The City of Vaughan is a leading business resource in the province

Of the more than 19,500 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 in Vaughan.

Want to learn more? An overview of the VBEC’s 2022 initiatives and achievements is outlined in the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2022 Year in Review (PDF) – which was recently approved by Vaughan Council.

Here are some of the 2022 VBEC highlights: 

• Business advisory services: VBEC connected businesses with planning, resources and opportunities through 1,217 business consultations and 3,140 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: $260,000 in grants were directly invested into local businesses, resulting in more than $3 million in direct economic spending.

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

  • My Main Street: $200,000 in grants were directly invested into local businesses combined with $115,000 in additional federal funding, totalling $315,000 in non-repayable contributions to help revitalize local main street businesses.

  • Business Planning Launchpad Series: 1,375 attendees received business planning support.

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

• Seminars and workshop series: VBEC delivered 81 seminars exploring best practices across industries to 2,367 participants with the help of collaborative partnerships. The 2022 Small Business Week saw 158 participants attend 10 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.

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 Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre continues to be a leading resource for our local business leaders. Small businesses remain the backbone of our economy, representing more than 87 per cent of all Vaughan employers. The City steadfastly supports Vaughan’s entrepreneurs and business owners because we understand our strength lies in their success. I would like to congratulate the VBEC team for their ongoing efforts to retain talent, help businesses thrive and attract visitors to our great city. The achievements summarized in this report are remarkable, and I look forward to VBEC’s future accomplishments.”

-    Mayor Steven Del Duca

“The City of Vaughan’s Economic Development team has remained committed to working with all levels of government to support entrepreneurs and small business owners, with a focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local economy. From providing advisory consultations to supporting local and rising entrepreneurial talent through City programs, this team is working hard to ensure Vaughan’s economic success. On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team – Executive, I want to congratulate the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre team on the initiatives and achievements outlined in this review.”

-    Nick Spensieri, 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: 2022 Year in Review is proof of the incredible work the team is doing to develop Vaughan’s aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. I want to congratulate the entire VBEC team on their successes in 2022, and I look forward to many more accomplishments in the years ahead.”

-    Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development

QUICK FACTS

• The 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: 2022 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: 2022 Year in Review (PDF)
• Economic Development’s website
• Economic Development department’s eNewsletter