New St. John's October 22

Does your company have employees that are newcomers to the City of St. John’s?  Don't miss MY NEW ST. JOHN'S October 22 from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Community Market, 245 Freshwater Road. The event is free to attend and there will be free on-site childminding from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Registration for childminding is required. My New St. John’s is about helping people feel welcome, connected and part of their community. Whether you are new to St. John’s or have been here for a while, come out, meet people and learn more about what our city has to offer. Visit www.stjohns.ca for further details.

 

City launches first affordable housing land disposition opportunity

The City has launched its first request for proposals under the new Land Disposition Program. This program has been developed through the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund  Action Plan. Qualified non-profit organizations, charities, and development partnerships are welcome to submit proposals for the development of affordable housing on City-owned land at 23-31 Plymouth Road. You can read full details regarding this program here. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct 22nd, 2026 at 11 a.m. Interested proponents can access the documents and submit proposals through the City’s online bidding system.

 

City accepting applications for grant programs

The City of St. John’s is now accepting applications for grant programs. This is a fantastic opportunity for community organizations, artists, and non-profits to receive financial assistance for projects that align with the City’s strategic goals. Funding is available in the following categories:



  • Community Grants in various categories, such as events, sports, organizations and the arts.
  • Capital Grants for construction, expansion or renovation of a facility


The deadline to apply is Friday, November 27 at 4 p.m. Learn more at StJohns.ca/Grants.

 
News Briefing

Celebrating Small Business Week October 19-25

BDC Small Business Week™ recognizes the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. This year’s theme It’s a two-speed world now—fast or finished examines the unavoidable new rules: adapt fast, execute even faster, invest in productivity, and make resilience a core strategic advantage.

 

To help businesses innovate, adapt and grow, Innovation Canada and BDC are offering a free virtual Business Support Expo October 20, 2026. Join expert panel discussions and connect directly with representatives from government programs that support Canadian businesses. Register today: www.eventbrite.ca.


To mark Small Business Week, the St. John’s Business Information Centre will be on hand at My New St. John’s October 22 from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Community Market, 245 Freshwater Road. The Business Information Centre is your first stop for navigating the City’s regulatory process around starting a business. For more information, stop by our booth October 22nd or email Business@StJohns.Ca.

Spellbook ranks third on Canada's Top Growing Companies program

Spellbook, which makes generative AI products for law firms, has been recognized as the third fastest-growing company in Canada, with a remarkable three-year revenue growth of 5,826%. The Report on Business magazine's Canada’s Top Growing Companies ranking, measures revenue growth using financial information submitted by participating companies. Co-Founder and CEO Scott Stevenson was separately named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.

 
 

Upcoming Courses and Events

 

Book your spot!

Oct 14 Board of Trade State of the Province Address by the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Oct 14 Startup Women 2026 program Going up: Scaling Your Business

Oct 14 Marine Institute Future Work: Training and Skills-Next Generation Workers and Organizations

Oct 16 Energy NL Lunch with The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Oct 16 NL Organization of Women Entrepreneurs Awards 2026

Oct 20-24 St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival

Oct 21 Business and the Arts Contracts 101

Oct 22 Futurpreneur Ads, Email and Sales: Driving sales with AI

Oct 28 Springboard Atlantic Intellectual Property 101 & Building an IP Strategy

Oct 29 Co. Innovation Centre Export Café YYT Featuring UK Government

Nov 4 Expertise Hub Cooperative Turning Foreign Credential Recognition from a Maze into a Map!

Nov 4 Energy NL Industry Achievement Awards Gala

Nov 5 Business & the Arts NL (Un)Common Threads 2026: Creativity & Innovation Summit

Nov 5 econext Fundamentals of Wind-Hydrogen in NL

Nov 5-7 Municipalities NL Conference, Trade Show, and AGM

Nov 6 NL Construction Association 2026 Women in Construction Professional Development Forum. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional, this event is designed to spark new possibilities, build your leadership skills, and connect you with a strong community dedicated to supporting and advancing women in construction.

 

Questions about Starting a Business?

 

Starting a business in St. John's

Opening a new busy is a busy and exciting time, and requires careful planning. Here at the City of St. John's Business Information Centre, we know our way around town and we'd be happy to connect you to the programs, resources, and contacts you need to help make it happen. Get in touch. We're here to help.

 
Latest Economic Indicators
 

City building permits October 6, 2026


Commercial permits

Up 26% from $114,793,927 in 2025 to $145,130,887 in 2026


Industrial permits

Valued at $896,150 for 2025 and $4,280,614 for 2026


Government/institutional permits

Down from $8,525,854 in 2025 to $5,284,788 in 2026*


Residential permits

Up 37% from $74,998,929 in 2025 to $102,710,135 in 2026 


Repair permits

Up 50% from $1,140,515 in 2025 to $1,706,397 in 2026


Total value of all permits for 2026

Up 29% to $259,112,812 for 2026 from $200,355,374 for 2025


*This data does not include the full range of permit activity undertaken by the provincial government and Memorial University.

Business approvals

Pippin Croft cidery and farm, 70 Powers Road

The Barrel Thief, 5 Beck’s Cove

Baked and Loaded Inc, 430 Topsail Road

Under Ground Tattooing, 10 Austin Street

Foglab Vapes, 303-305 Hamilton Avenue

Home by Pitcher, 48 Kenmount Road

J&L Nail Salon, 25 Churchill Square

Olaf's Kitchen Catering Services, 12 Freshwater Road

Sean Brake Auto Sales, 657 Topsail Road

Tulle & Tweed Photography, 199 Water Street

Grounded Wellness, 607 Torbay Road

Joey's Nails Inc., 279 Portugal Cove Road

The Newfie Lunchbox, 167 Bay Bulls Road

The Mom Market Newfoundland, 48 Kenmount Road


Home-based businesses

Home daycare, 26 Greenspond Drive


Total business approvals 2026 = 121 (regular = 98 and home-based = 23)

Labour force characteristics as of September 2026



Labour force – 137,700 (up 0.3%)


Unemployment rate – 6.6% (down 0.4 ppt)


Employment – 128,600 (up 0.%)


Participation rate – 65.3% (down 0.9 ppt)


St. John's CMA, seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average. Percentage change reflects the same month previous year. Source: Statistics Canada.

Economic indicators


The New Housing Price Index for St. John’s Metro was 109.8 in August 2026 (0.0%*)


The Consumer Price Index for St. John’s Metro was 171.9 in August 2026 (up 4.4%*)


Retail trade for Newfoundland and Labrador was $1,113 million in July 2026 (up 15.1%*)


*St. John's CMA, same month in the previous year. Source: Statistics Canada