The JUNO Awards invited Canada into Hamilton’s backyard for a week of celebrations and live performances.
JUNOS events drew more than 7,200 out-of-town visitors to Hamilton, which helped contribute to an estimated total of $17.2 million in local economic activity within the city. Across Ontario, the celebration of the best of the best in Canadian music contributed to $23.1 million of economic impact, shattering records for JUNOS economic impact.
However, the impact of JUNOS Week goes well beyond the tangible figures of economic impact. For example, more than 200 Hamiltonians provided 2,000 volunteer hours to various events and activations. This opportunity helped build professional and personal networks among creative colleagues from across the country.
JUNOS Week also saw the launch of Hamilton’s Night Guide program. The Night Guides were created as a pilot project to help locals and visitors to Hamilton have a safe and memorable night on the town. Equipped with maps, phone chargers, and first aid supplies, the Night Guides provided directions, offered nightlife recommendations, and delivered friendly support to all who needed it. The success of this program during JUNOS Week has led to its continuation over the summer months and into September, including an anticipated Night Guide appearance during Supercrawl.
Everyone on the Economic Development team offers their congratulations to our colleagues on the Tourism and Culture team for demonstrating the incredible economic impact of arts and culture while promoting a downtown night economy that is welcoming and inclusive for all.
Economic Development staff are searching for talented entrepreneurs who are looking to take the next step in their commercial journey.
The Hamilton Retail Co., delivered through the Downtown Retail Innovation Hub, is designed to help entrepreneurs transition from temporary sales channels (e.g. online marketplaces, festivals, pop-ups) into a permanent retail storefront.
Participants who are accepted into this program will receive a short-term entry into a physical retail space in Hamilton’s downtown, business coaching, advisory services, and opportunities to test their products in a physical storefront without the risks that come with a long-term commercial lease.
The ideal participant is an entrepreneur who already has a proven product and is now looking to step into physical retail expansion, either with a first brick-and-mortar space or a spin-off location.
Statements of interest can be sent to the Economic Development team through the link below. Applications will be reviewed through a competitive process. While applications are accepted from businesses across the GTHA, preference may be given to businesses currently operating in Hamilton or the surrounding area and those committed to establishing a long-term presence in Hamilton’s commercial districts.
On July 8, 2026, the City of Hamilton’s General Issues Committee approved the Clean Technology Manufacturing Sector Strategy.
This strategy refines the decarbonization focus identified in the 2023 Manufacturing Sector Strategy and explicitly concentrates on manufacturing-driven clean technologies. Examples of these technologies include renewable and nuclear power, industrial electrification, energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and the use of next-generation materials.
As a city backed by more than a century of manufacturing excellence, Hamilton is ideally positioned to develop, deploy, and scale clean technologies in real-world industrial settings. With global investment in clean technology and decarbonization solutions exceeding $2 trillion, Hamilton’s innovation ecosystem and skilled workforce are ready to help accelerate the next generation of manufacturing excellence.
The Economic Development Office’s Research and Marketing Team is honoured to announce that the recent refresh of InvestinHamilton.ca was recognized by the International Economic Development Council with a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Award.
This comprehensive rebuild of the Economic Development Office’s long-standing website received a bronze medal in the category of “General Purpose Website” for municipalities with populations greater than 500,000.
Rebuilding the digital front door for investment inquiries and business information allows the Economic Development team to better serve local businesses while attracting new companies and talent to the city. Enhanced features on the website include the free-to-use “Funding Finder”, which allows anyone to search for local, provincial, and national grant, loan, and incentive programs. The rebrand also allowed for the relaunch of InvestinHamilton.ca’s site selection tool, which delivers fast and easy access to information on potential employment lands and opportunities in Hamilton.
Watch this space for even more updates and new features in the months to come.
The City of Hamilton is developing an Electric Mobility Strategy and Action Plan, and staff want to hear from you.
As local commercial fleets transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer demand for charging infrastructure accelerates, the City is creating a unified roadmap to support this shift. Hamilton’s goal is to align municipal policies to help local enterprises lower operating costs, future-proof their infrastructure, and contribute to Hamilton’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Whether your business operates a commercial fleet, offers workplace charging, utilizes e-bikes/e-scooters for local delivery, or is simply exploring the logistics of making the switch, your corporate perspective is vital.
Contact:
Titi Onabanjo, Project Manager – Mobility Planning
titi.onabanjo@hamilton.ca
905-546-2424 Ext. 3438
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.
