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Experiential Culinary and Agritourism Travel Training
December 1–2, 2026 | Downtown Thunder Bay
Join this interactive, in-person workshop for tourism operators interested in developing or enhancing food, beverage and farm-based visitor experiences.
Learn practical approaches to experiential travel design, storytelling, pricing, marketing, local sourcing and partnership development—all while exploring opportunities to showcase Northern Ontario’s unique tastes and culture.
Open to restaurants, farms, craft beverage producers, accommodations, tour operators, markets, attractions, events and more.
Cost: $100 per participant, including training materials, lunch and light refreshments.
Press the button below to register!
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Thrive Online: Free Digital Marketing Support for Local Entrepreneurs
The Thunder Bay CEDC and District Entrepreneur Centre are proud to offer Thrive Online — a free digital marketing support program helping small businesses across the region strengthen their online presence.
Through one-on-one guidance from local marketing professionals, participants receive personalized support in areas such as: Website management & e-commerce setup, branding & graphic design, social media & email marketing and google Business Profile optimization
Whether you’re launching a new business or refining your existing strategy, Thrive Online provides expert, hands-on guidance — all at no cost. Take your digital presence to the next level with Thrive Online.
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Muralscape Initiative
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Tourism Development Fund has expanded its Tourism Muralscape Initiative, adding more funding to support new outdoor murals across the city.
The Muralscape Initiative is a pilot program providing funding for businesses or organizations that have an interest in installing outdoor murals at fixed addresses within the City of Thunder Bay limits, to develop street-art and add vibrancy and beautification to the neighbourhoods.
Multiple projects have been completed with these being the most recent additions: Ruttan block, the Vedic Cultural Centre, Kangas Sauna, Bonobo’s Foods and Sweet North’s drive through.
We encourage residents to visit these locations and check out the public art displays.
Click the button below to learn more
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Thunder Bay CEDC is shining a spotlight on our incredible local and regional entrepreneurs!
Join us as we highlight Indigenous businesses, small enterprises, and mining service & supply providers. Click the buttons below to showcase your business and be part of our spotlight initiative!
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Epiroc Opens New Office in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay CEDC congratulates Epiroc on the opening of its new Thunder Bay office, marking another investment in the region’s growing mining sector.
CEDC was proud to support Epiroc’s expansion, with CEO Jamie Taylor and Manager of Business Development Lucy Kwiaton attending the opening.
This expansion strengthens Thunder Bay’s position as a hub for mining services and economic growth.
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Thunder Bay CEDC Attends Best Defence Conference
Thunder Bay CEDC’s Business Development Officer, Mike Barten, attended the Best Defence Conference in London, Ontario, alongside representatives from Confederation College, Lakehead University, Turnkey, airSuite and Maawandoon.
The conference provided opportunities to showcase Northern Ontario’s expertise, explore Canada’s growing defence sector and build valuable industry connections to support future business development and economic growth.
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Thunder Bay CEDC Participates in 2026 Small Business Solutions Summit
Thunder Bay CEDC was proud to sponsor and exhibit at the 2026 Small Business Solutions Summit, hosted by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
CEDC’s Information and Marketing Officer, Jayna Dawd, participated in the Pro Panel: Marketing Solutions, sharing practical marketing insights with local entrepreneurs.
The event provided valuable opportunities to connect with the business community and support entrepreneurship and economic growth in Thunder Bay.
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Large Employer Workshop
On October 20, the Thunder Bay CEDC hosted a Large Employer Workshop focused on workforce attraction.
During the session, the CEDC highlighted the marketing tools, resources, and materials available to help local businesses attract talent to Thunder Bay.
Participants also took part in an interactive discussion on current recruitment challenges and opportunities. Feedback was gathered on existing resources, ways to better meet employer needs, and additional supports that may be needed in the future.
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Stay In The Bay
The CEDC was proud to sponsor and participate in the third annual Stay in the Bay event, hosted by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. The event offered newcomers a welcoming opportunity to meet new people, celebrate the community’s diversity, and connect with local organizations.
Attendees learned more about the services, activities, and opportunities that make Thunder Bay a great place to live, work, and build a future.
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Thunder Bay CEDC Attends 2026 TIAO Tourism Summit
Thunder Bay CEDC’s Tourism Manager, Paul Pepe, and Convention & Visitor Services Coordinator, Jennifer Grundy, attended the annual TIAO Summit in Ottawa.
The two-day event brought together over 400 tourism professionals to share industry insights, build connections and explore opportunities to support the continued growth of Thunder Bay’s tourism sector.
| | | CEDC | Suite 701, 34 Cumberland St. N | Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4 CA | | | | | |
