Introducing you to … our Economic Development team!
The City of Vaughan is introducing you to some of the teams that work hard to support the residents and businesses that call this vibrant community home! Here’s everything to know about the City’s Economic Development department.
Economic Development’s goal is to improve Vaughan’s economic vitality in a way that benefits the entire community. This includes everything from delivering small business and entrepreneurship support services through the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) to developing the city’s economic assets – resources of value that can offer benefits, financial or otherwise, to the community, such as the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct (PDF) – and strengthening the city’s tourism-related sector through the Vaughan Destination Master Plan (PDF).
How is this done? The team establishes relationships, builds networks and generates resources to meet the needs of Vaughan’s local businesses. Learn more about how the City’s Economic Development team can help:
Business advisory services
The Economic Development team offers advice to entrepreneurs and businesses of all stages and sizes. Whether you’re mulling your first business idea or looking for solutions to business challenges, the team is here to help with services ranging from research and business intelligence support to connections to funding sources, financing and grants.
Want to talk to a representative? The team offers one-on-one consultation services by appointment via tele- or video-conferencing and in-person. Small business assistance is available for in-person drop-in services at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Medium and large enterprises can reach out directly to the team member that best represents their industry or location in Vaughan at vaughanbusiness.ca/connect.
Expanding or relocating to Vaughan
If you’re looking to expand or relocate your business in Vaughan, the Economic Development team can lend a hand by supporting your real estate search, connecting you to the right people, sharing information about the community and advising on other opportunities and challenges.
Finding partnership opportunities
Economic Development can help you find strategic partnership opportunities to grow your business in Vaughan. The team facilitates networking through events, entrepreneurship programming and their online networking platform, the Vaughan Business Café. You can ask for tailored partnership suggestions by contacting the team or signing up for a complimentary one-hour consultation.
The department also offers a variety of partnership and sponsorship opportunities through the Corporate Partnerships program. From purchasing the naming rights to a City facility to program partnerships and infrastructure support, the Economic Development team can customize a business-to-business or business-to-consumer opportunity that meets your business objectives and allows you to give back by directly investing in the community.
Small business and entrepreneurship assistance
The department offers support for local businesses and entrepreneurs at all stages. The VBEC provides one-stop services for Vaughan’s aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners, with access to business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance to start or grow a business in Vaughan. For a full list of business events, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
The team also helps innovators take new ideas from concept to market by offering local commercialization support and access to a robust innovation ecosystem. Programs like Summer Company and Starter Company Plus are great for those looking to get started.
Tourism organization support
The Economic Development team works to develop Vaughan’s tourism sector. The Council-approved Vaughan Destination Master Plan (VDMP) lays out a comprehensive plan for developing Vaughan’s tourism-related industry cluster. It does this through governance and City policy framework, product development, partnerships, marketing and communications, and research and data analysis.
The VDMP initiatives support Vaughan-based tourism organizations by offering extended reach to visitors through marketing opportunities, a better understanding of visitors to Vaughan through reports and insights, and a strong network of peers and industry leaders through networking opportunities.
Strategic initiative development
The Economic Development department undertakes key strategic projects that establish economic assets. These projects aim to promote the growth of the city’s business community and attract businesses and talent to Vaughan. With a goal to develop ambitious, sustainable and purpose-driven projects that better the community, including Smart City development initiatives like the OVIN Mobility Demonstration Zone, creative placemaking through art and public art strategies, culture and creative industry partnerships, and innovation projects like the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct to create an epicentre of healthcare excellence.
Economic Development is a transformative, ambitious and purpose-driven team of professionals. From business advisors, tourism developers, and business development specialists to strategic economic initiatives staff working in innovation, municipal and corporate partnerships, creative placemaking and international relations, this multifaceted team works together to deliver exceptional programs, services and events to the Vaughan business community and beyond. To learn more about Economic Development, visit vaughanbusiness.ca, email ed@vaughan.ca or call 905-832-8526.
To stay informed on the City’s latest tourism, business resources and initiatives, sign up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletters at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters and follow the official channels on LinkedIn and Instagram.
For the latest updates, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
