York Link - York Region Economic Development

York Link - York Region Economic Development York Region: Where Talent And Opportunity Intersect York Link is the Investment & Marketing team for York Region’s Economic Strategy division.

Sharing York Region’s story with the world helps attract new business & jobs to the region, improving the quality of life for all who live and work here. In partnership with the Region’s nine local cities and towns the York Link team provides strategic “one-stop shop” support services for Canadian and international companies looking to establish operations in York Region, part of the Greater Toron

to Area, as well as established local businesses in the Region seeking to expand. We offer advisory support services, research, partnership development and marketing to help retain, grow and attract businesses in York Region. Located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), York Region is home to 1.2 million residents, over 54,000 businesses, 650,000 jobs, four urban growth centres, and Canada’s highest concentration of technology companies. As Ontario’s fastest growing large municipality and third largest business hub, York Region is a top destination in the Toronto area and Canada for business, talent, and investment.

Did you know there are more than 600 foreign companies operating in York Region. The region offers direct access to Cana...
08/31/2026

Did you know there are more than 600 foreign companies operating in York Region. The region offers direct access to Canada's largest market, a highly skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, and one of North America's most diverse business ecosystems.

These foreign companies, alongside homegrown Canadian companies, contribute locally to key sectors including ICT, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, automotive, construction, finance, and business services.

Learn more about foreign direct investment in York Region with our updated fact sheet:https://yorklink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/foreign-direct-investment-york-region.pdf

Companies across York Region are actively hiring for roles in software development, AI, data science, IT support, cybers...
08/28/2026

Companies across York Region are actively hiring for roles in software development, AI, data science, IT support, cybersecurity, systems analysis, project management, and more. So who's hiring for roles this week?

▪️AMD
▪️Jonas Software
▪️Enercare
▪️Aviva Canada
▪️Pathway Communications
▪️CIeNET International
▪️And many others!

Explore current openings and take the next step in your tech career: https://yorklink.ca/techcareers/

FARM TO TABLE 2026: CELEBRATING LOCAL AGRICULTURE🌾 Our Agri-Food and Rural Business Development team was pleased to atte...
08/27/2026

FARM TO TABLE 2026: CELEBRATING LOCAL AGRICULTURE🌾
Our Agri-Food and Rural Business Development team was pleased to attend the King Chamber of Commerce's Farm to Table event, which brought together agricultural leaders, elected officials, farmers, and community partners to celebrate the strength of the Township of King's agricultural sector and local food system.

Speakers included:
- MP Anna Roberts, King-Vaughan
- Councilor Avia Eek, Township of King
- Jay Willmot, Haven Greens
- Representatives from the King Chamber of Commerce

Key takeaways from the evening included:

🌱 Agriculture matters: MP Anna Roberts and Councilor Avia Eek highlighted the importance of local food production and supporting local farmers in building a strong and sustainable food system.

🌱 Local food strengthens local communities: The event celebrated the people behind our food, with all food served sourced from farms in the Township of King, showcasing the strength and diversity of the local agricultural community.

🌱 Farm succession is critical to the future of agriculture: As shared by Jay Willmot, with the average farmer nearing retirement and an estimated $50 billion in farm assets expected to change hands in the coming years, supporting the next generation of farmers will be essential to maintaining a strong and sustainable food system.

Events like Farm to Table help strengthen connections across the agri-food sector and reinforce the important role agriculture plays in our economy, communities, and food security.

08/26/2026

Should I register my business as a sole proprietorship or corporation? Watch now as York Small Business Advisor, Eva Lee, shares quick pros and cons to each option in our latest YSBEC FAQ/Common Myth series! To book a free consultation with one of our Small Business Consultants visit: https://yorklink.ca/smallbusiness

Missed any of the previous videos in this series? Use the links below to watch them.

What's a common myth about running a small business? https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7481020421753208832/

How do I know if my business idea is viable? https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7488216908245168129/

How do I officially register my business? https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7493012981233115140/

ABOUT THE YSBEC FAQ / MYTH SERIES:
The YSBEC team of Daniela Mazzaferro, Vivian Ho-Tam, Eva Lee, and Stacey Miller will be answering common questions and breaking down myths about entrepreneurship and running a small business. Make sure to follow our page and if you have a question you'd like to be considered for a future post, drop it in the comments!

Diversifying into new markets requires careful planning and time investment. The first, and most important step is makin...
08/24/2026

Diversifying into new markets requires careful planning and time investment. The first, and most important step is making sure you have the right knowledge and tools to seize new opportunities. Explore our trade and market diversification resources to help you prepare for and navigate new opportunities: https://yorklink.ca/trade

Companies impacted by tariffs can find resources directing them to available federal and provincial funding support programs.

NORTHERN YORK REGION YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS CELEBRATED DURING SUMMER COMPANY GRADUATION On Friday, August 21, the York Smal...
08/21/2026

NORTHERN YORK REGION YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS CELEBRATED DURING SUMMER COMPANY GRADUATION

On Friday, August 21, the York Small Business Enterprise Centre celebrated the achievements of the 2026 Summer Company cohort at our graduation event, recognizing the passion, creativity and dedication of these young entrepreneurs who successfully launched and grew their businesses this summer.

Highlights included:

▪️Welcome remarks from York Region leadership and special guests
▪️Graduation ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of this year's eleven entrepreneurs, which came from all six of the municipalities in Northern York Region
▪️Recognition of the mentors, trainers and community partners who supported their entrepreneurial journeys
▪️Inspiring remarks from Summer Company alumnus Reza Ghamsari
▪️Presentation of the Summer Company awards including Excellence in Sales to Ryker Manherz, Excellence in Marketing to Liam Chuang, and Commitment to Excellence to John Wang
▪️Networking opportunities with participants, families, mentors, alumni and community partners

A special thank you to our mentors, trainers, alumni and community partners whose guidance helped make this year's program a success.

One final congratulations to all the 2026 Summer Company graduates for turning their business ideas into reality. We look forward to seeing where your entrepreneurial journeys take you next!

Interested in seeing what types of businesses these youth entrepreneurs started this year? Visit https://yorklink.ca/summercompany and you can also sign up to the 2027 Summer Company waitlist!

📢 Now Available: YSBEC's Succession Planning Program Many business owners wait too long to plan their exit strategy. Sta...
08/20/2026

📢 Now Available: YSBEC's Succession Planning Program

Many business owners wait too long to plan their exit strategy. Starting early gives you more options, greater control, and opportunities to maximize the value of your business.

The YSBEC Succession Planning Program supports established business owners in Northern York Region who are preparing for retirement, considering a sale, transferring ownership, or planning for long-term business success.

Participants will receive access to:

✅ One-on-one advisory support from a Small Business Consultant
✅ Mentorship from experienced business professionals
✅ A customized succession planning roadmap
✅ Practical tools, templates, and resources
✅ Educational workshops and learning opportunities

Whether you're planning years in advance or actively considering your next steps, succession planning can help you maximize business value, ensure continuity for employees and customers, and preserve your business legacy for future ownership.

Get started today and book your free succession planning consultation now: https://yorklink.ca/successionplanning

If you're a business owner in York Region's southern three municipalities of Markham, Richmond Hill, or Vaughan, please connect with your local SBEC for information on succession planning supports.

As part of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), The York Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), is desig...
08/17/2026

As part of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), The York Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses develop, test and commercialize next-generation technologies in smart mobility, electrification, connected and autonomous vehicles, and automotive AI.

The RTDS is delivered in partnership with York University, YSpace, SmartTO, and ventureLAB and provides access to:

✅ Specialized labs, research expertise and talent
✅ Prototyping, commercialization and accelerator support
✅ Real-world testing and validation opportunities
✅ Municipal infrastructure, open data and YorkNet connectivity
✅ Support for technologies progressing through Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-7

Whether you're developing innovative mobility solutions, advanced automotive technologies, AI-powered systems, or electrification technologies, the York Region RTDS can help bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

Learn more about the York Region RTDS: https://yorklink.ca/rtds

🏎️ As the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy rolls into Markham for the first time, it's more than an exciting sporting event. M...
08/14/2026

🏎️ As the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy rolls into Markham for the first time, it's more than an exciting sporting event. Major events like this brings residents and visitors alike to the area, which supports local businesses and highlights the communities that make York Region a great place to live, work, and invest.

Fans can head down to the Markham street track to take part in a myriad of free events today and get up close to some of these exciting race cars. The teams will hit the street track for practice sessions later today, before qualifying on Saturday, and finally the big race on Sunday!

For details on the weekend activities visit: https://visitmarkham.ca/indy/

08/13/2026

🚨 Only 1 day left! 🚨

Are you looking to create your own IP and want help navigating the R&D ecosystem? Join CLIC’s next cohort of the Human Centred Design program to explore how any new technology you create for your clients will be accepted by the market and society at large. You will be connected to local R&D facilities, funding sources, and receive design and marketing help for your business.

Submit your Expression of Interest today to join our next CLIC cohort that starts in September. Expression of Interest due August 14: https://bit.ly/3E7lAfq



City of Richmond Hill
York Link - York Region Economic Development
OCAD University
Centennial College
eCampusOntario
George Brown Polytechnic
Ontario Tech University
Ontario Centre of Innovation
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
FedDev Ontario
YSpace
Small Business Centres Ontario
Boundless Accelerator

Address

17250 Yonge Street
Newmarket, ON
L3Y6Z1

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18774649675

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