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Invest in Hamilton November 2025 Newsletter

Nov 5, 2025

Business Community Partners Newsletter

Welcome to another issue of the Hamilton Economic Development newsletter.

Even as the global trade situation continues to grow in complexity, the Economic Development Office has been focused on the fundamentals of serving Hamilton’s business community.

November will be host to several events, information sessions, and public consultations. Staff are working with our federal partners to deliver a small business forum later this month. The Downtown Revitalization Strategy launched its pop-up public consultations in advance of presenting the strategy’s preliminary findings to Hamilton City Council in December. And the Global Hamilton team is preparing the final 2025 entrepreneur meetup for the end of November.

On the first floor of City Hall, the Hamilton Business Centre continues to support Hamilton’s present and future entrepreneurs through insightful programming and networking events. At the same time, the Common House Café is helping a second cohort of local businesses scale up for success.

As is always the case, my team is available to help you navigate the ever-changing nature of the times. Please feel free to connect with us through our contact page.

Norm Schleehahn, Director, Economic Development

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In this issue

  1. November’s Trade and Tariff Update
  2. Register for the Procurement Assistance Canada Small Business Forum
  3. Our Future Downtown Information Sessions
  4. An Update from the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council
  5. Visit the Common House Café
  6. November’s International Entrepreneur Meetup
  7. Global Hamilton Roundup

November's Trade and Tariff Update

International trade remains an ongoing concern for the Economic Development team.

In October, the United States introduced new tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture. An initial levy of 25% on these products was applied on October 14, 2025. Additional tariff increases on these products are expected in January of 2026.

New Section 232 tariffs, which apply tariffs through the lens of national security, were proclaimed by the United States on October 17, 2025. This proclamation applied a 25% tariff on the import of medium and heavy-duty trucks and truck parts. While there are some CUSMA carveouts as applied to the value of non-U.S. content in finished vehicles, truck parts themselves seem open to potential future tariffs regardless of CUSMA compliance.

On October 23, 2025, the United States announced that it would end all trade negotiations with Canada. The United States administration then indicated an additional 10% would be added to US tariffs on goods imported from Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney subsequently stated that Canada is prepared to resume trade negotiations with the United States.

For those Canadian businesses currently impacted by trade and tariffs, the Government of Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative includes $450 million in business supports. The program includes support for businesses in the steel and automotive industries, and focuses on supporting initiatives that are timely, increase productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen the domestic supply chain. More information on the RTRI is available through this link.

Looking for business funding? Try the Funding Finder
A graphics that reads Register for the Procurement Assistance Canada Small Business Forum

Register for the Procurement Assistance Canada Small Business Forum

Join us on November 25, 2025, at Liuna Station for a small business forum on pathways to accessing the $200 billion marketplace that is government procurement in Canada. This event is gratefully delivered in partnership with Procurement Assistance Canada-Ontario Region.

The forum will provide participants with an opportunity to connect with partners from all levels of government through a tradeshow floor, workshops, and interactive panel discussions. The day’s topics will include:

  • Federal Buy Canadian Policy
  • How to do business with all levels of government
  • Government support services for small businesses
  • Connections to innovation programs and services

This is a free, full-day in-person event that runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The forum is open to small business participants from across Southwestern Ontario. Additional information can be accessed through this link.

Register for the Small Business Forum
City skyline at dusk with text inviting feedback on Hamilton's 10-year downtown revitalization strategy, Engage Hamilton.

Our Future Downtown Information Sessions

The City of Hamilton’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy aims to shape a shared vision for Hamilton’s downtown core over the next 10 years, reflecting the aspirations of residents, visitors, businesses, and partners.

 

Why does a vibrant downtown matter?

  • It attracts businesses, creates jobs, and fuels economic growth, tourism, and real estate development.
  • Arts, culture, and events bring people together and strengthen community pride.
  • Better transportation and sustainable urban development create a greener, more connected city.
  • Thriving public spaces enhance safety, livability, and overall quality of life.

We’re excited to share updates on the strategy and preview its draft vision, guiding principles, and high-level actions ahead of the presentation to the City’s General Issues Committee on December 3, 2025.

 

Join us at a pop-up information session to learn more and share your feedback:

  • November 6 | 2:00–4:30 PM – Waterdown Municipal Service Centre
  • November 7 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Stoney Creek Municipal Service Centre
  • November 8 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Ottawa Street Farmers’ Market

Your voice matters—help us shape the future of Hamilton’s downtown!

A graphic of drawn woman hugging a giant cup of coffee with the text: 'But First, Coffee' and a Hamilton Business Centre logo

Visit the Common House Café

Discover the heart of Hamilton’s local food scene at Common House Café, an exciting new food incubator, retail shop, and creative hub located at City Hall. This innovative space, powered by the Hamilton Business Centre, Hamilton’s Small Business Enterprise Centre, supports startup and expanding food businesses with a shared commercial kitchen space, mentorship, and prime retail exposure.

The Café currently hosts plant-based dishes from Apothecary Kitchen, the Café’s primary vendor and daily operator. Meals can be paired with sustainably roasted coffee from Haldimand’s own Sippy Cup Coffee Roasters.

Every visit supports local makers, promotes a greener Hamilton, and helps passionate entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving brands.

Learn more and plan your visit at commonhousecafe.ca.

Promotional graphic with the text 'Global Meets Local Connect'

November's International Entrepreneur Meetup

Join us for the final International Entrepreneur Meetup of 2025: Global Meets Local!

Celebrate Hamilton’s vibrant community of international and immigrant entrepreneurs at this special event designed to spark connections, showcase local talent, and build meaningful relationships.

 

What to Expect

  • Business Showcase featuring local founders
  • International food and coffee to enjoy while you mingle
  • Networking opportunities in the lively atmosphere of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.—or stay for the full experience!

Please register in advance to help us plan and to be entered into our prize draw.

 

Event Schedule

  • 10:00 a.m. – Showcase Opens & Raffle Prize Collection
  • 12:00 p.m. – Coffee, Snacks & Founder Networking
  • 2:00 p.m. – Event Concludes

 

Location
Hamilton Farmers’ Market
35 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K7

 

Thank you to FirstOntario Credit Union for their generous support of this event.

Register for the International Entrepreneur Meetup
Text on a blue background reads "Global Hamilton Round Up" in gradient blue, white, and outlined orange letters.

November'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 snapshot of Canada-wide opportunities in export development, trade missions, and talent attraction.

 

Trade and Export Programs

  • WEBINAR SERIES: November 12th, 19th, and 26th | First Steps in Exporting | 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
  • RESOURCE: Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
  • RESOURCE: Ontario Together Trade Fund

 

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.