York Link - York Region Economic Development

10/14/2026

DUAL-USE INNOVATION IN ACTION: TWO YORK REGION TECH COMPANIES REACH DEFENCE SECTOR MILESTONES
York Region’s innovation ecosystem continues to strengthen Canada’s defence sector, with two Markham-based companies recently reaching key milestones.

Cyberworks Robotics secured a contract worth more than $1 million with the Canadian Armed Forces to deploy and test its autonomous vehicles for defence logistics, payload delivery, and reconnaissance. The agreement validates the company’s technology and opens opportunities for future defence applications.

Tron Motors qualified under Streams 1 and 5 of Canada’s Drone Defence Initiative Marketplace, positioning its Canadian-developed counter-UAS technology for defence and critical infrastructure use. The company has also been actively engaging with leaders across government, defence, industry, and Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Both companies have leveraged support from York Region’s innovation hub, ventureLAB, as they scale and commercialize their technologies.

These achievements highlight a growing trend across the sector, where dual-use innovations are finding applications in defence and security while creating new opportunities for growth and strengthening Canada’s sovereign capabilities.

Congratulations to the teams at Cyberworks Robotics and Tron Motors on these important milestones.

10/13/2026

One conversation can change the direction of a business.

A fresh perspective, expert advice, or a second opinion can help uncover opportunities, solve challenges, and provide clarity when making important decisions.

That's the idea behind the Northern York Region Professional Services Access Program (PSAP), which provides eligible small businesses with access to complimentary professional expertise and business guidance.

If you're navigating growth, planning your next move, or facing a challenge that's been sitting on your desk for too long, now may be the time to start the conversation.

Available to businesses with fewer than 10 employees operating in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, or Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Learn more and book a PSAP consultation: https://yorklink.ca/smallbusiness/professional-services-access-program/

10/09/2026

19 YORK REGION COMPANIES ARE AMONG CANADA'S TOP GROWING

The Globe and Mail’s 2026 ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies is out and 19 companies with headquarters or major operations in York Region made the list. This annual list recognizes businesses across the country that are demonstrating growth, innovation and resilience.

From technology and manufacturing to professional services and more, the strong York Region showing reflects the depth and diversity of the Region's business community and the companies that continue to innovate, invest and scale. Congratulations to all companies recognized, including:

👉 407 ETR
👉 Acklands Grainger
👉 AirBoss of America
👉 Allstate Canada
👉 Compugen Inc.
👉 Enghouse Systems
👉 Exco Technologies Limited (TSX : XTC)
👉 Extendicare
👉 GFL Environmental Inc.
👉 Honda Canada Inc.
👉 KGHM International
👉 Magna International
👉 Martinrea International
👉 PetValue Holdings
👉 Sienna Senior Living
👉 SmartCentres REIT
👉 Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.
👉 Toromont Industries Ltd.
👉 Waste Connections

10/08/2026

What if your technology could help prevent a paramedic vehicle collision?

Between 2022 and 2025, York Region Paramedic Services recorded 344 vehicle collisions. Analysis of that data identified a significant opportunity to reduce preventable incidents and improve safety outcomes for staff, patients and the community.

That's the challenge.

The York Region RTDS, through SmartTO at YSpace , York University , is inviting Ontario-based Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises to bring forward innovative solutions that can help reduce preventable collisions during paramedic operations.

We're looking for technologies focused on:
• Driver and situational awareness
• Collision avoidance
• Driver coaching and training
• Telematics and fleet safety
• Near-miss detection and prevention
• Vehicle retrofit solutions
The top applicant will receive a 6-12 month pilot with York Region Paramedic Services, valued at $40,000, including $20,000 in cash funding.

Applications close December 7, 2026.

If you're building the future of mobility and safety, this is your opportunity to test your solution against a real-world challenge with meaningful impact.

Apply today: https://www.yorku.ca/yspace/programs-streams/smartto/smartto-innovation-challenge/?mc_cid=6237e8a72c&mc_eid=53027ee4c5

10/08/2026

Running a business means making decisions every day. The better your knowledge, the better your decisions.

This fall, the Central York Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC) and the Newmarket Public Library , is bringing together industry experts for a practical 5-part learning series designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners build the skills needed to grow with confidence.

From business planning and AI marketing to market research, bookkeeping, and risk management, each session offers actionable insights that can be applied directly to your business.

Upcoming Sessions

Session 1
October 13 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Business Health Check & Growth Planning
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learn-series-session-1-business-health-and-growth-planning/

Session 2
October 21 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
From Guesswork to Strategy: Building Your AI Marketing Roadmap
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-2-from-guesswork-to-strategy-building-your-ai-marketing-roadmap/

Session 3
October 26 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Market Research & Customer Insights
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-3-market-research-customer-insights/

Session 4
November 2 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Setting Up Your Bookkeeping Properly
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-4-setting-up-your-bookkeeping-properly/

Session 5
November 9 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Business Risk, Compliance & Resilience
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-5-business-risk-compliance-and-resilience/

Free for Central York Chamber of Commerce members.

Non-member pricing:
• $15 per session
• $35 for all five sessions

Whether you're launching a new business or looking to take an established one to the next level, this series offers valuable tools, expert guidance, and opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

Register today and secure your spot.

10/07/2026

🚨 INVESTMENT STRENGTHENS REGION'S LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR

Piramal Pharma Solutions is growing its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Aurora, York Region, supported by a $1.7 million investment from the Ontario government. The funding will support a $5.3 million investment by the company to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity at its Aurora facility, strengthening the Region’s life sciences sector.

Piramal Pharma Solutions announced its Aurora drug substance site has received a $1,753,620 investment from the Ontario government.

10/06/2026

This Ontario Agriculture Week, we're celebrating the farmers, growers, agri-food businesses, and agricultural workers who help keep our communities thriving.

While York Region is often recognized for its growing urban centres, agriculture remains a vital part of our economy, landscape, and identity. Home to more than 600 farms and over 5,000 agri-food businesses, York Region's diverse agri-food sector spans farming, food and beverage manufacturing, distribution, retail, and food service. Together, the sector supports more than 67,000 jobs and contributes approximately $3.8 billion to the local economy.

From family farms and greenhouses to food producers and farm markets, this industry drives economic growth, strengthens local food systems, and helps connect residents with fresh, locally grown food.

During Ontario Agriculture Week, we recognize the hard work, innovation, and resilience of York Region's agricultural community and the important role it plays in feeding our communities and supporting our economy.

Join us in celebrating Ontario Agriculture Week by supporting local farms, visiting farmers' markets, and choosing Ontario-grown products whenever possible.

Looking to support local agriculture? Explore the York Farm Fresh Guide to discover farms, markets, and local food experiences across York Region:
https://www.yorkfarmfresh.com/_files/ugd/6b8e68_00b3133d9f7949e8bcfa5d2a57415ca6.pdf

10/06/2026

Looking to strengthen your business skills and connect with industry experts?

The Central York Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC) and the Newmarket Public Library, is launching a practical 5-part learning series designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Throughout the series, participants will gain valuable insights, build practical skills, and explore key topics that support business growth in today's evolving business landscape.

Whether you're starting a new venture, growing an existing business, or looking to sharpen your expertise, these sessions will provide actionable knowledge and real-world perspectives to help you move forward with confidence.

The series includes:

Session 1
October 13 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Business Health Check & Growth Planning
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learn-series-session-1-business-health-and-growth-planning/

Session 2
October 21 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
From Guesswork to Strategy: Building Your AI Marketing Roadmap
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-2-from-guesswork-to-strategy-building-your-ai-marketing-roadmap/

Session 3
October 26 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Market Research & Customer Insights
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-3-market-research-customer-insights/

Session 4
November 2 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Setting Up Your Bookkeeping Properly
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-4-setting-up-your-bookkeeping-properly/

Session 5
November 9 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Business Risk, Compliance & Resilience
https://centralyorkchamber.com/events/lunch-time-learning-series-session-5-business-risk-compliance-and-resilience/

Free for all Central York Chamber of Commerce members.

For non-members:
• $15 per session
• $35 for all five sessions

Invest in your business, expand your network, and gain practical knowledge you can apply right away.

Register today and reserve your spot.

10/05/2026

York Region businesses continue to adapt, innovate and build for the future. Twelve York Region-based companies are among the 31 GTA businesses and organizations receiving new federal support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).

The RTRI investment assists businesses adopt new technologies, expand production, strengthen supply chains and diversify into new markets, supporting their ability to compete as global trade conditions evolve. https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-southern-ontario/news/2026/10/government-of-canada-to-help-greater-toronto-area-businesses-and-organizations-build-resilience.html

These companies received funding as they continue to grow and strengthen what’s :

- Axiom Plastics Inc.
- Brentwood Classics Ltd.
- Cesaroni Technology Inc.
- Exco Engineering
- Future Steel Buildings
- ICON Digital Products Inc.
- MAS Precision Parts
- OFGO Studio
- PakFactory Inc.
- Pulp Moulded Products Inc.
- SinaLite
- Technical Steel Corp.

For companies that are impacted by the trade uncertainty and are working to diversify into new sectors and markets the RTRI is still accepting applications through FedDev Ontario: https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca/en/funding-southern-ontario/regional-tariff-response-initiative-southern-ontario

FedDev Ontario invests nearly $26 million to help over 30 businesses and organizations create new opportunities for growth.

10/02/2026

GERMAN COMPANIES IN YORK REGION POWERING SUCCESS AND DRIVING

Home to nearly 50 German companies, York Region has a well established collection of German companies with significant Canadian operations that are advancing technologies in automation, robotics, mobility, machinery, electrification and digitalization.

German Technology Day in Toronto was a great opportunity to connect with companies including Weidmüller Canada, SAMSON Controls Canada and Euchner Canada, all of whom have operations in the Region, and to see firsthand how German expertise is combining with York Region’s engineering talent and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

From established operations to newer investments such as SEW-Eurodrive Canada’s Innovation Centre in Vaughan, these companies are not only doing business here, they’re investing in local talent and are key contributors to the , , and ecosystems.

Together with partners including NGen Canada, York Region Economic Development continues to build relationships that support business growth, innovation and future investment in our communities.