The Town of Halton Hills recognizes that the recent tariff announcements will present challenges for our local businesses, workforce, and the broader Canadian economy. The Town remains committed to supporting our community during this time of uncertainty. Keep up-to-date on the latest news, updates, and available supports for local businesses by visiting Invest Halton Hills' Tariff Business Supports & Resource Hub.

The Town's Economic Development staff is seeking input from local businesses to better understand the impact of the recently announced U.S tariffs.

The information collected will help staff identify key areas for advocacy, prioritize the right support for businesses, and explore potential solutions to help mitigate any negative effects.

Following the success of last year's Visit Halton Hills Sticker Map Campaign, the Economic Development division is excited to introduce the Halton Hills Discovery Pass program — a FREE, mobile-exclusive digital pass designed to help visitors explore and support local businesses in Halton Hills!

Discovery Pass Details

The Discovery Pass will feature visitor check-ins, exclusive incentives, and grand prize rewards - all aimed to promote Halton Hills as the best place to visit, drive foot traffic to our unique attractions, and boost sales for your business. The program will run during two seasonal campaigns, facilitated through the Visit Halton Hills website utilizing the Bandwango platform.

Seasonal Campaigns & Themes

• Summer Discovery Pass: July 7 – August 24, 2025
• Sip & Savour the Hills
• Shop the Hills
• Adventure in the Hills
• Fall Discovery Pass: September 15 – November 1, 2025
• Shop the Hills
• Create in the Hills
• Harvest in the Hills

Get Involved

If you are a business in Halton Hills looking to increase tourism visitor traffic this year, complete the intake form by Friday, March 28, 2025 (11:59 p.m.) to be considered. Limited space is available, with only 25 spots per seasonal pass (a total of 50 participants across the two campaigns). Selection will be based on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit Halton Hills aims to have a variety of experiences and businesses represented through this program and staff will select businesses based on the goals of the program. 

L-R: Sarah Schicht - Economic Development and Tourism Officer, Councillor Hilson, Loyd McIntyre - former Heritage Acton Chair, Mayor Ann Lawlor, Larry Lichty - Heritage Acton Chair, Councillor Somerville, Councilor Albano, Erin Kaiser - Manager of Economic Development and Innovation.

On January 27, the Town of Halton Hills proudly awarded a $30,000 Building and Property Renovation Grant, part of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), to Heritage Acton for improvements to the Acton Town Hall Centre. The grant funded critical upgrades, including the installation of a new HVAC system and interior repairs and renovations. These enhancements have significantly improved the functionality of the facility, enabling increased rentals and event hosting opportunities.

Starter Company Plus supports eligible (aspiring) entrepreneurs looking to build their small businesses.

The program provides training, mentoring, and advice. It also helps small business owners apply for grants that will aid them financially.

To apply for the Starter Company Plus program, you must:

• be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
• be 18 years of age or older
• not be attending school or planning to return to school while enrolled in the program
• not be enrolled in any other government-funded employment program
• own, or plan to own, a business in Halton Region

Before applying to the Starter Company Plus program, you must attend a mandatory information session.

• Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - 10 - 11 a.m.
• Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 6 - 7 p.m.

Consultant On-Site Program

The Halton Region Small Business Centre, in partnership with the Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL) will be offering the Consultant On-Site program for local entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout 2025. Consultants from the Halton Regions Small Business Centre will be available at HHPL's Georgetown Branch to meet with you free of charge.

Whether you're planning to start a business or expand your existing small business, the Region's Business Consultants are ready to help!

A Business Consultant will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Thursdays in 2025:

March 20, April 10, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 14, September 18, October 23, November 20, and December 18.

Registration is required - contact the Halton Region Small Business Centre at 905-825-6000 ext. 7900 or via e-mail by clicking "Book Now" below.

March Seminars & Webinars

Attention local professional artists! Learn how to take your artwork off the canvas and into the public art landscape. Apply to be part of this three-session program led by artist mentor Jieun Kim, a Korean-born street artist based in Toronto. Participants who complete this program will have the opportunity to submit proposals to paint one of two utility boxes for the Halton Hills Bell Box Mural Project. Applications are subject to a selection process. Spaces are limited.

Join the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference - the region’s top event for tourism professionals, businesses, and industry leaders. Connect with experts, gain valuable insights, and explore new opportunities to grow your business in Halton Hills and beyond. Presented by Ontario’s Southwest and HHBRTA.

Dates: March 3 – March 5, 2025

Location: The Affinity Conference Centre, 30 Fen Ridge Ct, Brantford, ON

Ignite your love of winter along a two-kilometer illuminated forest trail at Terra Cotta Conservation Area.

Winter Activities at Ignite the Night include: ice rinks, skiing, snowshoeing, and kick sledding. Rentals are available if conditions allow - visitors are also welcome to bring their own equipment. Hot drinks are available for sale along with snacks at the Park Store.

Photos Credit: Credit Valley Conservation

Ignite the Night Dates: .

• Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 6:30 - 9 p.m.
• Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Please note: park admission applies for the event. free for Credit Valley Park pass holders.

Make Your Voice Heard:

Support Ontario’s Tourism Industry

With elections approaching, the tourism industry must be recognized as a key economic driver in Ontario. TIAO has launched a microsite where industry professionals, businesses, and associations can advocate for policies that support tourism in our communities, including Halton Hills.

By adding your name, you’ll help strengthen the message to government leaders, ensuring they understand why #OntarioNeedsTourism and the importance of policies that sustain and grow the industry.

Halton Hills Economic Development Services

The Town of Halton Hills Economic Development division, Invest Halton Hills, provides a full suite of high-quality services and supports to the business community that in turn foster a prosperous economy and enhance quality of life.

Invest Halton Hills supports and services include:

• Financial incentives via the Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Business retention and expansion (BR&E) programming
• Investment attraction, expansion, and relocation
• Business concierge service
• Site selection assistance
• Market research
• Industry engagement
• Workforce development
• Amplifying tourism’s economic benefits via Visit Halton Hills

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