Jan 3, 2026
Complete the Hamilton Business Survey
January is business survey season for Economic Development and our partners at Workforce Planning Hamilton.
The Hamilton Business Survey collects insights from employers of all sizes across Hamilton. This is an opportunity for Hamilton’s business community, including not-for-profit businesses, to share their outlook for the year ahead. This made-in-Hamilton tool collects insights on labour force needs, tariff impacts, and economic conditions that are not otherwise collected at the local level by Statistics Canada.
Every business that participates in the survey helps to shape strategies for growth and talent retention, while also providing intelligence that informs Hamilton’s inter-governmental advocacy efforts.
The survey is designed to be anonymous, requiring no more than fifteen minutes to complete. Any questions about the survey can be directed to Adam Durrant, Senior Business Development Consultant, in the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office.
Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council's New Senior Project Manager
It is a pleasure to share the news that Mohammad Araf (Araf) has stepped into a new role as HIPC’s Senior Project Manager. With more than 12 years of experience in immigration, community partnerships, and community-based research, Araf brings expertise and a strong commitment to newcomer inclusion to this role.
Having served as HIPC’s Program Officer for the last five years, Araf was instrumental in advancing HIPC’s collective impact and evaluation work, as well as supporting initiatives such as Newcomer Day and centring newcomer voices through projects like the Immigrant Voices: Hamilton Immigrant Survey.
Reflecting on his new role, Araf shared, “It’s a huge honour to step into this new role at HIPC and continue working alongside my colleagues and our community partners. In the face of difficult economic times and shifting public attitudes towards immigration, our work together is more important than ever.”
Check out Araf’s introductory video through this link.
Connect to Careers Job Fair
Is your business hiring in 2026?
Join us at the Connect to Careers job fair – Hamilton’s largest job fair connecting employers with talent, including current students, new grads, alumni, and job seekers from the Hamilton community.
The fair will take place on March 3, 2026, at the Hamilton Convention Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The City of Hamilton will be operating multiple booths during the job fair with staff attending from the Hamilton Business Centre, the City of Hamilton’s small business enterprise centre, and the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Canada's Biggest Week in Music
Hamilton is transforming into Canada’s music capital as part of a week-long celebration of creativity, culture, and community.
JUNO Week is a national event that will amplify local pride, connect audiences across the country, and bring the spotlight home to Hamilton. The week will include performances by Arkells and The Beaches, along with special appearances from Joni Mitchell and Nelly Furtado.
Hamilton’s location connects JUNOS Host Committee sponsors to an audience of more than 10 million individuals within a two-hour drive. This is a unique opportunity to engage with people shopping and dining in Hamilton’s Business Improvement Areas, experiencing Hamilton’s rich cultural institutions, and celebrating the Downtown core’s vibrant nightlife.
January's Global Hamilton Round-up
The Global Hamilton Office, part of the Hamilton Economic Development Office, 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: New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) | Feb 4
- WEBINAR: New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S. | Feb 11
- WEBINAR: Export to Market: Japan | Feb 24
- WEBINAR: Spotlight on Exporting: eCommerce | Feb 25
- RECORDING: CETA and Your Business
- RESOURCE: Trade Data Online for Customized Reports
- RESOURCE: Country Risk Quarterly 2025: Navigating export risks in global markets | EDC
- RESOURCE: Ontario Together Trade Fund
Talent Insights
- UPDATE: IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the Start-Up Visa Program
- RESOURCE: Hamilton Employers Hires Immigrants Webpage
Trade Missions
- February 3-6: Ontario Export Business Mission to Expomanufactura
- February 5-11: Securing our Futures: The Canadian Women-only Business Mission to the Philippines and Singapore with Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
- February 8-13: Ontario Life Sciences Mission to Brazil for Medtech and Biotech
- February 10-13: Ontario AI Export Business Mission to World AI Cannes Festival
- March 17- 19: Ontario Cleantech Mission to Japan Smart Energy Week 2026
Ontario Trade Mission Calendar
Canadian Trade Mission Calendar
Find a Trade Commissioner
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.