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Invest in Hamilton July 2025 Newsletter

Jul 31, 2025

Business Community Partners Newsletter

Welcome to the latest edition of the Hamilton Economic Development Newsletter.

As we navigate the summer heat and ongoing uncertainty around trade and tariffs, I hope this newsletter offers a moment to reflect on the many positive developments taking place across our city.

Established companies are expanding, new businesses are planting roots, and the next generation of entrepreneurs is gaining valuable skills and insights through programs offered by the Hamilton Business Centre. At the same time, our Economic Development team is actively engaging with community organizations and celebrating the diversity that makes Hamilton such a vibrant place to start a business and raise a family.

As always, our team is here to help you navigate the ever-evolving economic landscape. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us through our website.

Norm Schleehahn, Director, Economic Development

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In this issue

  1. July Trade and Tariff Update
  2. Flynn Canada Grand Opening
  3. Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program
  4. Starter Company Trade Show
  5. Foodpreneur
  6. BLK Owned Garden Party
  7. HSR Route and Schedule Enhancements
  8. Global Hamilton Roundup

July's Trade and Tariff Update

North American trade relations remain a persistent challenge for both Hamilton and Canada as a whole. In response, the federal government has introduced new measures aimed at strengthening the Canadian steel industry and supporting affected workers.

On July 16, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a series of initiatives designed to protect and promote Canadian steel. These include:

  • Restricting and reducing steel imports to safeguard domestic production
  • Investing in Canadian steelworkers and facilities to enhance competitiveness
  • Prioritizing Canadian steel in the construction of major infrastructure projects

These policies are expected to deliver direct benefits to Hamilton and its residents — notably:

  • $70 million will be invested through Labour Market Development Agreements, providing training and income support for up to 10,000 impacted steelworkers
  • The steel sector will receive $150 million under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, helping businesses adapt to shifting trade conditions
  • The Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Program will be updated to offer lower-cost financing and reduced revenue requirements, making it more accessible to steel-related businesses

For ongoing updates and resources related to tariffs and trade, visit Economic Development’s Tariff Hub.

Looking for business funding? Try the Funding Finder
A group of people pose in front of a Flynn Companies service truck in a parking lot, some smiling at the camera.

On the Grow: Flynn Canada Expands in Hamilton

Economic Development staff were excited to attend the grand opening of the Flynn Group of Companies’ newly expanded facility at 900 Arvin Avenue in Stoney Creek.

The impressive 15,000 sq. ft. space will accommodate 25 office staff and approximately 100 field staff, with additional capacity to support future growth as Flynn continues to scale its operations. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Flynn’s long-standing relationship with Hamilton — a journey that began in 1997 with a modest 2,500 sq. ft. facility and has grown steadily ever since.

Flynn has contributed to several key infrastructure projects across the city, including the roof replacement of Hamilton Arena (now TD Coliseum) in 2024 and the new Hamilton transit facility’s roof system installation.

Cityscape at dusk featuring high-rise buildings, illuminated windows, and green trees in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

Turn Vacant into Vibrant: Downtown Hamilton Office Conversation Grant Program

Hamilton is reimagining its downtown core — and you can be part of the transformation.

The Downtown Hamilton Office Conversion Grant Program is a bold new initiative designed to support the adaptive reuse of underutilized office buildings. Whether you’re envisioning new residential units or a boutique hotel, this program offers financial assistance for both feasibility studies and construction costs.

By encouraging innovative, mixed-use developments, the program aims to breathe new life into vacant spaces and foster a more vibrant, livable downtown.

Learn more and apply
A woman sits at a table displaying crocheted animals and a sign with a QR code at a craft fair.

Celebrating Youth Entrepreneurship: 2025 Summer Company Tradeshow

On Wednesday, July 16, the Hamilton Business Centre proudly hosted the 2025 Summer Company Tradeshow — an inspiring showcase of youth entrepreneurship that brought together community members, City staff, and local leaders in support of the next generation of business owners.

This year, 18 young entrepreneurs, aged 15 to 29, were accepted into the Summer Company Program, launching a diverse array of small businesses. From handmade crochet items, jewelry, and custom accessories to service-based ventures like cleaning, car detailing, and property maintenance, these youth-led businesses reflect the creativity and drive of Hamilton’s emerging talent.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Summer Company Program provides student entrepreneurs with up to $3,000 in start-up funding, along with access to training, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship. The program not only equips youth with practical business skills but also fosters job creation, local economic growth, and youth retention within our community.

We extend our sincere thanks to the partners, funders, and supporters who continue to invest in the entrepreneurial potential of Hamilton’s youth. Together, we’re building a future where young people see business ownership as a viable and rewarding career path.

Growing Your Food and Beverage Business with Foodpreneur 

The Hamilton Business Centre is proud to collaborate with Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario to present a six-part webinar series designed specifically for food and beverage entrepreneurs in Hamilton and beyond.

This engaging series kicks off in August 2025, with additional sessions offered quarterly in November, January, and April.

The webinar lineup includes:

Aug 21st: Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
Aug 28th: How to Sell your Food Product
Sept 4th: Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
Sept 11th: Marketing & Branding your Food Product
Sept 18th: Food Safety Fundamentals for Start-Ups
Sept 25th: Labelling & Packaging Your Food Product

All sessions are held virtually for one hour on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Each webinar requires individual registration.

Register now at this link.

Learn More About the Hamilton Business Centre and its programs
A group of people stand and talk in front of a step-and-repeat banner that reads "BLK OWNED HAMONT.

Photo credit: Moments w/ Matt

Garden Party Gathers Support for Black-Owned Businesses

On July 13th, Economic Development staff were proud to attend the BLK Owned Garden Party fundraiser, a vibrant gala at the Art Gallery of Hamilton that raised over $25,000 in support of the city’s Black entrepreneur community.

Proceeds from the event will help fund:

  • Online workshops and learning modules
  • Entrepreneurship programs
  • Support for local vendors through BLK Owned’s markets and pop-ups

BLK Owned is dedicated to advocating, educating, and marketing the success of Southwestern Ontario’s Black business community. Their mission places a strong emphasis on empowering youth and adults aged 39 and under.

Learn more about BLK Owned and their impactful work at blkowned.ca.

City intersection with pedestrians crossing, a bus stopped at the light, and modern buildings in the background.

More Buses, More Often: HSR Service Enhancements

Starting Sunday, August 31, 2025, Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) is rolling out major service improvements to help you get where you need to go — faster and more reliably.

With more buses running more frequently, these changes will benefit communities across the city, including:

  • Upper James and Downtown
  • East Hamilton and Parkdale
  • Dundas and Rymal Road
  • Waterdown and West Hamilton near McMaster

Whether you’re commuting to work or school, heading to an appointment, or running errands, you’ll enjoy shorter wait times, improved trip reliability, and better access to key destinations throughout Hamilton.

Preview the upcoming changes now at hamilton.ca/TryTransit.

Full details will be available in the Fall 2025 issue of Bus News — online and onboard starting mid-August.

Text on a blue background reads "Global Hamilton Round Up" in gradient blue, white, and outlined orange letters.

July's Global Hamilton Round-up

The Global Hamilton Office, part of the City’s Economic Development team, plays a key role in attracting international investment and trade to Hamilton. It also supports the retention of international entrepreneurs and students who now call our city home.

These efforts are part of a broader, collaborative knowledge-sharing network that strengthens Hamilton’s dynamic business ecosystem.

The Global Hamilton Round Up is an extension of this work — offering readers a curated snapshot of Canada-wide opportunities in export development, trade missions, and talent attraction. It’s your go-to resource for staying connected to global markets and growing your business beyond borders.

Trade and Export Programs

  • WEBINAR SERIES: September 9 | Free Trade Agreements & Tariffs | MEDJCT
  • PROGRAM: CanExport SMES | Offers up to $50,000 in funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses break into international markets | Trade Commissioner Service
  • RESOURCES:
    • Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
    • Ontario Together Trade Fund
  • WEBINAR: October 16th | How to Leverage Canada as a Launchpad for International Expansion | StartupCanada

Talent Insights

  • UPDATE: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Updates for 2025 – launch of new employer portal
  • RESOURCE: Hamilton Employers Hires Immigrants Webpage

Trade Missions

Ontario Trade Mission Calendar
Canadian Trade Mission Calendar
Find a Trade Commissioner

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Would you like to know more?

The Hamilton Economic Development Division serves Hamilton by facilitating sustainable economic and ecological development aligned with the 2022-2026 Council Priorities. This goal is achieved through the attraction of new businesses, the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and the creation of quality employment opportunities.

Economic Development serves established businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. For more information about starting or growing a business in Hamilton, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff through this link.