The City of Vaughan continues to be a leading business resource in the province

Highlights from the 2023 Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre’s Year in Review

Of the more than 19,700 businesses in Vaughan, more than 87 per cent are small enterprises. 

To set those small businesses up for success, the City’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) offers comprehensive support, including business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance, for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs starting or growing their businesses here.

Here are some of the 2023 highlights: 

• Business advisory services: VBEC connected businesses with planning, resources and opportunities through 1,018 business consultations and 8,066 inquiries, making it a leading resource in the province.

• High-quality entrepreneurship programs: The team supported local businesses through training, mentorship and funding programs, including:

  • Starter Company Plus: $165,000 in grants were directly invested into local businesses, resulting in more than $1 million in direct economic spending.

  • Summer Company: $33,000 in grants were directly invested into local student-run businesses.

  • Business Planning Launchpad Series: 921 attendees received business planning support.

  • Better Your Business program: Five strategic social and environmental sustainability plans were completed.

• Seminars and workshop series: VBEC delivered 84 seminars exploring best practices across industries to 1,608 participants with the help of collaborative partnerships. The 2023 Small Business Week programming saw 302 participants attend 11 seminars, workshops and networking events delivered in partnership with key stakeholders.

• Strategic partnerships and collaborations: VBEC leveraged expertise and networks from educational institutions and business accelerator and incubator programs.

   

These initiatives and achievements were highlighted in the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2023 Year in Review (PDF) – which was recently approved by Vaughan Council.

Looking ahead, the VBEC team will continue to support Vaughan’s thriving small business community through continued business advisory services, entrepreneurship programs, seminars and workshops and strategic partnerships.

To learn more about VBEC, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.

QUOTES

“The City of Vaughan is building a world-class city where residents and businesses can thrive and prosper. We believe in giving businesses the tools and support they need to ensure their passion is only matched by their limitless potential. Vaughan continues to be the economic engine of York Region accounting for more than 35 per cent of all businesses and 36 per cent of all employment. As the home to businesses big and small, Vaughan continues to grow with recent expansions and investments from world-class companies like Arla Foods, Hanon Systems and Clover Tool Manufacturing. The City is fortunate to have a talented Economic Development team committed to advancing our shared goal of boosting our local economy. The results are incredible, and I thank them for their ongoing efforts to support Vaughan businesses.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“The City of Vaughan’s Economic Development department is dedicated to working with all levels of government to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. I want to give a big thank you to each member of the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre team for their professionalism and leadership as they work hard to maintain the competitiveness of the local economy and support businesses at all stages. The list of achievements outlined in this review is truly impressive and demonstrates the team’s ability to deliver on our commitment to Service Excellence.”

- Zoran Postic, City Manager

“The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre team goes above and beyond to raise the City’s profile, attract new partners and investments, and support the expansion of the local business community. The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2023 Year in Review is proof of the extraordinary work the team is doing to develop Vaughan’s current and future entrepreneurs. I want to congratulate the entire VBEC team on their successes in 2023, and I look forward to many more shared accomplishments in the years ahead.”

- Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development

QUICK FACTS

• The City’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) offers comprehensive support, including business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance, for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs starting or growing their business in Vaughan.

• The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2023 Year in Review (PDF) showcases an overview of the VBEC team’s initiatives and achievements.

• Connect with the VBEC team by email at ed@vaughan.ca or by phone at 905-832-8526.

   

LEARN MORE

• Economic Development’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2023 Year in Review (PDF)
• Nov. 12, 2024, Committee of the Whole (2) Report: Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre – 2023 Year in Review (PDF)
• Economic Development’s webpage
• Economic Development department’s eNewsletter
• Economic Development’s LinkedIn