Welcome to Invest Barrie. Barrie has a growing, diversified, and resilient economy with a population expected to increase to 298,000 by 2051. We’re here to make it easy for businesses of all sizes to connect to support. Industry, cultural and community leaders are never more than a phone call or an email away.
At Invest Barrie, we consider ourselves matchmakers, creating connections that bind our vibrant business community together. Our services go beyond information sharing and support; we get to know our businesses, support their challenges and celebrate their wins. And each action is fueled by a shared goal of economic success and growth.
We’re here for you. Reach out to our team across our three branches:
Business & Tourism Development
Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Creative Sector
Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships & Innovation
Our Services & Initiatives
Stephannie Schlichter
Director, Economic & Creative Development
As Director of Invest Barrie, the Economic & Creative Development Department of the City of Barrie, I lead my team of professionals guiding them in delivering on our departmental goals as well as the priorities of Council. I offer meaningful, strategic support and authentic engagement with our business community to help them grow and succeed. My team is connected, supportive, and can link you to industry, cultural and community leaders who can help you succeed. Reach out to find out how we can support you!
Stephannie Schlichter
Director, Economic & Creative Development
As Director of Invest Barrie, the Economic & Creative Development Department of the City of Barrie, I lead my team of professionals guiding them in delivering on our departmental goals as well as the priorities of Council. I offer meaningful, strategic support and authentic engagement with our business community to help them grow and succeed. My team is connected, supportive, and can link you to industry, cultural and community leaders who can help you succeed. Reach out to find out how we can support you!
Crystal Pollard
Manager of Small Business & Creative Sector
As Manager of the Small Business and Creative Sector, I’m able to connect you to the resources and support you need to start or grow your business. I lead a team of small business and creative professionals and enjoy finding opportunities for business and the arts to intersect while celebrating our community here in Barrie.
Darcy Brooke-Bisschop
Manager of Business Development
As Manager of Business Development, I support a team of economic development professionals in fostering an environment that allows businesses to thrive in Barrie. Contributing to the growth of the city’s business community and showcasing Barrie as a premier business investment destination in meaningful and strategic ways is my passion. I look forward to connecting!
Amanda Dyke
Culture Development Officer
Are you a local artist or arts organization interested in growing within Barrie? Reach out! I oversee programs that support growth within the arts & culture sector and contribute to a healthy and dynamic arts community. I lead the Arts & Culture Investment Program, the Barrie Arts Awards, sector workshops, and more.
Angela Soule
Administrative Assistant
Providing administrative support to the Invest Barrie team, I’m always happy to help our clients, team members and shareholders. Need to connect to the team but unsure of who to reach out to? I can help!
Carol-Ann Ryan
Public Art Coordinator
As Public Art Coordinator, I help to enrich our public spaces and champion the growth of Barrie’s local arts sector. Looking to find out more about Calls for Public Art, joining our Public Art Roster or participating on a public art jury? I can help. I also work closely with the Barrie Public Art Committee, a volunteer working group of Council.
Kristen Eatch
Tourism Coordinator
Interested in talking strategic tourism development and how this exciting sector can positively impact our local economy? Let’s connect! My focus is on all aspects of the visitor economy including cultural tourism, sport tourism, alliances with local, regional and provincial partners, and executing on the recommendations in the City’s Tourism Master Plan.
Kristen Marumoto
Small Business Centre Coordinator
As Small Business Centre Coordinator of the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, I provide support for entrepreneurs and students who are looking to start or grow their businesses, by delivering programs such as Starter Company Plus and Summer Company. Reach out to see if these training and mentorship opportunities are right for you and your business!
Marissa Caldwell
Small Business Centre Office & Programs Coordinator
Are you an entrepreneur or student and unsure where to go for support? Let’s connect! I provide administrative support to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia and can connect you to resources and professionals within the Barrie business community.
Nora Gavarre
Business Development Officer
Looking to find out more on how your business can recruit talent, leverage funding opportunities, or expand internationally? I’m here to help! I support the retention and expansion of our local companies and I thrive when hosting international delegations and introducing them to the incredible new or growing businesses in Barrie.
Peter Dyck
Business Development Officer
Looking to move your business to Barrie or want to invest in a growing community? Get in touch! I can help you access business data, community statistics, planning information, and solid connections with community members to help your business grow.
Sarah Young
Senior Business Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Officer
I connect entrepreneurs to the local business support ecosystem and work collaboratively with our partners to foster strategic relationships and programming that drives start-up and scale-up growth in Barrie. I especially enjoy celebrating and empowering our local businesses by facilitating events like the Mayor’s Innovation Awards and the Manufacturing Innovation Summit. Reach out!
Sophia Candrasa
Business Development Analyst
Have questions with Barrie's Business & Employer Data Survey project or data collection and research? I can help! I support my team with researching and analyzing data to provide insights for strategic planning and sector development. Let’s connect to explore how data-driven insights can boost business growth and enhance Barrie’s business environment!
Susan Rockey
Business Development Officer
Building a new or renovating your existing Barrie business and need some clarification on process requirements? I’m here to help! I specialize in investment servicing and can help you navigate through this process no matter how complex or tight your timeline.