City of Vaughan

Calling all artisans, personal services, and new businesses. Vaughan hosts many family-friendly consumer (B2C) pop-up markets, consignment stores, seasonal markets, and short-term vending opportunities available for businesses to showcase their products or services to new clientele.

Market Opportunities Include:

• Spring & Summer Markets
• Fall & Winter Markets
• All Year-Round Opportunities

If you operate a family-friendly seasonal market in Vaughan or provide opportunities for vendors and individual artisans to showcase their products at your location or event, please contact us at ed@vaughan.ca

Note: Adherence to Vaughan’s regulations and policies is required. Prior to listing an activation, organizations must be able to verify that they are bylaw and permit compliant.

Are you a Vaughan business owner or entrepreneur? Do you have feedback to share about the current business climate? What challenges and opportunities are you facing? What are your thoughts about the City of Vaughan’s business-focused programs and services? The 2022 Business Survey is underway, and you can have your say on these topics and more! Until Sunday, Dec. 4, Forum Research is conducting approximately 300 telephone surveys on behalf of the City with local businesses. Survey respondents will be drawn from the York Region Employment Survey database from a variety of industries and sizes of businesses. The calls will be placed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. If your business receives a call, you are encouraged to participate! If not, you can still complete the Business Survey online at vaughanbusiness.ca/survey2022 until Thursday, Dec. 15.

The City has also launched the Citizen Survey, which seeks to understand how citizens prefer to access City of Vaughan services and programs, receive information and updates, and more! For more information on the 2022 Business Survey and Citizen Survey, read the City’s public service announcement. For updates and news as it happens, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Grow with Vaughan is back! The annual sponsorship program delivered by the City of Vaughan will once again support the business community next spring through cost-effective opportunities that provide visibility for small businesses while beautifying the Vaughan neighbourhoods they serve. With nearly 19,000 businesses in Vaughan – 88 per cent of which are small businesses – Grow with Vaughan generates additional interest in the City’s Corporate Partnership Program by nurturing relationships with the business community that cultivate potential for future partnerships and community pride. For more information on how a business can sponsor a City horticulture site, such as a public flower bed, pollinator garden or large flowerpot, visit vaughan.ca/CorporatePartnerships or read the City’s public service announcement. For updates and news as it happens, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Are you a local business looking to network and build relationships with other Vaughan-based companies in the manufacturing sector? If so, join the City of Vaughan’s Economic Development team for its first-ever Business After Five event on Wednesday, Nov. 30. This interactive event is an opportunity for you to build connections, learn and promote your products and services with other businesses that share the same passion for manufacturing.

A spinoff of the successful Business-to-Business Industrial Tour hosted in June, the session will feature a Toronto Global business advisor presentation focused on the organization’s new SCORE program (Supply Chain Onshoring, Resilience and Expansion) – an initiative that helps businesses better understand local supply chains while identifying gaps, risks and opportunities.

See further event details below:

• Location: Hanon Systems, located at 800 Tesma Way
• Date: Wednesday, Nov. 30
• Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Participating businesses must be Vaughan-based with 20 employees or more and operate within the manufacturing sector. Registration to attend is open until Friday, Nov. 18, and up to 10 businesses will be selected to participate. The event is free, and light refreshments will be provided. For more information or to register, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/events or read the City’s public service announcement. For updates and news as it happens, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Do you have a new and creative idea that you want to share with Tourism Vaughan? If so, you are invited to apply for the Vaughan “Spark” Mentorship and Grant Program in partnership with the Tourism Innovation Lab. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch a tourism-focused proposal for the chance to turn it into a reality.

Eligible applicants for the program include:

• individuals 18 years or older who live in the city of Vaughan.
• Vaughan-based small businesses (up to 10 full-time, year-round employees).
• Vaughan-based non-profit organizations (up to 10 full-time, year-round employees).

To apply, submit a written application (1,000 words maximum) and a one-minute video to apply@tourisminnovation.ca by end of day on Thursday, Nov. 24. Be sure to include “Vaughan” in the subject line to be eligible for the selection process. For more details, read the City’s public service announcement. For updates and news as it happens, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

If so, join the City of Vaughan’s Economic Development team for their Business After Five event. A spin-off of the successful Business-to-Business Industrial Tour that was hosted in June 2022, this event is an opportunity for you to network, learn and promote your products and services with other businesses who share your same passion for manufacturing!

The Business After Five event will focus on energy efficiency and how businesses can be more strategic and receive rebates by reducing their energy use. Partners in Project Green will share a presentation focused on their commitment to supporting businesses in managing their energy use. The event will be held on Monday, March 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dishon Ltd. (40 Citation Dr. Vaughan).

Registration Details

Participating businesses must be Vaughan-based with 20 employees or more and operate within the manufacturing sector. Registration to attend is open until Sunday, March. 26, and up to 10 businesses will be selected to participate. The event is free and light refreshments will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

Small Business Week is a nationally recognized celebration of the contributions small businesses make to our local economies. The Vaughan Small Business and Entrepreneurship team hosts Vaughan Small Business Week every October to provide local entrepreneurs access to the latest programs, best practices and networking opportunities. 

Small Business Week events will be taking place virtually and include an in-person networking event. This series of virtual events is offered at no cost to entrepreneurs and will be delivered during the week of October 15-21, 2023. 

This year’s theme will focus on helping businesses become more inclusive while driving the Canadian economy. The content will focus on diversity and inclusion with an emphasis on cultural diversity and representation as well as industry variety in small business. 

Programming is being delivered virtually together with local business support organizations Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, BDC, YSpace/York University, Techconnex, Futurpreneur, Vaughan Public Libraries, and The Black Entrepreneur Alliance (BEA), among others. 

KICK-OFF SMALL BUSINESS WEEK ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT THE HUB VAUGHAN. NETWORKING WILL BEGIN AT 7:30 A.M. 

The Vaughan Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a morning of networking, light refreshments, and a program including recorded welcome remarks from Mayor Del Duca, and an address from VBEC, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce and keynote speaker, Carlos Cadogan sharing more on ‘The Future of DEI in Small Business’ presented in partnership with TechConnex, and how you can incorporate Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion into your business! 

Visit our vendor booths and learn more about the BDC, Digital Service Squad, and The Vaughan Public Libraries.  

Click here to Register

Space is limited, register today!

You must register to receive access to these sessions. Prior to the event, registrants will receive information, and attendee information via e-mail.

For more information, please contact ed@vaughan.ca.

AI TOOLS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES 

Date: October 16 | Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Presented by Vaughan Public Libraries 

An introduction to artificial intelligence tools for entrepreneurs, including how to make ChatGPT, BingAI, and other resources work for your business. Leading this session is Amanda Wheatley (she/elle) who holds the roles of Liaison Librarian for Management, Business and Entrepreneurship/Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at McGill University. 

REGISTER NOW

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS FIRESIDE CHAT 

Date: October 17 | Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Presented by Professor Mark Terry, Hollywood Canada Communications

Is your company doing everything it can to be sustainable?

As part of Small Business Week, learn how you can establish a Sustainability Mandate for your business through this webinar hosted by Professor Mark Terry.

In 2015, the United Nations launched a global plan known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a “universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity”. Every nation agreed to implement the 17 goals of this plan not only in its national policies, but in the behavior and practices of its people and businesses.

REGISTER NOW

SUPPORTING 2SLGBTQ+ EMPLOYEES THROUGH MEANINGFUL PRACTICE

Date: October 17 | Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Jordyn Samuels, Lead Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Consultant, Journeys InEquity Consulting

This session focuses on tangible practices businesses can begin or strengthen, to better support2SLGBTQ+ employees (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer and more).

The workshop will cover, barriers 2SLGBTQ+ individuals face while accessing employment, steps businesses can take to create more inclusive policies and practices, how to better recruit and retain 2SLGBTQ+ employees and how businesses can strengthen their 2SLGBTQ+ resource networks.

REGISTER NOW

GROW YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE AND INFLUENCE AUDIENCES (IN-PERSON) 

Date: October 17 | Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 207 Edgeley Blvd Unit 8, Vaughan, ON

Presented by C3 Labs, Digital Service Squad

Held in-person, this focused workshop will provide businesses insights into creating strong brands and digital presence to effectively influence target audiences and enable digital transformation. Join us in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre for an engaging session that will explore: 

• Building a Strong Brand
• Effective Visual Identities
• Social Media Platform Optimization
• Engaging Content Creation
• Digital Marketing Techniques
• and more!

This workshop is delivered by the award-winning creative agency C3 Labs, in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC). B2B networking opportunities will take place before and after the workshop. 

Businesses will also have an opportunity to learn about the Digital Main Street program, digital transformation grants and how to access funding and resource opportunities. 

REGISTER NOW

FINANCING FOR SMALL BUSINESS WITH THE BDC 

Date: October 18 | Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Presented by The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) 

Hosted by the Vaughan Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), you will hear from small business financing experts from our session sponsor, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) as well as Futurpreneur, & VBEC.  

Experts will share more on what financing options are available to entrepreneurs and small businesses. You will learn about what is required to access financing and what makes for a strong application. 

REGISTER NOW

INTRODUCTION TO THE VAUGHAN BUSINESS CAFÉ 

Date: October 18 | Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Presented by Vaughan Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC)

Are you an entrepreneur or business owner looking to connect with mentors and advisors? Small Business Week is a great time to network and collaborate! The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre with the Vaughan Business Café help entrepreneurs, small business owners and corporate partners connect to ask questions, share ideas and form new professional relationships. Join us for a live demonstration of the Vaughan Business Café, our networking and mentoring platform and all its features. Ask your questions. Meet new people & start chatting about mentorship best practices. 

Not yet a member? Learn more: Vaughan Business Café | Vaughan Economic Development 

REGISTER NOW

BEING A DIVERSE FOUNDER IN THE FOOD & BEV INDUSTRY  

Date: October 18 | Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Presented by Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) | Yspace

Held virtually, in celebration of Small Business Week, VBEC in partnership with The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) is hosting an intimate event to share practical tips to enter and succeed within the food & beverage industry as a diverse founder.  

Join us for a fireside chat over food with our founders and find out what BEA has to offer to support your food & beverage businesses.  

REGISTER NOW

GETTING YOUR VENTURE FUNDED 

Date: October 19 | Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Presented by YSpace

Join YSpace and the Vaughan Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre for a special session on acquiring early-stage investment into your startup. Entrepreneur Erich Ko will share his founder journey and focus early-stage investment. 

You will leave with a better understanding of how to successfully fund your tech venture. 

REGISTER NOW

INCLUSIVE HIRING PRACTICES FOR YOUR BUSINESS 

Date: October 19 | Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Presented by Kevin McShan, Disability Advocate 

This session on creating an inclusive competitive advantage for your business covers how to prioritize accessibility and inclusion into your hiring practices with disability advocate Kevin McShan. 

According to the Government of Ontario inclusive businesses that hire people with disabilities grow profits up to three times faster than their competitors. They also experience a 72% increase in productivity.  

During this virtual open-forum style Q&A, feel free to turn cameras on, ask questions in the chat box, and share more about your business.  

REGISTER NOW

SENIORPRENEURSHIP (IN-PERSON) 

Date: October 19 | Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Location: Civic Centre Resource Library | 2191 Major MacKenzie Dr W, Vaughan, ON

Presented by Vaughan Public Libraries 

Learn about the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre, VBEC’s one-stop services for Vaughan’s aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with access to business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance to start or grow a business in Vaughan. 

You will also hear from three older adults with experience in the world of business. Michael Brooke, the best-selling author of The Concrete Wave. CPA, Steve Quenneville who is recently retired, and has become a certified Canfitpro Personal Training Specialist. Lastly, Shishir Lakhani, a successful Entrepreneur and founder of a manufacturing business. He sold the business and retired at age 53. 

REGISTER NOW

ACCESSIBLE BUSINESS | SCOPE, SKILLS & STRATEGY 

Date: October 20 | Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Presented by Joe Baker, Advocate for an inclusive, future-forward industry 

This interactive workshop will set the stage for business owners and operators to develop an awareness of the opportunity presented by adapting current products, services and experiences to include people with disabilities.  

Built on the framework of effective changemaking, this session will highlight and develop the social and emotional skills required to embrace this market segment and will be a spark for the strategic mindset and complementary tools required for sustained success.  

During this virtual open-forum style Q&A, feel free to turn cameras on, ask questions in the chat box, and share more about your business.  

REGISTER NOW

** Additional events will be added , please check back for more information.

The Better Your Business Tap into Social and Environmental Sustainability Program is a new initiative that will support five Vaughan-based businesses in incorporating the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals into their corporate practices.

Every business has opportunities to serve its community and generate positive social and environmental change by implementing progressive business practices. The ever-increasing threat of climate change has also made systemic changes and adaptation policies necessary for businesses here and around the world.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations at the Paris climate summit in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Participants of the program will receive one-on-one consultations with Professor Mark Terry, PhD, who will evaluate their current business practices and help guide the development of their new sustainable business model to incorporate the United Nation’s 17 SDG’s. By implementing these strategies, businesses can unlock new market opportunities, operate more efficiently, connect with their communities and become more resilient to potential environmental and economic risks. The UN’s Sustainability Development Goals Action Team will then review each action plan, and if approved, each business will receive a certificate of compliance from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Youth Climate Report (YCR) and the City of Vaughan to share their commitment to being socially and environmentally sustainable with their customers and clients.

17 Sustainable Development Goals

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the program, businesses or not-for-profits must:

• Be located in Vaughan and have a brick-and-mortar location (i.e., office, warehouse, or storefront)
• Be an independent business
• Have less than 20 full-time equivalent employees (or less than 25 if a restaurant)

Businesses Not Eligible:

• Distributorships
• Franchises
• Commissioned sales
• Multi-level marketing ventures

Dates and Deadlines:

The application period for your business to register for the 2023 program is now open until Friday, December 29, 2023. Only five spots are available – and applications fill up fast.

Click Here to Apply 

Are you an entrepreneur or business owner looking for additional support to start or grow your business in Vaughan? The City of Vaughan’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) supports local businesses and entrepreneurs at all stages. The VBEC fosters innovation and growth across the city’s business community and provides a robust list of services to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners, including:

• FREE business advisory consultations (virtual or in-person).
• business planning, budgeting, sales, marketing, strategy and research support.
• information on regulations, zoning, licensing, permits, business registration and legal structure.
• connection to funding sources, financing and grants.
• business workshops, seminars, events and networking opportunities.

To book your business consultation or learn more about starting or growing your business,

visit vaughanbusiness.ca. To receive news as it is released, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.