Latest News & Updates

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.

UPlift Black photo

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!

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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.

Jenna Rossiter of Bitters Cocktail Co

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!

Kara Wardinger of Pawty Animals

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!

Marcello Nicolo of Automated Shade Solutions Inc

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.!

Nathan Paquette of Northern Pros Pressure Washing

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!

Teresa Smith of Simplifeye Optical

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!

Jessica Tinney of Menopod

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!

Kirkland Brown of Under Dog Vision

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!

Matthew McMillan of Shelby Watch Company

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!

Robert Curran and Nurse

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!

White Pines Academy Brand

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.

Jinith Kithalawa Arachchi of Keystone Engineering and Design Inc

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.!

Kyle Popovich of Popovich Entertainment

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!

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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!

Sarah Achtenberg of Achtenberg Designs

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!

Invest Barries IEDC Wins

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.

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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.

Jake Agema - Addimin 2

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!

Ilayna Harris - Pawsitive Pawz with Dog Toy

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!

Hagop Vanayan - Mobile Marksmen Corporation

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!

Emily Blocksdorf - Anchors Away Photography

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!

David La Costa - Structured Property Inspections 3

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!

2024 Culture Days

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.

Brad Ferguson - Upchuckle Education 2

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!

Andrew de Jong - Just Simcoe

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!

Aria Martinez - Creative Training 5

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!

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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.

Municipal Innovation Category

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.

Pivot Point Category

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.

Youth Innovator Category

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.

Creative Collaboration Category

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.

Shift Disturber Category

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.

Research & Innovation Contribution Category

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.

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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.

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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!

reIGNITE - Invest Barrie MedTech Camp

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.

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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.

Test: Invest Barrie Quarterly

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

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.

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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.

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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.

Clean Cuts Logo

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.

Robbins Custom Carpentry Co Logo

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.

Sunshine City Sealers Logo

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.

Mehndibyzuha Logo

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.

Primavera Jewelry Logo

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.

Spencer's Lawn Care Logo

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.

A One Logo

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.

Charlez Cutz Barber Logo

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.

The Chameleon Marketing Logo

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.

Emrey Music Logo

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.

Brigitte Eve (provided by Amanda Dyke)

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.

Brooke Lawrence Logo

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.

ECFILMED Logo

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.

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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.

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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.

Outdoor BIA Meridian Place Movie

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.

Text: Invest Barrie Quarterly

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.

CANSEC Logo

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.

Moon Paint Jam Mural Final

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.

group of 5 people standing together in front of mirrored building

Meet the 2024 Business and Employer Data Survey Team

May 16, 2024 | Invest Barrie’s fourth annual Business and Employer Data Survey is underway! Five dedicated students make up the team of Business and Employer Data Collectors this summer. These students will be visiting all businesses located in the employment and commercial areas of the city from May until August.

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May 2024: Culture Pop! Newsletter

May 1, 2024 | In this issue: Summer Company applications are now being accepted; complete the Busking Program survey; new art + business series; Culture Night Out - Culture Plan update; and call for artists for the Steel Spirit Exhibition.

Ad Astra Monument (day)

Ad Astra Monument by Marlene Hilton Moore

April 25, 2024 | CFB Borden recently hosted an unveiling for a new monument entitled, Ad Astra, commissioned to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF. Designed by Hillsdale resident and artist Marlene Hilton Moore, it represents the motto of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Sic Itur Ad Astra – Such is the pathway (this is the way) to the stars.

Tyneisha Thomas Barrie Poet Laureate

April is National Poetry Month!

April 22, 2024 | It is April, and the City of Barrie is celebrating National Poetry Month! Mayor Alex Nuttall presented a proclamation deeming April Poetry Month in Barrie, and Barrie’s Poet Laureate, Tyneisha Thomas read a special poem marking the occasion at Barrie City Council.

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March 2024: Culture Pop! Newsletter

March 1, 2024 | In this issue: last chance to submit your digital designs for use on City of Barrie traffic cabinets; congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Arts & Culture Investment Program; summer employment opportunities for youth in the music industry; new source for all things local & live; and Pirate Life Theatre is seeking actors to join their cast.

Text: Invest Barrie Quarterly

Issue #13: Invest Barrie Quarterly

March 1, 2024 | In this issue: learn how Barrie is making it easier for builders to apply and get building permits; hear about the over $31 M Barrie is receiving from federal and provincial governments related to housing development; view featured available ICI properties; and see the winners of the Women in Business Awards.

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