Invest in Middlesex

06/23/2026

Meet Lot Chansamone of Thai Pad, where authenticity isn't just a menu philosophy, it's a business strategy.

When Lot and her sisters decided on a restaurant, opening in Lucan Biddulph was a deliberate choice. "We chose Lucan because it's central for everyone," Lot explains. That strategic thinking reflects the careful planning that drives successful small business growth in Middlesex County.

Everything at Thai Pad is made from scratch using traditional techniques and genuine Thai ingredients. No shortcuts. No compromises. Just real food and real flavor.🌶️

What's made the biggest difference? The support from Middlesex County. "Anything that we need, we can always call them. It makes us believe that we can continue for another 10, 15 years," Lot says.

Read the latest episode of Making it in Middlesex here: https://www.investinmiddlesex.ca/articles/newsletter/making-it-middlesex-stories-business-success-thai-pad

Watch the full video and other Making in in Middlesex stories here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCtOEZbv__k

Township of Lucan Biddulph

06/17/2026

Funding Alert: Industrial AI Readiness Program

Manufacturers in Middlesex County and across Canada can now access up to $15,000 in reimbursement to evaluate and plan AI adoption in their operations.

The Industrial AI Readiness Program, delivered through NGen Canada and NRC-IRAP, covers professional fees for feasibility assessments and implementation planning. The focus areas include quality improvement, equipment efficiency, process automation, and energy cost reduction.
Who qualifies:

Canadian manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees
Must be NRC-IRAP eligible

Next steps:

Applications are open on a first-come, first-served basis. An information webinar runs June 25, 2026.
Learn more and submit an expression of interest: ngen.ca/funding/challenge/industrial-ai-readiness

06/16/2026

The June 2026 edition of the Invest in Middlesex Newsletter is here! Discover inspiring stories from local businesses like Thai Pad and Bar Galgo, and explore our brand-new Business Directory. Learn about the successful FAM Tour that connected tourism operators and the launch of our Workforce Navigator designed to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. Plus, check out a prime property opportunity in Ailsa Craig. Let's grow together!

Read it here 👇
https://conta.cc/4aetp3F

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Looking for space to grow your business in one of Middlesex County's fastest-growing communities?

Several retail, office, and commercial/industrial lease opportunities are currently available in the Kilworth Business Park, located at the highly visible Glendon Drive and Jefferies Road corridor in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre. Available spaces range from approximately 1,200 sq. ft. to 3,600 sq. ft. and can accommodate a variety of uses including retail, office, clinics, restaurants, professional services, warehousing, and more.

Situated in a rapidly growing residential and commercial area, these locations offer excellent visibility, convenient access, and proximity to established businesses and amenities.

Whether you're launching a new venture, expanding operations, or seeking a strategic location to serve a growing customer base, Middlesex Centre continues to offer exciting opportunities for business growth.

For leasing information, contact the listing representative directly.

06/12/2026

Invest in Middlesex and Middlesex County proudly partnered on the ‘Building our Food Future’ event in conjunction with the Middlesex-London Food Policy Council. Hosted in Thorndale, our guest speaker, Justine Dainard from Wellington County delivered a fascinating overview of the success of the Smart Cities initiatives, and highlighted key elements of their circular economy projects. Many valuable takeaways were provided, and connections made to enhance collaboration and strengthen our food system across the County. Thank you to all who attended, organized and donated to support this informative presentation and thoughtful discussion. We gratefully donated food to support Middlesex Accommodation Program participants, an initiative that provides up to two months of transitional housing support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

CTV story below:

Community leaders, food system partners, and agricultural stakeholders converged in Thorndale Thursday to explore strategies for maximizing the benefits of southern Ontario’s agriculture.

06/08/2026

The Tourism Innovation Lab’s “Spark” grant and mentorship program turned my tourism idea into a possibility and has given me the confidence and resources to further my plans.
The combination of seed funding and mentorship that “Spark” has provided has been a game changer. The funding has helped with startup costs, to get my project off the ground, while my mentor’s knowledge and experience has helped me translate my idea into a success…I am sincerely grateful!
A huge thank you to the incredible partners for making opportunities like this possible: Windsor Hackforge Ontario Government Invest in Middlesex Southwestern Ontario Tourism Committee Visit Middlesex
A very special thank you to my mentor Cheryl Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life for all her help, advice, and direction along the way!

Learn more here: tourisminnovation.ca

06/05/2026

🌾 As Local Food Week wraps up, we want to take a moment to celebrate the backbone of Middlesex County's economy, our farmers, growers, and food producers. With 2,352 farms contributing $552M to our regional GDP, agriculture isn't just part of our identity, it's a driving force behind our community's prosperity.

And the good news? The local food adventure doesn't have to end here. Middlesex County's food scene is a destination year-round. Agri-tourism, taste trails, farm stops, and dining gems are waiting for you across the County. The Visit Middlesex Culinary Guide is your go-to whether you're a local looking for something new or welcoming visitors to the area. Find it online or grab a printed copy at select Middlesex County Libraries. 📖

Shop local, eat local, and explore local, not just this week, but all year long.
Check out our culinary guide:
https://www.visitmiddlesex.ca/culinary-guide

Our official map of all agri-business:
https://www.visitmiddlesex.ca/visitors-map

06/04/2026

It's Day 4 of Local Food Week and we're celebrating one of the best ways to support local, the Farmers' Market! Supporting local isn't just good for your plate, it's good for our community. When you shop at a Middlesex County Farmers' Market, you're putting money directly into the hands of local growers and keeping our regional economy thriving.

With agri-business making up 25%+ of all enterprises in Middlesex County, every market bag you fill makes a difference. Get out this week and meet the people behind your food! 👇 Where is your favourite market stop? Tell us in the comments!

In Middlesex County we are lucky to have 5 Local Farmers Markets:

1️⃣ Downtown Strathroy Market
2️⃣ Ilderton Farmer's Market
3️⃣ Komoka Community Market
4️⃣ Lucan Local Farmers Market
5️⃣ North Middlesex Farmer's Market