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 Value Summit
Are you building a business and want to make sure it becomes stronger, more valuable, and ready for whatever comes next?
The Small Business Value Summit, taking place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Three Feathers Terrace (1263 3rd Line, Innisfil), is a practical half-day event for entrepreneurs and business owners at all stages. Learn what drives business value, what can hold it back, and what you can do now to build a stronger company.
Sessions will cover how small businesses are valued, how your financial performance, customers, team, systems and owner dependence affect value, and how to create more options for the future.
You’ll also hear real-world lessons from local business owners who have navigated major changes in ownership and leadership.
Ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs who want to build stronger foundations from the beginning, as well as established business owners looking to improve how their business operates, increase its long-term value and plan for what comes next.
Registration is required. Tickets are free and open to businesses within Innisfil or the County of Simcoe.
Looking for local business participation – Shop Innisfil holiday promotions
Help us bring the magic of shopping locally to Innisfil this holiday season! We're inviting local businesses to share their upcoming holiday markets, shopping events, seasonal promotions, gift ideas, and unique holiday offerings. We'll be highlighting local shopping experiences and businesses through our Shop Innisfil marketing campaign to encourage residents to shop local this holiday season.
Have something festive planned? Send your event details, promotions, photos, or gift ideas to Amber Elliott, Economic Development Champion at aelliott@innisfil.ca by Friday, November 6 at noon for a chance to be featured! Let's spread some holiday cheer and showcase the amazing businesses that make Innisfil special.
Innisfil Economic Development earns three marketing awards
Our Economic Development team is celebrating three award recognitions for recent innovative marketing initiatives, including a finalist distinction at the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence for the Discover Lakeside Dining campaign and two Gold Awards at the international MarCom Awards for the Entrepreneurial Journey Map project.
The recognitions highlight the team's commitment to creative, strategic marketing that showcases Innisfil as a destination for visitors while helping local entrepreneurs access the resources they need to start and grow their business.
Read more about these recent awards in our news release
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. We will continue to share feedback from Innisfil businesses through all available channels whenever possible to help ensure local concerns are represented.
Simcoe County 2027 Skilled Trades Fair – Exhibitor registration now open
The County of Simcoe is inviting skilled trades employers, industry partners, and employment service providers to showcase their opportunities and connect with future talent at the 2027 Simcoe County Skilled Trades Fair. Held on April 29, 2027, at the Georgian College, Midland campus, the event will host high school students from 9:00am-1:00pm and then open to the public from 3:00pm-6:00pm.
Canada and Ontario Investing $2 Million to Protect the Province’s Agri-Food Industry
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2 million across the province to help small businesses in the agri-food industry expand operations and enhance food safety. Delivered through Ontario's Food Safety and Growth Initiatives, the funding will help equip businesses with the tools and technologies they need to improve safety, increase efficiency and grow.
The initiative will support small agri-food businesses that produce, process or service specific products, such as bagged salads, cheese and ice cream, and have fewer than 100 employees at the project location. Funding can be up to $75,000 per project and used for investments in food safety equipment and technology, food traceability systems and process improvements.
Applications opened on October 19, 2026, and will remain open until March 1, 2027, or until available funding has been fully committed. More information is available in the Government of Ontario’s news release.