York Link - York Region Economic Development

06/01/2026

APPLICATION FOR THE 2026 STARTER COMPANY PLUS ARE NOW OPEN!

If you're thinking of starting or expanding your small business in northern York Region this program might be the jumpstart you are looking for!

What’s in it for you?
✔️A chance to receive a grant of up to $5,000!
✔️Mentorship from experienced local entrepreneurs
✔️Tailored training and business advisory services
✔️Access to exclusive workshops and networking opportunities

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Eligible applicants will be invited to a one‑on‑one consultation to review their application and discuss next steps.

Early applications are encouraged, as consultations spots with our Small Business Advisors fill quickly.

Apply before 4:30 p.m. on June 26, 2026 to secure your chance to move forward.

Learn more and apply: yorklink.ca/StarterCompanyPlus

05/29/2026

Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade is expanding support to help small businesses adopt digital and AI technologies through the Digital Competence Centre, delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

The initiative will help nearly 450 businesses adopt digital tools, modernize operations and improve productivity so that they can continue to grow, create good-paying jobs and stay competitive.

Ontario businesses can access hands-on support and funding through the DCC’s Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), which provides a matched grant of up to $15,000 that helps businesses plan for technology investments.

Companies that have completed a DMAP project are eligible for additional funding through the Technology Demonstration Program, which includes a grant of up to $50,000 to match private investment in purchasing and installing new technologies that support business growth and create jobs.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007481/ontario-investing-5-million-to-help-small-businesses-adopt-digital-technologies

05/28/2026

On May 27, our team attended Food and Beverage Ontario Annual Conference. The event brought together leaders from across Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector for a day of insights, discussion, and networking.

Michael Burrows, Chair of Food and Beverage Ontario, opened the event by emphasizing how uncertainty in the sector is creating new opportunities. He highlighted FBO’s impact over the past year, including supporting 6,000 people in finding jobs in the food and beverage industry and advocating for major initiatives such as Farm Credit Canada’s $5B lending coalition and the $150M food security fund for SMEs across Ontario.

Takeaways from the panel discussion with Premier Ford, David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, Minister Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness reinforced Ontario’s strong reputation on the global stage. The discussion underscored a consistent theme: Canadian food and beverage companies are viewed as reliable partners who bring safety, trust, and stability to global markets. When international buyers see the Ontario trillium, they recognize a commitment to quality and safety.

York Region is proud to be part of a sector that continues to strengthen Ontario’s economy and global reputation.

05/26/2026

York Link - York Region Economic Development and Export Development Canada - Exportation et développement Canada (EDC) are bringing together industry leaders for an in‑person Food and Beverage Roundtable to help companies expand into new markets and unlock financing opportunities.

If you're an agri‑food business looking to scale beyond Canada, this session will break down the pathways, funding tools, and global opportunities that can accelerate your growth.

📅 June 10 at 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 YSpace Markham, 169 Enterprise Boulevard, Markham

Hear directly from sector experts, including King Cole Ducks, CRS Packaging, and EDC, as they share insights on entering global markets such as the Indo‑Pacific, Mexico, and Europe to unlock new revenue streams and scale with purpose.

Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their products and receive valuable feedback on positioning for international markets.

Spots are limited. Register now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/food-and-beverage-roundtable-market-diversification-financing-access-tickets-1986533327659?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/25/2026

Through the job board, you can discover current opportunities with companies across one of Canada’s largest and most diverse tech ecosystems.

👩‍💻 In-demand roles include:
• Software development and engineering
• IT and cybersecurity
• Data, AI and automation
• Hardware and advanced manufacturing
• Digital marketing and business technology roles

🏢 Companies hiring right now for tech-related roles in York Region include General Motors, Adastra, Parsons, Fleet Space Technologies, Venture Computers, and more.

Start exploring opportunities now: https://yorklink.ca/techcareers

05/22/2026

Are you an aspiring food entrepreneur from an equity‑deserving or Indigenous community? The York Region Agri‑Food Start‑Up Program is now accepting applications for Cohort 2!

Delivered in collaboration with Foodpreneurlab, Syzl, York Region Food Network and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, this free 26‑week program helps you build or grow your food business with:

✅ Mentorship, training & business planning
✅ $2,000 in subsidized commercial kitchen access with guided in-kitchen sessions
✅ Indigenous‑led support & community engagement
✅ Tools and guidance to launch or scale your product within 6 months

📅 The application deadline has been extended! Apply by 5 p.m. on June 5, 2026.

Visit yorklink.ca/FoodStartup to apply

This project is funded in part by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaOntario Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

05/22/2026

The 2025 York Region Economic Development Year in Review is here and its packed with the achievements, investments, and partnerships that are driving the region forward! From business growth to new global connections and a thriving talent pipeline, 2025 was a year of action, impact, and results. The Year in Review showcases how York Region continues to position itself as a leading destination for business, innovation, and talent!

Don’t miss the highlights. Explore the 2025 York Region Economic Development Year in Review now:https://yorklink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2025-york-region-economic-development-year-in-review.pdf

05/21/2026

Congratulations to the 15 York Region–based companies recognized on Deloitte’s 2026 Canada Best Managed Companies list! From scaling growth strategies to fostering strong workplace cultures, they continue to set the standard for excellence in Canada.

Adastra | Markham
Anatolia | Vaughan
Forest Group | Vaughan
Gentec International | Markham
GINCOR Werx | Newmarket
Mary Brown's Chicken | Markham
Miller Waste Systems Inc. | Markham
Mircom Group of Companies | Vaughan
Rex Power Magnetics | Vaughan
State Window Corporation. | Vaughan
Summer Fresh Salads Inc. | Vaughan
Taste of Nature Foods Inc. | Markham
TEAM Group. | Aurora
K-Line Group of Companies | Stouffville
Turf Care Products Canada | Newmarket

If you’re looking to explore rankings including Canada's best employers, growth leaders, and more, visit: https://yorklink.ca/top-company-rankings/

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

Farmers across York Region’s 600+ farms are hard at work as planting season gets underway, a busy and essential season for York Region’s farming sector.

Kim McConnell, founder and former CEO of AdFarm, describes spring planting across Canada as “a $20‑billion megaproject — and almost nobody notices.”

He notes that each spring represents a national‑scale, renewable megaproject, repeated year after year, powering local economies and food systems across the country.

Here in York Region, planting season fuels a diverse agri‑food ecosystem that includes family farms, food processors, ag‑tech innovators, and local markets that supply fresh products to communities across the GTA. York Region’s agriculture and agri‑food sector is also a major driver of the local economy, contributing $3.8 billion annually, reflecting the dedication of the farmers who work long hours to help feed our communities.

Learn more about McConnell’s perspective on Canada’s “quiet megaproject”: https://yorklink.ca/2026/05/19/canadas-quietest-20-billion-megaproject-happens-every-spring-in-agriculture/

Every spring, Canada undertakes one of its largest and most consequential national projects — a $20-billion megaproject — and almost nobody notices