Welcome to Invest Barrie. Barrie is a city on the rise — with a growing, diversified, and resilient economy and a population projected to reach 298,000 by 2051. Opportunity is everywhere, and we’re here to help you seize it
At Invest Barrie, we make it simple for businesses of all sizes to connect with the support they need. Whether it’s industry leaders, innovators, or community partners, the right connection is never more than a phone call or email away.
We’re more than advisors — we’re matchmakers, building relationships that strengthen and unite Barrie’s vibrant business community. Our team goes beyond sharing information. We listen to and understand your challenges. We provide tailored support and resources. We celebrate your milestones and wins.
Every step we take is driven by one shared vision: economic success and sustainable growth for Barrie and its businesses.
Reach out to our team across our two branches:
- Business & Tourism Development
- Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Our Services & Initiatives
Stephannie Schlichter
Director, Economic Development
As Director of Invest Barrie, the Economic Development Department of the City of Barrie, I have the privilege of guiding a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to advancing Council’s priorities and driving our city’s economic vision forward.
Together, we provide strategic support and authentic engagement with Barrie’s business community — helping entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors seize opportunities, and celebrate success.
Our role goes beyond local support. We actively position Barrie as a prime destination for investment, showcasing our city’s growing, diversified, and resilient economy, strategic location, and strong talent base. From investors seeking new opportunities to businesses ready to expand, we make it easy to connect with the right resources and partners.
Our team is deeply connected and collaborative. Reach out today to discover how Invest Barrie can support your journey — and why Barrie is the place to invest and grow.
Together, we provide strategic support and authentic engagement with Barrie’s business community — helping entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors seize opportunities, and celebrate success.
Our role goes beyond local support. We actively position Barrie as a prime destination for investment, showcasing our city’s growing, diversified, and resilient economy, strategic location, and strong talent base. From investors seeking new opportunities to businesses ready to expand, we make it easy to connect with the right resources and partners.
Our team is deeply connected and collaborative. Reach out today to discover how Invest Barrie can support your journey — and why Barrie is the place to invest and grow.
Stephannie Schlichter
Director, Economic Development
As Director of Invest Barrie, the Economic Development Department of the City of Barrie, I have the privilege of guiding a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to advancing Council’s priorities and driving our city’s economic vision forward.
Together, we provide strategic support and authentic engagement with Barrie’s business community — helping entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors seize opportunities, and celebrate success.
Our role goes beyond local support. We actively position Barrie as a prime destination for investment, showcasing our city’s growing, diversified, and resilient economy, strategic location, and strong talent base. From investors seeking new opportunities to businesses ready to expand, we make it easy to connect with the right resources and partners.
Our team is deeply connected and collaborative. Reach out today to discover how Invest Barrie can support your journey — and why Barrie is the place to invest and grow.
Together, we provide strategic support and authentic engagement with Barrie’s business community — helping entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors seize opportunities, and celebrate success.
Our role goes beyond local support. We actively position Barrie as a prime destination for investment, showcasing our city’s growing, diversified, and resilient economy, strategic location, and strong talent base. From investors seeking new opportunities to businesses ready to expand, we make it easy to connect with the right resources and partners.
Our team is deeply connected and collaborative. Reach out today to discover how Invest Barrie can support your journey — and why Barrie is the place to invest and grow.
Lindsay Davidson
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 premiere business investment destination n meaningful and strategic ways is my passion. I look forward to connecting!
Crystal Pollard
Manager of Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
As Manager of Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, 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 professionals and enjoy finding opportunities for businesses, while celebrating our community here in Barrie.
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!
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.
Get to Know Barrie
Our connected community drives our businesses to grow, collaborate and excel by incorporating innovation and sustainability from day one.