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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.
Discover Lakeside Dining in Innisfil
With more than 10 unique lakeside dining experiences throughout the community, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds! As a resident, explore within your own community, or as a tourist, pack up and enjoy a day trip to one of our amazing lakeside dining establishments. Snap a photo of your dining experience and share it to social media, tagging @innisfilecdev and using the hashtag #TasteOfInnisfil for your chance to be entered to win the ultimate boater’s prize pack valued at $500.
Vendors Wanted for InnisFALL
InnisFALL returns on October 4, 2025! The Town of Innisfil is looking for local food vendors, artisan makers, and community groups to help bring the magic to this outdoor celebration at Innisfil Town Square. Apply by August 15 at innisfil.ca/InnisFALL.
2025 Simcoe County Manufacturer’s Form
The Simcoe County Manufacturer’s Forum will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Nottawasaga Inn and Conference Centre. This event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and participate in sessions exploring how manufacturers can adapt, evolve, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. To learn more about the event, visit the County of Simcoe’s webpage.
County of Simcoe – 2025 Week of Welcome Regional Job Fair
The Simcoe County Regional Job Fair is taking place on September 17, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Southshore Community Centre, Barrie. This event is a key highlight of the County of Simcoe Week of Welcome, a special week dedicated to encouraging Canadians to embrace newcomers and support their successful transition into our communities.
Participating employers have the opportunity to engage with a diverse talent pool that reflects the rich fabric of our community, enhance their company’s presence and brand within the local job market and will contribute to the success of our community by helping newcomers find meaningful employment.
Limited booths are available, so employers are encouraged to register at their earliest convenience. Registration is free and can be completed by filling out this registration form. For any questions, please contact sclip@simcoe.ca.
Age-Friendly Recognition Awards
The 2025 Age-Friendly Recognition Awards are now open. The Age-Friendly Business/Organization Awards Program celebrates those who are committed to continuous improvement and who champion best practices in serving individuals of all ages and abilities. An Age-Friendly business is a people-friendly business—welcoming, inclusive, and designed to serve everyone in the community. Please note that also customers can nominate businesses that go above and beyond to serve older adults by completing the Customer Nomination Checklist. To learn more about this program and to access the relevant forms, please visit the County of Simcoe's webpage.
Simcoe County Employment Survey
The County of Simcoe is continuing its two-year pilot project to conduct an Employment Survey after it was launched in the spring of 2024. The employment survey will gather information and capture data regarding the number of businesses and jobs within the County of Simcoe. The data collected will help the County of Simcoe and local municipalities gain a better understanding of employment areas, establish a baseline of existing businesses, identify employment trends, and acquire a deeper knowledge of the local economy.
Dedicated County staff will visit businesses across the region to seek participation in the survey. Businesses that operate within the County of Simcoe are also encouraged to send an e-mail to employsimcoe@simcoe.ca to receive a unique survey link for their workplace. For full details on the survey please visit www.simcoe.ca/employmentsurvey.
Ontario Investing $7.5 Million to Help Businesses Go Digital
The Ontario government is investing $7.5 million to protect small and medium-sized businesses across the province, helping them modernize and grow by adopting digital technologies. The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) helps companies to transition and find made-in-Ontario digital solutions with expert guidance, training and up to $115,000 in targeted grants. To learn more about the DCC or other programs delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), please consult the OCI website and the DCC program page, or visit the County of Simcoe's EDO Funding Page.
Resources in Response to U.S. Tariff Concerns
The Town of Innisfil is actively engaged in discussions with a number of partners regarding the impending tariffs. In particular, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is leading the charge on behalf of Canadian municipalities as it pertains to a number of tariff related impacts, which may include, but are not limited to municipal law enforcement, import and export of goods and services, impacts to municipal procurement and infrastructure projects, and potential impacts on small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s). Mayor Lynn Dollin, Council, and Economic Development staff are participating in these conversations and sharing the feedback of local business stakeholders.
In the meantime, the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office has created a dedicated webpage with comprehensive Tariff Resources to help businesses navigate potential changes. Also found on the site is a short tariff impact assessment created in collaboration with the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus.
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