Welcome to the Innisfil Economic Development newsletter!
This month, we're excited to share the latest updates on economic growth and upcoming events in our community. From innovative startups to thriving local businesses, there’s always something to celebrate in Innisfil. The Town of Innisfil’s Economic Development team is here to support you—reach out anytime at business@innisfil.ca for general inquiries or business assistance.
Small Business Financing Workshop
Thinking about a business loan, but not sure where to start? Financing is a major decision for any business and understanding your options before you apply can make all the difference.
Join us for Small Business Financing: How to Choose the Right Business Loan and Prepare for Funding, a practical workshop designed for entrepreneurs looking to secure financing to launch, grow, or expand their business.
Whether you are looking for a business loan to start, grow or expand your business, this workshop will help you understand the different loan options available, what lenders look for and how to prepare before applying.
- In this workshop, you will learn how to define your financing needs and determine whether a loan is the right solution for your business.
- Explore financing options, including startup financing, traditional bank loans, BDC, Futurpreneur, Community Futures, equipment financing and alternative lenders.
- Learn how to match the right financing option to your business stage, funding needs and growth plans.
- Understand what lenders look for when evaluating an application, and what documents you should prepare before applying.
- Leave with a clearer roadmap for how much financing you need, which option may be right for your business, and how to approach lenders with greater confidence.
Join us for this workshop on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at DMZ Innisfil, located at 8000 Yonge Street in Stroud.
Registration is required. Tickets are free and open to businesses within Innisfil or the County of Simcoe.
Resources in Response to U.S. Tariff Concerns
The Town of Innisfil recognizes that recent tariff announcements may be creating uncertainty and challenges for some businesses. We remain committed to supporting our business community by sharing timely information and connecting businesses with available resources.
The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office has developed a dedicated tariff resources webpage, where businesses can access a range of supports, information and webinars hosted by various levels of government and industry partners. The webpage also offers a tariff impact assessment survey created in collaboration with the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus.
The Town continues to work with regional partners and various levels of government to help businesses navigate changing trade conditions. For instance, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is actively advocating on tariff-related issues affecting municipalities and local economies. Mayor Dollin, Council, and Economic Development staff will continue to share feedback from Innisfil businesses through all available channels whenever possible to help ensure local concerns are represented.
On August 25, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a $7.5 billion support package for workers and businesses affected by tariff-related disruptions. Supports include financing, workforce assistance, and targeted programs for exporters and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Sustainable Festivals and Events Guide & Checklist
Tourism Simcoe County is excited to launch their new Sustainable Festivals and Events Guide & Checklist, developed by Tourism Simcoe County in partnership with Synergy Enterprises. The guide provides practical actions that organizers can implement before, during, and after an event to support more sustainable event planning and operations. Visit the festival & events resources page on their website to learn more.
Virtual Microlearning Series
Join Tourism Simcoe County for a dynamic three-part series designed for festivals/event organizers and other organizations in Simcoe County interested in implementing meaningful sustainability actions in business operations. Click on the session links below to learn more and register to attend.
- Session 1: Introduction to Planning a Sustainable Event: Main Areas of Focus
- Monday, November 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (virtual)
- Session 2: Deeper Dive: Responsible Sourcing, Waste Management & Circular Economy for Events
- Monday, November 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (virtual)
- Session 3: Deeper Dive: Energy Management & Decarbonization for Events
- Monday, November 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (virtual)
2027 Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards
On September 22, the Ontario government announced that it is opening nominations for the Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards, an annual program recognizing the people, businesses, organizations and communities that are helping to drive economic growth, create opportunity and strengthen rural Ontario. The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards will recognize outstanding achievements across eight categories. Nominations will be accepted until October 23, 2026. Interested stakeholders can learn more about the program and submit a nomination at ontario.ca/RuralAwards.