Greetings!

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Invest in Middlesex Newsletter. Each quarter, we bring local businesses, prospective investors, and economic development partners the latest from across the county. This issue is full of updates, opportunities, and stories that show what growth and collaboration look like in Middlesex.

Making it in Middlesex: Stories of Business Success in the County | Thai Pad

Thai Pad is a family-owned restaurant in Lucan Biddulph bringing authentic, from-scratch Thai cuisine to Middlesex County. Co-owner Lot Chansamone built the business on a simple principle: give customers the real experience, with no shortcuts and nothing westernized.

Thai Pad chose Lucan Biddulph deliberately, recognizing its strategic location within Middlesex County and its proximity to London, as the right place to build a business with lasting roots. Since opening, the support from Middlesex County has been a cornerstone of that growth. "Anything that we need, we can always call them, and they're always willing to lend us a helping hand," Lot shares.

That partnership has given Thai Pad the confidence to look well into the future. "It makes us believe that we can continue for another 10, 15 years knowing that we have that backup, that support, that backbone." Thai Pad is one more example of what is possible when entrepreneurs choose Middlesex County.

Read the Full Story and Watch the Video Here

We're excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Business Directory, your go-to resource for discovering the companies and organizations driving economic growth across Middlesex County.

With over 2000 businesses and counting, the directory spans the full breadth of our regional economy, including Agriculture & Resources, Manufacturing, Tech & Creative Industries, Health & Education, Professional Services, and more. Browse by municipality or sector to find exactly what you're looking for.

Whether you're looking to:

Find a local supplier or business partner
Shop and dine local
Research investment opportunities in the region
Showcase your own business to new customers and investors

...the Invest in Middlesex Business Directory is built for you.

Is your business listed?

Adding your business is FREE and takes just minutes. Don't miss the opportunity to get your company in front of investors, partners, and customers actively looking to connect with Middlesex County businesses.

Explore the Directory → investinmiddlesex.ca/business-dir

Add Your Business → investinmiddlesex.ca/form/add-business

New Business Spotlight: Bar Galgo opens in Thames Centre

After 22 years in the restaurant industry, working everything from front of house to the line, Jason Smith reached a crossroads: recommit to working for others, or build something of his own. The answer came with a second decision that many entrepreneurs are making, choosing a smaller community that offers a more balanced life. For Jason and his partner Hannah, who works front of house and manages their social media, that community was Dorchester, where family alerted them to a business opportunity for sale.

Jason took possession in March, and after a few targeted renovations, opening up the kitchen, adding a gallery wall, and some personality in the details, Bar Galgo launched April 24th.

The name comes from the Spanish Greyhound, sleek and strong, but the concept is eclectic: an intimate bistro and cocktail bar built around a chalkboard menu, where the day's ingredients guide the kitchen. Daily features go out on Instagram as a story. It's here, then gone.

That ingredient-driven approach is also a business strategy rooted in the County. Bar Galgo is actively growing its supply chain of local farms and purveyors, including flour from Arva Flour Mill, and the team thrives on exploring Middlesex for exciting local ingredients. It's a strong example of how new hospitality businesses strengthen the local agri-food economy.

The early results speak for themselves. In a few short weeks, Bar Galgo has built a base of return guests, strong takeout demand, and a growing reputation in the County's culinary scene. Plans are already underway to expand into Sundays with brunch, trivia, and themed events. Jason puts it simply: "We're here to create new experiences and explore."

Bar Galgo 2135 Dorchester Road, Unit 4B
Tuesday to Saturday, 3pm till late
Instagram: @bargalgo | Reservations: 548-468-1498
Chef/Owner Jason Smith

https://www.bargalgo.ca

Visit Middlesex Tourism Familiarization (FAM) Tour 2026 Recap

In May, Visit Middlesex hosted our 2026 Familiarization (FAM) Tour, bringing together tourism operators from across the county for a day of connection, collaboration, and discovery. Participants had the opportunity to experience a variety of local tourism businesses firsthand, including Delaware Speedway, Little Brown Farm, Sad Nuggie LTD, Rusty Wrench Brewing Company, O’Joe’s Coffee, Jura’s Kitchen, and Texas Longhorn Ranch. The tour showcased the diverse experiences that make Middlesex County a unique destination, from motorsports and agri-tourism to craft beverages and distinctive accommodations. More importantly, the day fostered valuable relationships between operators, encouraging collaboration, cross-promotion, and a stronger regional tourism network.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with post-tour survey results showing a 97% satisfaction rate, highlighting the value of bringing tourism businesses together to connect and grow. By helping local businesses learn from one another, the FAM Tour supports the continued growth of tourism across Middlesex County and strengthens the visitor experience throughout the region. A special thank you to Ontario's Southwest Regional Tourism Organization for their continued support, and to all of the amazing host operators we visited on the tour.

Introducing the Middlesex County Workforce Navigator.

Connecting people. Creating opportunities. Building careers.

Middlesex County's Workforce Navigator is here to help bridge the gap between local employers, job seekers, and employment service providers. Whether you’re looking for your next career move, need help navigating job barriers, or want to connect with local talent, our navigator is here to support you.

Items our Navigator can help you with:

Helping job seekers identify career pathways including apprenticeships, self employment, and trainin
Coordinating job events and career info sessions
Refining skills such as resume development, interview prep and completing job applications
Supporting employers in finding the right talent
Building strong workforce relationships across our community

Let’s work together to grow Middlesex County’s workforce! Call Carrissa Luker at 226-219-9545 to get started 💼🤝or email cluker@middlesex.ca

Featured Property Opportunity in North Middlesex

Ailsa Craig, Middlesex County

A rare chance exists to own a prime mixed-use commercial property in the growing community of Ailsa Craig for the incredible price of $249,999! Located on a 0.34 acre lot on Main Street, the property includes two well-maintained buildings, 18 parking spaces, and strong income potential for investors or owner-operators.

The first building is home to a long-established automotive repair shop that has served the community for decades. The 44' x 70' shop offers approximately 14 foot ceilings, space for up to four vehicles, two 10' x 12' bay doors, a front reception area, two offices with in-floor heating and split-unit air conditioning, a main floor bathroom, and an upper-level lunch room with extra storage.

The second building offers nearly 2,900 sq. ft. of retail/commercial space directly on Main Street, currently leased to a pharmacy and generating steady rental income. Both buildings feature durable steel roofs.

Adding to the opportunity, the vacant property next door is also for sale, opening the door for buyers looking to expand their footprint or develop alongside an income-producing property.

With established tenants, excellent Main Street visibility, and room to grow, this is a versatile investment in one of Middlesex County's growing communities.

MLS: 42854836

🔗 View the full listing here

This property is independently listed. Invest in Middlesex is sharing this opportunity to highlight investment potential within Middlesex County. Photo c/o Realtor.ca and Keller Williams Lifestyles

More About This Property

Welcoming Our New Tourism Intern!

Meet Willow, Our New Tourism Intern!

We're excited to welcome Willow to the Visit Middlesex team this summer as our Tourism Intern. Willow grew up right here in the county, in Parkhill, and brings a creative eye to everything she does. She is currently studying Film Production at Concordia University in Quebec.

Over the coming months, Willow will be out and about across Middlesex County on video and photography assignments, capturing the people, places and experiences that make our communities so exciting to visit. Tourism operators, keep an eye out! She may be stopping by to gather content and help share your story as we promote everything the county has to offer.

Please join us in giving Willow a warm Middlesex welcome!

Three County Programs Help Fuel Local Municipal Growth, Investment, and Housing

As communities across Middlesex County prepare for future growth, three County funding programs are helping municipalities advance locally determined housing, infrastructure, employment lands, and economic development priorities.

The Community Improvement Support Program, Employment Lands Readiness Program, and Middlesex County Loan Program provide municipalities with tools to attract investment, expand housing options, prepare employment lands for development, and bring serviced land to market sooner. Together, these programs strengthen local municipal capacity and support communities in achieving their locally determined planning and development goals.

Read more about these three programs here: Three County Programs

LEARN ABOUT COUNTY LOAN PROGRAMS FOR MUNICIPALITES

2026 Funding Available for Tourism Events & Initiatives in Middlesex County!

Got an idea for a festival or event that could bring visitors to Middlesex County? Now's the time to make it happen.

Visit Middlesex is accepting applications for the 2026 Tourism Initiative Sponsorship, with up to $2,500 in funding support available for new festivals and events that draw visitors from outside the region, raise the profile of Middlesex County, and create economic benefits for local businesses.

The sponsorship is open to tourism operators, community organizations, and local municipalities. Funding covers up to 50% of eligible cash expenses, to a maximum of $2,500 per project and $5,000 per organization per year.

A few things to know before you apply:

Initiatives must take place within Middlesex County
Projects must involve collaboration with local partners
Applications must be submitted at least 45 days before your project start date

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you have an idea in the works, don't wait to submit, as funds are limited and are going fast.

Download the application form and submit it to info@visitmiddlesex.ca.

Learn more and apply here

Set your calendars for the evening of August 14th. Our Business Appreciation event this year promises to be a roaring good time! A casual event, to meet other business owners in the County. It’s a fun event, that will leave you cheering for more.