Entrepreneurship
Explore entrepreneurship news published on this site over the last two years:
Presenting the 7th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Research & Innovation Contribution
Blog Post | November 14, 2025
It is our honour to recognize amazing businesses and leaders within our community through the Mayor’s Innovation Awards. As we approach the ceremony, we would like to introduce the nominees undertaking research and development initiatives through the Research & Innovation Contribution category.
Presenting the 7th Mayor's Innovation Awards Nominees for Shift Disturber
Blog Post | November 13, 2025
It is our honour to recognize amazing businesses and leaders within our community through the Mayor’s Innovation Awards. As we approach the ceremony, we would like to introduce the nominees, starting with fan favourite category, Shift Disturber.
Barrie Welcomes Toronto Business Development Centre Founders
Blog Post | October 27, 2025
Have you ever wondered what a full day tour of Barrie looks like for an entrepreneurial founder? Over 20 founders based in the fintech, consulting, Software as a Service (SaaS), med tech, education, agri-tech, and additional sectors had the opportunity to travel from Toronto to explore what Barrie’s business community and ecosystem offers.
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Dawson Sewell
Blog Post | October 24, 2025
Our Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Ontario Government 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, valuable training and networking, and the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grant funding.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this spring. Meet Dawson Sewell and Dilbert Ratio Group Inc!
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Annamarie Marcello
Blog Post | October 22, 2025
Our Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Ontario Government 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, valuable training and networking, and the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grant funding.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies that completed the program this past June 2025. Meet Annamarie Marcello and PetRoam!
Concept of Movement – Business Expands with Grand Opening Downtown
Blog Post | October 21, 2025
COM Physio + Performance Wellness, an established wellness clinic in Barrie, just opened its second location in the heart of the city. COM Physio’s expansion signals not just more space for healing and strengthening, but also growing confidence in Barrie’s downtown economy.
Thriving Together: Barrie’s Small Business Community Spotlight
Blog Post | October 15, 2025
In this first edition of our small business spotlight series, Thriving Together, we’re highlighting three incredible organizations working to uplift entrepreneurs and foster equity and inclusion in Barrie’s growing business landscape: the Barrie Indian Association, UPlift Black, and the Sandbox Centre.
Ground Control to Innovation: Invest Barrie Joins Forces with NASA Space Apps Challenge at Lakehead University
Blog Post | October 8, 2025
Invest Barrie was proud to sponsor the second annual NASA Space Apps Challenge hosted by Lakehead University. Hearing teams talk about how to turn food waste into entertainment and future collectors’ items, to the need to create dashboards on how to track asteroids, it was clear that the energy, collaboration, and creativity on display were nothing short of innovative.
Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Sabrina Dodgson
Blog Post | October 3, 2025
Our Starter Company Plus program is funded by the Ontario Government 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, valuable training and networking, and the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grant funding.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this past spring. Meet Sabrina and Hearts and Crafts!
40 Years of Craftsmanship with Barrie Trim & Mouldings Inc.
Blog Post | September 4, 2025
This year marks a major milestone for Barrie Trim & Mouldings Inc. as it celebrates 40 years of proudly serving Barrie and area’s building community. What began as a modest 1,000 sq. ft. retail shop has grown into a state-of-the-art facility and a trusted provider for custom home builders, renovators, and skilled tradespeople seeking quality materials and expert advice. We sat down with company president Lee Whitaker to reflect on their remarkable journey, their impact across the region, and what’s next for this Barrie-based success story.