Economic Development Newsletter September 2025

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.
5 marketing hacks every entrepreneur should know
DMZ Innisfil provides business support programs to help local businesses start, grow, and scale. Delivered by the Town of Innisfil Economic Development team, the DMZ Innisfil All Access program provides educational workshops and events to entrepreneurs throughout Innisfil, Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia.
The next DMZ Innisfil All Access Workshop is perfect for those looking to level up their marketing while saving time!
In this fast-paced, practical session, you’ll learn five powerful marketing hacks that every entrepreneur should know to save time, boost visibility, and get better results—without burning out.
From leveraging free tools and AI shortcuts to planning content with ease and automating repetitive tasks, these hacks are designed for real-world entrepreneurs juggling it all. Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your strategy, you'll walk away with actionable tips you can implement right away.
Call to local vendors – We're looking for local swag!
Our Economic Development team is looking to take some local swag to an upcoming tradeshow at the end of September. We’re looking to take sample sizes of some local products to highlight Innisfil’s unique businesses and offerings.
Please email Lauren McEachern, Economic Development Champion, at lmceachern@innisfil.ca by September 12, 2025 to express your interest and learn more.
InnisFALL is back – Save the date!
Join the Town of Innisfil at InnisFALL to celebrate the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season! From live music and strolling entertainers to crafts, delicious treats, and photo ops, there’s something for everyone.
InnisFALL is happening on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2025 Simcoe County Manufacturer’s Form – Save the date!
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 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.
Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum
The 2025 Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum will be held in Simcoe County on October 22 to 23, 2025. The event brings together municipal leaders, planners, economic developers, farmers, and agri-business professionals to explore how land-use planning and economic development can support resilient rural communities and sustainable agri-food systems. Day one features an agri-business tour, while day two offers a full conference. This year’s theme, “Cultivating Common Ground,” highlights collaboration and innovation in agriculture.
Tourism Sprint Program
Destination Canada has announced the Tourism Sprint Program (TSP), a competitive, application-based, cost-sharing program that funds short-term projects focused on creating innovative tourism products and supporting new tourism investment. The program aims to quickly address barriers to investment through targeted funding over a limited project timeline to unlock broader tourism opportunities and enhance Canada’s competitive position in the global marketplace.
This program is open to for-profit tourism businesses and organizations, not-for-profit organizations, indigenous communities and organizations, and local, regional, and municipal governments. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit Destination Canada’s website.
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 (SMEs). Mayor 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.