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Invest in Hamilton April 2025 Newsletter

Apr 30, 2025

Business Community Partners Newsletter

Welcome to another Economic Development Newsletter. Last month, the Economic Development team participated in Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest industrial trade shows, as part of the City’s efforts to promote international investment from Europe and other free trade partners in Hamilton.

Yet even as we work toward securing new investments for Hamilton, tariff considerations remain top of mind. This issue of the newsletter will feature a roundup of new tariff support programs introduced by both the federal and provincial governments over the last month.

This issue highlights the City of Hamilton’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy. I strongly encourage everyone to engage in the public consultation for this project. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of our downtown, fostering innovation, and driving investment in both private and public spaces. Together, we can create a lasting, positive impact on Hamilton’s downtown core for generations to come.

On behalf of the Economic Development team, I invite you to read on and learn more about our achievements and initiatives. As always, you can connect with me or members of my team should you have any questions about growing or starting a business in Hamilton.

Norm Schleehahn, Director, Economic Development

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In this issue

  1. April’s Trade and Tariff Update
  2. Team Hamilton Attends Hannover-Messe
  3. Changes in the Commercial Districts Team
  4. April’s Global Hamilton Round-Up
  5. Microhacks for Success: An International Entrepreneur Meet-Up
  6. Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council’s Annual Report
  7. Our Future Downtown: Hamilton’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy

April's Trade and Tariff Update

On April 15th, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a new suite of programs and measures aimed at providing support for businesses impacted by tariffs.

The first program is a performance-based, tariff remission framework for automakers. The program will allow automakers that continue to manufacture vehicles in Canada to import several U.S.-assembled, CUMSA-compliant vehicles into Canada without being impacted by Canadian counter-tariffs.

A second federal measure comes in the form of a 6-month tariff relief for goods imported from the United States that are used in key Canadian industries, including: manufacturing, processing and food and beverage packaging, and goods used to support public health, health care, public safety, and national security objectives.

Third, the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility will begin taking applications for its stream of funding. The LETL will support eligible large businesses whose work contributes to food security, energy security, economic security, and national security.

On April 16, 2025, the Government of Ontario introduced the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act. The legislation is expected to create new opportunities for job creation and investment attraction by supporting free trade and labour mobility within Canada. Some components of this legislation include removing party-specific exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, expanding labour mobility with new “As of Right” rules, and enabling mutual recognition of goods, services, and registered workers between Ontario and partner provinces.

Additionally, on April 16th, 2025, the Government of Ontario launched the Ontario Together Trade Fund. This $50 million fund is expected to provide financial support to help businesses develop more inter-provincial customers, expand into new markets, and re-shore supply chains.

The Economic Development team will continue to provide ongoing tariff updates through our Trade and Tariff Hub in the weeks and months to come.

Four people stand in front of an "Invest in Hamilton" sign at a business event, facing the camera and smiling.

Team Hamilton Attends Hannover Messe

From March 31 to April 4, the Economic Development Office and partners from across the Invest in Hamilton ecosystem attended the Hannover Messe trade show in Hanover, Germany.

While the Hannover Messe trade show takes place every year, this year was particularly notable, as Canada served as the host nation for the event. A robust Canadian presence allowed for an opportunity to showcase Hamilton’s innovative spirit alongside our incredible educational and private-sector partners.

The Invest in Hamilton delegation was also pleased to host Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, at the Team Hamilton booth. The Minister’s participation in this event underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in driving investment and creating jobs in our region.

A special thanks to all our partners who joined us on this event:

  • 360 Energy Inc.
  • BAR Hydraulics Inc.
  • BECC Modular Systems
  • EVM Group
  • HOPA Ports
  • Kubes Steel Inc
  • McMaster Automotive Research Centre
  • McMaster Innovation Park
  • McMaster University
  • Mohawk College
  • PYPLOK
  • Slate Asset Management
  • Trst Innovations Inc
  • Virtualware
Headshot of Judy Lam

Changes on the Commercial Districts Team

After more than a decade of service to the City of Hamilton, Judy Lam, the Manager of the Commercial Districts and Small Business team, is retiring.

The scope of Judy’s work and contributions to the City of Hamilton can not be understated. Judy has overseen the development of five community improvement plans, as well as the remediation of 206 acres of contaminated land, which has led to the creation of 3,500 new residential units and the production of 1.9 million square feet of non-residential floor space in Hamilton.

Judy has, quite literally, played a role in reshaping the city.

While Judy’s departure will leave a gap in the team that will be difficult to replace, the legacy of her great works will continue. In the near term, Phil Caldwell will be serving as Acting Manager of the Commercial Districts and Small Business team. All of the grants and loans administered through the Commercial Districts team, as well as the invaluable services offered through the Hamilton Business Centre, will continue as usual.

Should you wish to contact a member of the Commercial Districts and Small Business team about a grant, loan, or downtown opportunity, please do so through this link.

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

April's Global Hamilton Round-up

Economic Development’s Global Hamilton Office focuses on investment attraction and trade, and supports the retention of international entrepreneurs and students calling Hamilton home. These efforts are part of a broad, collaborative knowledge-sharing network within the Hamilton business ecosystem. The Global Hamilton Round Up is an extension of that network, providing our readers with a snapshot of Canada-wide opportunities for export, trade missions, and talent.

Trade and Export Programs

  • 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
  • WEBINAR: May 1 and 8 | First Steps in Exporting: Born Global Edition
  • WEBINAR: May 8 | Entrepreneurs Going Global | Startup Canada
  • WEBINAR: May 21 | Unlock new markets with mergers and acquisitions
  • RESOURCE: Expand globally with Canada’s free trade agreements
  • RESOURCE: Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
  • RESOURCE: Ontario Together Trade Fund

Talent Insights

  • UPDATE: As of November 2024, international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks.
  • RESOURCE: The Employer’s Roadmap for Hiring and Retaining Internationally Trained Workers

Trade Missions

Banner for Newcomer Day at City Hall on May 30, 12-6 PM, featuring logos for RBC, Hamilton, and Canadian immigration.
Learn more about Newcomer Day
Text graphic reads: "International Entrepreneur Meetup Series. Microhacks for Success" on a light blue background.

Microhacks for Success: An International Entrepreneur Meetup

Immigrant and International Founders—you are invited to a special evening of expert insights and networking, organized by Invest in Hamilton and sponsored by FirstOntario Credit Union!

What to expect:

  • Expert “hacks” on branding, sales, finance, and business growth
  • Networking opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs
  • Pretzels, craft brews, and inspiring discussions!

Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, you won’t want to miss this evening of learning and connecting.

May 7th, 2025
 5:00 – 7:30 pm
The Staircase
27 Dundurn St North, Hamilton

Register at this link
HIPC Annual Report 2024-2025 cover with group photos and the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council logo.

Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council's Annual Report

April saw the launch of the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council’s Annual Report. The report reflects on a year of collaboration, community, and collective impact that works to make Hamilton one of Canada’s most welcoming communities for newcomers and immigrants.

Beyond highlighting 2024’s successes, this year’s annual report is a celebration of five years of tireless work from the HIPC Council and its staff. The scope of these achievements includes the annual delivery of Newcomer Day, even as a virtual event during the pandemic, the launch of major marketing campaigns, including Hamilton for All and Hamilton Employers Hire Immigrants, and the publication of a member services directory.

The report also includes an overview of HIPC’s 2025-2028 Community Plan, which envisions Hamilton as a welcoming community where newcomers have a positive settlement experience and feel a sense of belonging.

Download a copy of the report
City skyline at dusk with text inviting feedback on Hamilton's 10-year downtown revitalization strategy, Engage Hamilton.

Our Future Downtown: Hamilton’s 10-Year Downtown Revitalization Strategy

The City’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 is a vibrant Downtown core essential for Hamilton?

  • A vibrant downtown attracts businesses, creates jobs, and boosts the local economy, tourism, and real estate development.
  • Arts, events, and entertainment foster a strong sense of community.
  • Improved access to transportation and urban development supports a greener, more connected downtown.
  • A thriving core enhances public spaces, promotes community safety, and overall quality of life.

Please visit this link or attend a community pop-up engagement event to share your vision for Downtown, what you value about it, and your innovative ideas for leading transformative change to revitalize our Downtown.

Invest in Hamilton Newsletter text on a blue background with a maple leaf graphic.

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.