Explore our latest blog posts, Invest Barrie Quarterly newsletters, and Creative Barrie Culture Pop newsletters. The Invest Barrie Quarterly newsletter provides the latest Barrie economic news and the Creative Barrie Culture Pop newsletter keeps you informed about what’s going on in Barrie’s arts and culture community.
Celebrating Economic Development Week - A Month in The Life
May 14, 2025 | As a Senior Business Innovation & Strategic Partnerships Officer, I see Economic Development Week as a moment to reflect on the why behind what I do here at Invest Barrie and the how our department helps build thriving communities through innovation and entrepreneurship. Learn more about what I do in my role, as I take you through a month in my professional life.
Celebrating Economic Development Week
May 13, 2025 | Every year, Economic Development Week gives us the chance to shine a spotlight on the work we do behind the scenes at Invest Barrie to foster growth, support businesses, and build a thriving, connected community.
Seeds to Sow: Barrie’s First Large-Scale Exhibition of Temporary Site-Specific Public Art
May 12, 2025 | Six months ago, the City of Barrie closed its first large-scale exhibition of temporary site-specific public art. Seeds to Sow was organized by the city and was on display September 28 to November 8, 2024. The exhibition featured 6 artists and displayed 6 unique art installations as well as a satellite exhibition at the MacLaren Art Centre. Thanks to support from Invest Barrie, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) and seventeen local sponsors, this exhibition and its programs were free to the public and marketed to audiences within Barrie and beyond, targeting the Barrie-Toronto corridor and the GTA.
Celebrating International Sculpture Day
April 25, 2025 | This year, April 26th is International Sculpture Day (ISDay). This day of celebration is a global event spearheaded by the International Sculpture Center. The goal of ISDay is to help people learn more about sculpture, and to acknowledge the important contributions of this artform to our culture and society. Barrie is proud to be home to a number of stunning and engaging public art sculptures – and our next big art installation is coming soon!
Culture Pop! Special Edition
April 23, 2025 | In this issue: Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2025 Arts & Culture Investment Program!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Patricia Zuniga Serrano
April 15, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with last fall. Meet Patricia Zuniga Serrano and PMZ Bookkeeping!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Thomas Parker
April 15, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with last fall. Meet Thomas Parker and the Barrie Archery Tag League!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Shelby DeGroot
April 15, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with last fall. Meet Shelby DeGroot and Hemp+Heart Co!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Tristan Rodriguez
April 15, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with last fall. Meet Tristan Rodriguez and Stormwood Productions!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Susanna MacMillan
April 15, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with last fall. Meet Susanna MacMillan and Sue’s Secondhand Styles!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Uche Onyekpe
April 15, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with last fall. Meet Uche Onyekpe and Techeccentric!
April 2025: Culture Pop! Newsletter
April 4, 2025 | In this issue: April is National Poetry Month; The Barrie Public Art Committee is seeking Volunteer Members; The Afro Fusion Fashion Show comes to the Five Points Theatre; Call for Local Art for Traffic Cabinet Wraps; Applications are now open for Summer Company; Digital Marketing 101 Webinar; Call to Artists for the Barrie Arts Awards statuettes design and fabrication; Call to Artists for Artist Designed Mayor’s Innovation Awards Trophy; and the MacLaren Art Centre are hiring and looking for volunteers.
March 2025: Invest Barrie Quarterly
March 28, 2025 | In this issue: Provincial Investment in Barrie Helps Promote Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Development Updates; Featured ICI Properties; Barrie's Economic Overview; City Receives Two Economic Development Awards of Excellence; 2025 Women in Business Award Winners Announced; EBS Global Celebrates Grand Opening; and Community Updates.
StART Making Sense Arts Business Talks
March 17, 2025 | Recently, Invest Barrie sat down with regional artist Sean William Dawson following the soft launch of the 2025 StART Making Sense (SMS) arts business talks series to learn more about the series’ goals, plans and what to expect as they plan for the official series launch later this month.
The Barrie Art Club: A Journey Through Art and Community
March 11, 2025 | The Barrie Art Club is a cornerstone of the visual art scene in Barrie, fostering creativity and nurturing the talents of local artists for the last 75 years. Founded in 1949, the club has grown from a small gathering of passionate individuals to a vibrant community of artists. We recently had the chance to sit down with some Club members to talk about the last 75 years of history, how the Barrie Art Club became the artistic hub it is today!
Checking in with our 2024 Barrie Arts Awards Winners
February 28, 2025 | Every year, the Barrie Arts Awards celebrates the individuals and organizations that contribute to the arts and culture community. The 2024 Barrie Arts Awards gala took place on Tuesday, November 12, and featured unique performances in addition to the presentation of artist-designed award statuettes to six stand-out individuals. Let’s learn about how it feels to win a Barrie Arts Award and what’s next for our winners!
Culture Pop! Special Edition
February 28, 2025 | In this issue: Open Auditions for the 2025 Emerging Artists Program and Call to Artists for the Brightening Barriers Temporary Installations of Public Art.
Celebrate Black History Month
February 12, 2025 | Each February, Canadians celebrate the contributions of Black individuals on the world during Black History Month. In Barrie, that celebration encompasses history, the arts, culture, social justice and business, and often spreads into other months, as Black contributions should be celebrated year-round!
February 2025: Culture Pop! Newsletter
February 7, 2025 | In this issue: Celebrate Black History Month in Barrie; Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 Starter Company Plus Cohort; Brightening Barriers returns in 2025; StART Making Sense - Living in the Arts Panel Discussion; Apply to Perform at Kempenfest; Call for Visual Artists for the Barrie Art Club's Art Blast 2025; Call for Nominations, Artists, and more for the Barrie Art Club's 75th Anniversary Gala; and Check out upcoming opportunities with the Canada Council for the Arts.
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Kyle Popovich
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Kyle Popovich and Popovich Entertainment!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Melodie Sweet
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Melodie Sweet and Behaviour Tech!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Sarah Achtenberg
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Sarah Achtenberg and Achtenberg Design!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Jenna Rossiter
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Jenna Rossiter and Bitters Cocktail Co!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Kara Wardinger
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Kara Wardinger and Pawty Animals!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Marcello Nicolo
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Marcello Nicolo and Automated Shade Solutions Inc.!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Nathan Paquette
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Nathan Paquette and Northern Pros Pressure Washing!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Teresa Smith
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Teresa Smith and Simplifeye Optical!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Jessica Tinney
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Jessica Tinney, GalaxyBrain and Menopod!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Kirkland Brown
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Kirkland Brown and Under Dog Visions!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Matthew McMillan
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Matthew McMillan and Shelby Watch Company!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Robert Curran
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Robert Curran and Mobicare Advanced Foot Care!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: White Pines Academy
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet White Pines Academy.
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Jinith Kithalawa Arachchi
February 5, 2025 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Jinith Kithalawa Arachchi and Keystone Engineering & Design Inc.!
Invest Barrie Wins Five IEDC Awards
January 27, 2025 | Invest Barrie was recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with five awards during the IEDC Annual Conference held September 17-20 in Dallas, Texas. IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. These awards honour organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Culture Pop! Special Edition
January 10, 2025 | In this issue: Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Content Marketing Learning Lab; Calling All Musical Performers for Winterfest Programming; and Reminder about the 2025 Arts & Culture Investment Program
Application Deadline.
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Jake Agema
December 23, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Jake Agema and Addimin!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Ilayna Harris
December 23, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Ilayna Harris and Pawsitive Pawz!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Hagop Vanayan
December 20, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Hagop Vanayan and Mobile Marksmen Corporation!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Emily Blocksdorf
December 20, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Emily Blocksdorf and Anchors Away Photography!
December 2024: Invest Barrie Quarterly
December 20, 2024 | In this issue: Lakehead University to Bring STEM Hub to Downtown Barrie; Concierge Programs Aim to Create More Housing and Jobs; Sky Towers Building 928 Rental Units; Barrie to Build New Wastewater Innovation Centre; Read the New Economic Overview for Barrie; Barrie Trade Mission to Germany Aimed at Boosting Economic Ties; Barrie's Top Innovators and Artists Celebrated at Annual Awards; Invest Barrie Attends The Battery Show; and Community Updates.
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: David La Costa
December 20, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet David La Costa and Structured Property Inspections!
Highlights from the Award-Winning 2024 Barrie Culture Days
December 17, 2024 | Culture Days is a three-week festival that celebrates arts and culture across Canada. This year, Culture Days took place from September 20 to October 13, 2024 in the City of Barrie. The celebrations were glorious and colourful, and provided community members with access to free and diverse artistic and cultural experiences.
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Brad Ferguson
December 16, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Brad Ferguson and Upchuckle!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Andrew de Jong
December 16, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Andrew and JustSimcoe.ca!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Ariadna Martinez
December 16, 2024 | The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall. Meet Ariadna and Creactive Training!
Culture Pop! Special Edition
December 11, 2024 | In this issue: The 2025 Arts & Culture Investment Program is now open; Call for Adjudicators for the Arts & Culture Investment Program; and Arts & Culture Investment Program Information Sessions.
Presenting the 6th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Research & Innovation Contribution
November 25, 2024 | The Research and Innovation Contribution award recognizes industry and academic researchers, as well as entrepreneurs whose innovative activities have had high impact on their individual business or sector, engaging knowledge users throughout the process.
Presenting the 6th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Municipal Innovation
November 25, 2024 | Introduced in 2023 by Mayor Alex Nuttall, the Municipal Innovation Award demonstrates the City of Barrie’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in public service. It recognizes the individuals, teams, and departments within our organization that have gone above and beyond to drive innovation, streamline processes, and deliver more effective and efficient services to our community.
Presenting the 6th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Pivot Point
November 25, 2024 | The Pivot Point award recognizes companies or organizations that have navigated unexpected challenges by discovering and pursuing opportunities for growth. This recognition focuses on those who purposefully took action, addressing risks and implementing key changes to their business model or processes.
Presenting the 6th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Youth Innovator
November 25, 2024 | The Youth Innovator award recognizes youth who are challenging the status quo and showcases some of the incredible learning that comes through entrepreneurship. This award encourages youth entrepreneurs of all types – from students working on capstone projects to those working on their own non-profit, for-profit or social enterprise – to develop their ideas, products/services, or even improvements for an existing product or process.
Presenting the 6th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Creative Collaboration
November 25, 2024 | The Creative Collaboration award recognizes two or more companies or organizations that have forged an alliance and reached new heights or achievements that they couldn't have reached alone. Contributions may be across sectors, industries, geographies or verticals.
Presenting the 6th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Shift Disturber
November 25, 2024 | The Shift Disturber award is a fan favourite, designed to recognize an individual who has championed innovation in their business, organization or community. Where others see opposition, they see opportunity. This individual is a powerhouse of creative problem solving, shaking up norms and spearheading strategic solutions in the midst of uncertainty.
November 2024: Culture Pop! Newsletter
November 20, 2024 | In this issue: Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Barrie Arts Awards; Vibe & Thrive Black Mentor Speaker Series; She is More - Poetic Community Event; Registration is open for Canvas for Change; 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer Nights; Applications are being accepted for the Bright Futures Barrie Grant; and Submit your Event Listings to Barrie.ca.
reIGNITE Conference 2024
October 25, 2024 | Last month, a handful of Invest Barrie team members had the opportunity to support and attend the 2024 reIGNITE Conference. Learn what some of their key takeaways were as they joined attendees to take in keynote speakers, experience various learning opportunities and build long-lasting connections with members of the start-up ecosystem.
Culture Pop! Special Edition
October 25, 2024 | In this issue: Call for Mayor's Christmas Card Contest; and Announcing the Barrie Arts Awards Shortlisted Nominees!
Catching up with 2023 Starter Company Plus Participants
October 18, 2024 | The Small Business Centre team is excited to catch up with some of our 2023 Starter Company Plus Cohort participants to see how they and their businesses are six months after the end of their program.
September 2024: Invest Barrie Quarterly
September 30, 2024 | In this issue: Georgian College expands presence in downtown Barrie; Barrie named best municipality across GTA for getting new housing developments approved; Bryne Drive South expansion opens ahead of schedule and more.
2024 World Tourism Day
September 26, 2024 | Tourism is an important economic driver in Barrie. As a four-season destination, Barrie capitalizes on tourism to generate spending at local business and turn the visitor of today into the employee or investor of tomorrow.
Culture Pop! Special Edition
September 25, 2024 | In this issue: Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; Grant Writing for the Arts Workshop; and Understanding Intellectual Property Workshop.
September 2024: Culture Pop! Newsletter
September 17, 2024 | In this issue: Play the Parks brings free live music to Barrie's waterfront; Courtyard Concert Series comes to MacLaren Art Centre; Celebrating 15 years of Culture Days; Seeds to Sow temporary public art exhibition; Music Day in Canada; Nominations open for Mayor's Innovation Awards; Submit your event listings to Barrie.ca.
Summer Company Spotlight: Primavera Jewelry
September 11, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Sasha from Primavera Jewelry.
Summer Company Spotlight: Spencer’s Lawn Care Service
September 11, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Spencer from Spencer's Lawn Care Services.
Summer Company Spotlight: Clean Cuts Lawn and Property Services
September 11, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Emmett and CleanCuts Lawn and Services.
Summer Company Spotlight: Robbins Custom Carpentry Co.
September 11, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Lucas from Robbins Custom Carpentry Co.
Summer Company Spotlight: Sunshine City Sealers
September 11, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Ryan from Sunshine City Sealers.
Summer Company Spotlight: Mehndibyzuha
September 11, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Zuha and Mehndibyzuha.
Summer Company Spotlight: ECFILMED
September 9, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Emmett and ECFILMED.
Summer Company Spotlight: A ONE Property Services
September 9, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Alexandre from A ONE Property Service.
Summer Company Spotlight: Charlez Cutz
September 9, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Charles from Charlez Cutz Barber.
Summer Company Spotlight: The Chameleon Marketing
September 9, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Avery from The Chameleon Marketing.
Summer Company Spotlight: Emrey Music
September 9, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Emma and EmRey Music.
Meet one of Barrie’s Buskers: Brigitte Eve
September 9, 2024 | Barrie’s Busking Program has returned for a third season, providing performing artists with the opportunity to hone their live performance skills while animating our downtown and waterfront. We sat down with one of the permitted buskers, Brigitte Eve, to hear about her experience and what she’s planning next for her music career.
Summer Company Spotlight: Brooke Gray Lawrence
September 9, 2024 | The Summer Company program, funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 15 to 29 by providing them with the resources and support they need to start and run their own summer businesses. The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this summer. Meet Brooke, a local artist.
August 2024: Culture Pop! Newsletter
August 13, 2024 | In this issue: two weeks left to nominate an artist, organization, collective, or arts supporter for the Barrie Arts Awards.
July 2024: Culture Pop! Newsletter
July 8, 2024 | In this issue: nominations are now being accepted for the Barrie Arts Awards; call for Culture Days activity providers; submissions are being accepted for the Central Ontario Youth Short Film Festival; busking season is here; the Simcoe County Theatre Festival is back; and submit your event listings to Barrie.ca.
New Growth in Arts and Culture
June 25, 2024 | Through the Arts & Culture Investment Program, funding is provided to our local arts and culture organizations for their day-to-day operations, their goals for growth, or their unique projects which often fill a specific need in the community. This year, $230,400 was invested into 14 different organizations. Here are three of the many organizations worth keeping an eye on.
June 2024: Invest Barrie Quarterly
June 12, 2024 | In this issue: Barrie: The ultimate destination for business innovation; Barrie's Booming; Honda announces $15B investment in the region and more.
Invest Barrie and County of Simcoe – 2024 CANSEC & Use of Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy
June 5, 2024 | Invest Barrie and the County of Simcoe, along with representatives from Georgian College, Lakehead University, and several local businesses attended the CANSEC Global Defence and Security Trade Show in Ottawa as a delegation on May 29th and 30th 2024.
The Moon Paint Jam
May 22, 2024 | There’s a new mural in town! Take a walk along the alley between Collier and Dunlop Streets and behind Donaleigh’s you will find a bright and bold addition to our downtown landscape. The Moon Paint Jam was organized and directed by local artist Shalak Attack and included the participation of eight artists from Canada and abroad.
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