EDCO Member Updates

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Celebrate 70 Years of Economic Development Excellence

EDCO Conference & Showcase 2027

February 1–3, 2027 - Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto

Celebrating 70 Years. Connecting the Future.

Ontario’s economic development community is coming together for a milestone celebration—and you won’t want to miss it! Join more than 500 economic development professionals for 2.5 days of inspiring ideas, expert insights, valuable connections and new opportunities at the 70th Anniversary EDCO Conference & Showcase.

With 20+ educational sessions, three networking receptions and a dynamic Exhibitor Showcase, #EDCO2027 is your opportunity to discover what’s next, exchange ideas and connect with the people shaping Ontario’s future. Whether you’re an experienced leader or building your career, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives, practical insights and connections to help move your community forward.

YOUR #EDCO2027 EXPERIENCE

Opening Reception at the Hockey Hall of Fame, sponsored by Invest Ontario
Opening Keynote: Doug Griffiths — The 7 Essentials of Success
Two days of concurrent sessions exploring the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping economic development
EDCO President’s Dinner & Awards Evening

Connect, collaborate and discover fresh approaches through some of EDCO’s most engaging conference experiences:

Ask the Experts – Steal My Idea
Fireside Chat with Elected Officials
Bright Ideas Competition
Supplier Knowledge Pods

EXPLORE THE SHOWCASE. FIND YOUR NEXT BIG IDEA.

Discover the products, technologies, programs and services helping communities innovate, compete and grow. Meet industry partners, explore new solutions and bring valuable ideas back to your organization.

Ready to be part of it? Visit the EDCO Conference website for program details.

CELEBRATE THE MILESTONE. MAKE THE CONNECTIONS. SHAPE WHAT’S NEXT.

EDCO Conference & Showcase 2027

Celebrating 70 Years. Connecting the Future.

Stay where the action happens! BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel and take advantage of the exclusive EDCO Conference group rate.

President's Dinner Table Reservation

Planning to attend the EDCO President’s Dinner on Wednesday, February 3, 2027? Here’s an important seating update. If your registration includes the President’s Dinner, you can reserve a full table of eight in advance by completing the Table Reservation Form.

All eight guests must have registrations that include the President’s Dinner. The deadline to submit your reservation is January 15, 2027. Reservations will not be accepted after this date.

2027 Conference Info and Registration

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

GET NOTICED. MAKE CONNECTIONS. DRIVE IMPACT.

Put Your Organization at the Centre of Ontario’s Economic Development Community.

Reach more than 500 economic development professionals, decision-makers and industry leaders at #EDCO2027.

Sponsoring or exhibiting puts your organization in front of the people shaping economic growth across Ontario—and creates opportunities to:

Boost your visibility and showcase your products, services and expertise
Connect with key decision-makers and influential industry leaders
Build lasting relationships with municipal leaders and industry partners
Generate leads and uncover new opportunities
Show your commitment to Ontario’s economic development community

Explore Sponsor and Exhibit Opportunities Here

MAKE YOUR MARK AT #EDCO2027

Showcase space and select sponsorship opportunities are limited. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your profile, build valuable connections and be part of this milestone event. To secure your place contact Caroline at caroline@astonevents.com.

Vote Now for EDCO's 2027 & 2028 Election!

This year's election will fill five vacancies on the EDCO Board of Directors for a two-year term.

We encourage EDCO members to get to know the nominees and learn more about the experience, perspectives, and passion they hope to bring to the EDCO Board.

To help inform your decision, members can also view the recording of the Meet the Candidates Webinar, where each nominee shares their background, experience, and vision for EDCO.

Voting is open now until December 1st. EDCO members in good standing received their voting ballot by email on October 15, along with instructions on how to cast their vote. If you did not see your ballot, please be sure to check your junk or spam folder. Didn't receive your voting email? Contact us at edco@edco.on.ca.

Learn more about the nominees, watch the webinar recording, and find information about EDCO's Board election here.

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) Technical Briefing Webinar

The Government of Canada has relaunched the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) through FedDev Ontario, providing funding opportunities to help businesses and organizations adopt, commercialize, and scale artificial intelligence solutions.

Join us this week, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. for a 30-minute technical briefing webinar with FedDev Ontario representatives who will provide an overview of the program, eligibility requirements, funding streams, and application timelines. This session is ideal for organizations looking to leverage AI to improve productivity, competitiveness, innovation, and growth.

Funding is available through three streams:

AI Adoption: Supports businesses and organizations adopting and integrating AI technologies into their operations.
AI Commercialization and Scale-Up: Supports businesses validating, commercializing, deploying, and scaling Canadian-made AI products and services.
AI Ecosystem: Supports organizations that help businesses adopt, deploy, and scale AI technologies through services, expertise, partnerships, and ecosystem development.

Eligible businesses may receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, while eligible not-for-profit organizations may receive up to 90% of eligible project costs, subject to program parameters and funding availability.

The current intake remains open until January 19, 2027, with an initial priority assessment deadline of November 24, 2026 for investment-ready projects.

Learn more about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative here.

NEW! Bring EDCO's Elected Officials Program to Your Community

Looking for a convenient way to strengthen your council's understanding of economic development?

EDCO is pleased to introduce a new delivery option for our highly regarded Elected Officials Economic Development Education Program. Municipalities, regions, and partner organizations can now host a dedicated half-day or full-day session delivered directly in their community.

Designed for elected officials, CAOs, senior staff, and community leaders, this interactive program provides practical insights into economic development, investment readiness, and municipal leadership. Through engaging discussion and real-world examples, participants gain a deeper understanding of how municipalities can create the conditions for long-term economic success and community prosperity. Information Sheet Here

Why Host a Session in Your Community?

✅ Train council and leadership together

✅ Deliver learning locally and maximize participation

✅ Strengthen informed decision-making and economic development advocacy

Host a Session

EDCO Member Rates

Half-Day Session: $2,500 + HST
Full-Day Session: $4,000 + HST

Non-Member Rates

Half-Day Session: $3,000 + HST
Full-Day Session: $5,000 + HST

Bring EDCO's elected officials education program directly to your community and equip your leaders with the knowledge and tools to support sustainable economic growth.

To learn more or book a session, Visit our website or submit an inquiry to book your session here.

More Information

Big News for Ontario’s Economic Development Professionals!

ResearchFDI and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) have teamed up to bring you an exclusive opportunity to elevate your career with special discounted access to the ResearchFDI Academy!

What’s in it for you?

✅ Cutting-edge, self-paced training in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

✅ Expert-led modules on global investment strategies, stakeholder engagement, lead generation, and investor aftercare

✅ Earn the prestigious FDIP (Foreign Direct Investment Professional) certification

✅ Exclusive Ontario module developed with Invest Ontario for regional investment expertise

✅ Customizable learning options for your organization

This is your chance to sharpen your investment attraction skills, enhance your credentials, and stand out in the competitive economic development landscape. EDCO members get exclusive pricing—don’t miss out!

We were proud to celebrate the Ontario FDIP graduates recognized at the 2026 EDCO Conference for their commitment to excellence in investment attraction, and we look forward to recognizing future graduates at next year’s conference as this community of certified professionals continues to grow across Ontario. This partnership further demonstrates EDCO’s commitment to equipping its members with top-tier resources, exclusive pricing, and access to an industry-leading platform designed to meet the evolving challenges of modern investment attraction.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, EDCO members must be current members and can use the code #EDCO2025 for special pricing on the ResearchFDI Academy platform when signing up here.

CanExport offers funding for FDI training—learn more about the CanExport Community Investments Program here.

More Information on EDCO Member Discount

Discover Global Opportunities with ResearchFDI’s Aerospace, Defence & Security Events Guide

Developed through the extensive research and expertise of ResearchFDI in partnership with EDCO, this comprehensive guide is an essential resource for Ontario’s economic development professionals. It highlights 18 key international trade shows across six continents, offering unparalleled insight into where global aerospace, defence, and security investment conversations are happening.

This guide is designed to help EDCO members strategically identify high-impact events, connect with decision-makers, and position their communities as prime destinations for foreign direct investment. Each listing provides practical details and strategic context, making it easy to prioritize opportunities and maximize engagement.

This tool empowers members to take a focused, informed approach to global outreach—turning trade show participation into meaningful partnerships, investment attraction, and long-term economic growth.

View Aerospace, Defence & Security Events Guide PDF

Member Requests

Visualizing Supply Chains: Data, Connections & Economic Opportunity

Every manufacturer in your region buys inputs, many from outside the region or the country. Each purchase is a potential economic development win, if you can see it.

See how the CityViz Supply Chain Tool turns your region's supply chain connections and gaps into opportunities:

Local matchmaking. Find a business's potential local suppliers or customers, and make the introduction.
Business expansion. Spot local companies that could grow to fill a gap.
Import replacement. Find inputs local manufacturers need but no one in the region makes, backed by import data.
Investment attraction. Turn gaps into a recruitment target list, with a downloadable opportunity brief.
FDI. Identify the countries that supply those gaps, and focus your outreach there.

Bring your questions. No supply chain or trade-data experience needed.

Who should attend

Economic developers, BR&E and investment attraction staff, regional economic development organizations, and chambers and industry associations working with local manufacturers.

Details

30 minutes, online, free

November 18, 2026 | 1pm EST / 12pm ABT / 11am BCT

What if your next sales opportunity is already sitting in your website data, emails or LinkedIn activity?

You might be sitting on more useful information than you think!

Join Innovation Cluster on November 25 for Find Your Next Customer in Your Data, a virtual workshop that will show small business owners how to spot customer interest, uncover opportunities and put their existing data to work.

No fancy tools required. Just smarter ways to use what you've already got.

November 25 | 11:00am - 12:00pm

Save your spot

Don't miss these upcoming learning and networking opportunities from EMC:

Nov. 3 - Step Up and Build a Culture that Protects People (Etobicoke, FREE)
Nov. 10 - Manufacturing Excellence Forum: Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities (Brampton)
Nov. 11 - Invisible Disabilities and Workplace Inclusion (Virtual)
Nov. 18 - Cost Containment & Workforce Strategy (Virtual)
Nov. 25 - IP Essentials for Canadian Manufacturers (Virtual)

Upcoming Ontario Government Export Webinars and Missions

November 17, 2026: Winning IFI-Funded Projects – East & West African Energy

The Ontario Government and Global Affairs Canada will host a webinar focused on helping Ontario companies pursue energy-sector opportunities funded by international financial institutions (IFIs) in East and West Africa. Participants will garner insights into upcoming projects financed by the World Bank and African Development Bank, procurement processes, market-entry strategies, and opportunities across the power generation, transmission, renewable energy, and water sectors. Ontario participants will learn how to position themselves for contracts and partnerships in some of Africa’s fastest-growing energy markets. The session will also provide practical guidance on identifying upcoming tenders, building local partnerships, and improving success in competing for international contracts. Register Here to secure your spot.

Ontario Cleantech and Energy Mission to India Energy Week 2027 | ontario.ca

Kolkata- India, January 28-31, 2027.

We will take a delegation of at least 5 Ontario export-focused companies and offer exhibitor space in the Ontario booth and individual meetings for each company based on their profile/wish list. Ontario Government staff located on-site will arrange meetings for delegates with potential customers and partners in India.

India Energy Week attracts 75,000 energy professionals, 700+ exhibitors and 6,500+ conference delegates from around the globe. It offers unparalleled access to decision-makers and industry leaders across the energy value chain, including renewable energy, hydrogen, biofuels, energy storage, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and grid modernization.

The mission registration fee is $2000 per company, not including travel expenses. Air Canada discount codes may be available to eligible participants.

Ontario Trade Mission to Smart Future Cities India Expo 2027 | ontario.ca

New Delhi and Hyderabad – India, March 22-26, 2027

Participating companies will have the opportunity to exhibit in the Ontario Pavilion at Smart Future Cities India Expo 2027, engage in curated B2B meetings with potential customers and partners, and participate in a targeted outreach program in Hyderabad.

Smart Future Cities India Expo is India's premier event for smart city innovation, attracting 55,000+ visitors, 1,200+ exhibitors from 40+ countries, 350 startups, and 200+ senior government officials and Smart City leaders. The event showcases solutions in smart infrastructure, IoT, urban mobility, EV infrastructure, clean energy, cybersecurity, AI, robotics, and ESG.

The mission registration fee is $1600 for each company, not including travel expenses. Air Canada discount codes may be available to eligible participants.

Ontario Pay Equity Office Launches Interactive Workplace Pay Equity Toolkit

Based on employers’ feedback on the Ontario Pay Equity Office’s (PEO) existing PDF toolkit, the PEO launched an interactive, web-based Workplace Pay Equity Toolkit. This tool is designed to be accessible, user-friendly and help employers organize the information required to complete their pay equity analysis, making it easier for employers to understand and meet their pay equity obligations under Ontario’s Pay Equity Act.

Access the toolkit here: https://payequity.gov.on.ca/toolkit/

The Ministry of Rural Affairs is seeking a Vendor to provide a Regional Economic Analysis Tool Software as a Service (SaaS) Web User Interface (WebUI) that provides rural Ontario communities with economic development data, analysis and user training. The Request for Bids can be found on the Ontario Tenders Portal.

RTO 9’s SEe ON Tourism Summit is taking place in Cornwall on November 17 and 18 at the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre.

The Summit s a great opportunity to connect with tourism operators and industry partners from across South Eastern Ontario, learn about what’s happening in the industry, and bring home some new ideas.

The agenda looks great, with sessions covering a variety of topics relevant to tourism businesses and organizations, along with plenty of opportunities to network and learn from others working across the region.

You can find all the event details and registration information here:

https://www.rto9.ca/events/seeonsummit/

Sporting Event Bid Information

SEC27 Call for Speakers & Content Have an idea, insight, or success story that could help shape the future of sport tourism? Sport Tourism Canada is seeking speakers, panelists, and topic suggestions for Sport Events Congress 2027 (March 10-12, Halifax, NS). Submit your ideas by November 13, 2026.

Submit Here

Available Funding Opportunities

Applications for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF): Community Support Stream (CSS) is now open at Second Harvest.

Funding is available to help eligible non-profits acquire food and equipment for communities facing food insecurity. Applications for the LFIF Community Support Stream must be submitted through an initial recipient organization, such as Second Harvest.

To learn more and to apply, click here: LFIF: Community Support Stream | Second Harvest

For any inquiries about the upcoming granting process, please reach out to Second Harvest grant coordinator at grantadministrator@secondharvest.ca.

The deadline is November 30, 2026 -11:59 AM EST.

Workforce Retention & Retraining Program (WRRP)

Canadian employers may be eligible for federal support to retain and retrain workers through the Workforce Retention and Retraining Program, including Work-Sharing measures, employee training supports, and funding of up to $1,000 per participant. Learn more and apply through the Government of Canada.

Funding Opportunity: Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII)

FedDev Ontario is accepting applications for the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), which supports businesses and organizations adopting AI technologies, commercializing innovations, and improving productivity and competitiveness. Applications close January 19, 2027, with a November 24, 2026 deadline for projects and eligible costs starting before March 31, 2027. More details here.

Food-Link Fund

The Government of Canada has launched the $1 billion Food-Link Fund to support food distribution infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, and improve access to affordable, locally produced food across Canada. Organizations can submit an Expression of Interest beginning October 14, 2026, with applications open until December 11, 2026.

Learn more about the Food-Link Fund and eligibility requirements.

Protect Ontario Financing Program Now Available

The Government of Ontario’s Protect Ontario Financing Program is now available to support eligible Ontario businesses facing significant tariff-related disruptions. The program provides repayable financing to help businesses address working capital needs such as payroll, lease and utility payments.

Learn more and assess eligibility

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

FedDev Ontario’s RTRI provides funding to help southern Ontario businesses impacted by tariffs address financial pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets and build long-term resilience.

Learn more and apply

News

Province Awards Contracts to Eastern Ontario Manufacturers to Build G7’s First Small Modular Reactor

OTTAWA — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and position the province as a global energy superpower, the government is announcing that contracts have been awarded to two Eastern Ontario companies to advance construction of the G7’s first small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). Gillam Construction Group in Carp will receive nearly $35 million to construct the DNNP Administration Building, creating 100 new good-paying jobs, while Mansteel Rebar in Pembroke will receive $31 million to fabricate, supply and install reinforcing steel for five of the plant’s core buildings, supporting 100 good-paying jobs and adding 20 more over the course of construction.

Learn more

Ontario Investing More Than $1.8 Million to Boost Tourism in Northern Ontario

NORTHERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government is investing over $1.8 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help 11 companies enhance or launch operations, strengthen the tourism sector and attract more visitors to northern Ontario. The investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by making strategic investments to support local businesses and help communities revitalize infrastructure that will increase access to local tourism opportunities and strengthen economic development in the North.

Learn more

Check out the EDCO Career Page