York Region Economic Development Action Plan strengthens business community
York Region has successfully completed approximately 90% of the actions identified in the 2020-2023 Economic Development Action Plan update, guiding economic development activities across York Region.
All of the 20 action items outlined in the Economic Development Action Plan are underway and nearing completion, due in large part to working closely with York Region businesses, local municipal economic development offices and various industry partners.
Highlights of initiatives and achievements under the plan in 2022 include:
- Regional business advisory services, including the York Small Business Enterprise Centre, shifted back from pandemic response to focus on business recovery and growth
- York Region participated in Toronto’s Collision Conference, showcasing the #YRtech pavilion and bringing together local municipalities, business and innovation partners; over $250 million in business investments along with 800 new jobs was announced at the conference
- Many major business investment and expansion projects announced, including Astera Labs, High QA, Loblaw and Syntronic, contributing to job growth
- Award-winning economic development marketing platform York Link, was recognized with a “Marketing Canada” award and continues to be a resource in the business community
- Members appointed for the 2023 to 2026 term of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Advisory Committee to provide input to York Region staff on the delivery of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy
- Initial share of funding through the Region’s Innovation Investment Fund provided to ventureLAB to expand the Hardware Catalyst Initiative. More details can be found in the ventureLAB 2022 results report
Economic uncertainty still remains, though businesses in York Region are showing a steady recovery and employment is continuing to increase throughout the Region.
For more information on economic development and available resources to grow a business, visit YorkLink.ca
