York Link | York Region Economic Development

Next week is the first Aurora CNX: Accelerator Studio Session of 2026!   We've teamed up with ventureLAB, YSpace, York University, and the Aurora Public Library, Ontario to bring local businesses a brand-new workshop series.   First up: Healthcare Innovation Workshop   If you're a small business owner, #healthcare professional, or #MedTech entrepreneur, this session will show you how to leverage practical AI tools to move from ideation to prototyping; no technical background required.   The Details: Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Aurora Town Square (50 Victoria Street) Cost: Free   Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now! Register https://lnkd.in/etns77W3

ONeconomy | ÉconomieON is expanding support to help small businesses adopt digital and AI technologies through the Digital Competence Centre, delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). The initiative will help nearly 450 businesses adopt digital tools, modernize operations and improve productivity so that they can continue to grow, create good-paying jobs and stay competitive. Ontario businesses can access hands-on support and funding through the DCC’s Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP), which provides a matched grant of up to $15,000 that helps businesses plan for technology investments. Companies that have completed a DMAP project are eligible for additional funding through the Technology Demonstration Program, which includes a grant of up to $50,000 to match private investment in purchasing and installing new technologies that support business growth and create jobs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDbmvwQS

On May 27, our team attended Food and Beverage Ontario’s Annual Conference. The event brought together leaders from across Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector for a day of insights, discussion, and networking. Michael Burrows, Chair of Food and Beverage Ontario, opened the event by emphasizing how uncertainty in the sector is creating new opportunities. He highlighted FBO’s impact over the past year, including supporting 6,000 people in finding jobs in the food and beverage industry and advocating for major initiatives such as FCC / FAC’s $5B lending coalition and the $150M food security fund for SMEs across Ontario. Takeaways from the panel discussion with Premier Doug Ford, David W. Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, Minister Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness reinforced Ontario’s strong reputation on the global stage. The discussion underscored a consistent theme: Canadian food and beverage companies are viewed as reliable partners who bring safety, trust, and stability to global markets. When international buyers see the Ontario trillium, they recognize a commitment to quality and safety. York Region is proud to be part of a sector that continues to strengthen Ontario’s economy and global reputation. #YRfood #YorkRegion 

🎉 We’re excited to announce the launch of an industry consortium project between NordSpace, Miltera Machining Research Corp., Pegmatis Inc. and Prime Powders Inc.! Together, the companies will industrialize Canada’s first AI-powered hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing line for advanced space propulsion, delivering a domestically owned capability for producing rocket propulsion hardware at the cost, cadence, and quality required routine sovereign access to space. 🔗 Read the full release: https://lnkd.in/eTScXyBu -- 🎉 Nous sommes ravis d'annoncer le lancement d'un projet de consortium sectoriel entre NordSpace, Miltera Machining Research Corp., Pegmatis Inc. et Prime Powders Inc.! Ensemble, les entreprises industrialiseront la première chaîne de fabrication canadienne hybride additive-soustractive alimentée par l’IA pour la propulsion spatiale avancée, offrant une capacité nationale de production de composants de propulsion de fusées au coût, au rythme et à la qualité nécessaires pour assurer un accès souverain et routinier à l’espace. 🔗 En savoir plus: https://lnkd.in/eYWFEiGh Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada | Mélanie Joly | Jayson Myers | Rahul Goel | Michael Blackburn | Ron Cassar | Jimmy Scott

York Link | York Region Economic Development and Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada (EDC) are bringing together industry leaders for an in‑person Food and Beverage Roundtable to help companies expand into new markets and unlock financing opportunities. If you're an agri‑food business looking to scale beyond Canada, this session will break down the pathways, funding tools, and global opportunities that can accelerate your growth. 📅 June 10 at 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 📍 YSpace, York University Markham, 169 Enterprise Boulevard, Markham Hear directly from sector experts, including King Cole Ducks, CRS Packaging Inc., and EDC, as they share insights on entering global markets such as the Indo‑Pacific, Mexico, and Europe to unlock new revenue streams and scale with purpose. Participants will also have the opportunity to showcase their products and receive valuable feedback on positioning for international markets. Spots are limited. Register now: https://lnkd.in/dbnt3RrQ #YRfood #YorkRegion

Through the #YRtech job board, you can discover current opportunities with companies across one of Canada’s largest and most diverse tech ecosystems. 👩💻 In-demand roles include: • Software development and engineering • IT and cybersecurity • Data, AI and automation • Hardware and advanced manufacturing • Digital marketing and business technology roles 🏢 Companies hiring right now for tech-related roles in York Region include General Motors, Adastra, Parsons, Fleet Space Technologies, Venture Computers, and more. Start exploring opportunities now: https://lnkd.in/ghaKkB7n #YorkRegion #TechCareers #WhosHiring #NowHiring #TechJobs #YRtech

Are you an aspiring food entrepreneur from an equity‑deserving or Indigenous community? The York Region Agri‑Food Start‑Up Program is now accepting applications for Cohort 2! Delivered in collaboration with Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, this free 26‑week program helps you build or grow your food business with: ✅ Mentorship, training & business planning  ✅ $2,000 in subsidized commercial kitchen access with guided in-kitchen sessions  ✅ Indigenous‑led support & community engagement  ✅ Tools and guidance to launch or scale your product within 6 months 📅 The application deadline has been extended! Apply by 5 p.m. on June 5, 2026.  Visit yorklink.ca/FoodStartup to apply This project is funded in part by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.    #FoodEntrepreneur #YorkRegion #AgriFoodStartup #IndigenousBusiness #EquityDeserving #FoodInnovation #SmallBusinessSupport #YRfood #SustainableCdnAg Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness | Agriculture, Alimentation et Agroentreprise  

The 2025 York Region Economic Development Year in Review is here and its packed with the achievements, investments, and partnerships that are driving the region forward! From business growth to new global connections and a thriving talent pipeline, 2025 was a year of action, impact, and results. The Year in Review showcases how York Region continues to position itself as a leading destination for business, innovation, and talent! Don’t miss the highlights. Explore the 2025 York Region Economic Development Year in Review now: https://lnkd.in/ettKxrjA #YorkRegion #YearInReview #EconomicDevelopment #YRtech #YRmanufacturing #YRfood #YRdefence

York Link | York Region Economic Development will be attending CANSEC 2026 next week, Canada’s largest defence and security trade show. Our team will be onsite alongside our municipal partners from Markham Economic Development and Vaughan Economic Development, working with industry leaders to collaboratively advance and showcase the strength of York Region’s defence and aerospace sector. CANSEC provides an important opportunity for us to continue building momentum around our work to support local companies in their efforts to grow or expand into the defence and aerospace sector, by: ✅ Connecting with Canadian and global defence OEMs, prime contractors and systems integrators to unlock supply chain and procurement opportunities for York Region-based companies ✅ Showcasing the Region's advanced manufacturing ecosystem and innovative defence and aerospace solutions ✅ Supporting York Region-based companies on site through targeted B2B engagement ✅ Promoting and advancing our recently released Canadian Defence Market Entry Roadmap: https://lnkd.in/gxZxUwFg If you are attending CANSEC and would like to connect, please reach out to Katie Maginn or Robert Unterman. #CANSEC2026 #YorkRegion #DefenceSector #AdvancedManufacturing #Aerospace #YRtech #YRmanufacturing #YRdefence Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI)