Economic Development News

Meet the founders of Durham Region’s leading micro-manufacturing businesses

By Jennifer Foden

Durham Region is home to a diverse range of micro-manufacturing businesses. We sat down with the founders of two of them to learn more.

Up North Naturals

Seven years ago, Lisa Keizer, then raising funds for charitable and non-profit organizations, started making hair products at home after she saw her own hair thinning following years of using chemical straighteners. “I decided to embrace my curls,” says Lisa, now the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Up North Naturals. “And...

Location unveiled for future urban farm at corner of Harwood Avenue and Rossland Road in Ajax

Whitby, Ontario – Yesterday, Durham College in partnership with Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Division (Invest Durham), unveiled the temporary location for the new Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture’s (Barrett Centre) urban farm at a groundbreaking ceremony in Ajax.  

John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, joined Bob and Francine Barrett of The Barrett Family Foundation; Don Lovisa, President, Durham College; Kelly O’Brien,...

Meet the founders of Durham Region’s innovative farming businesses

By Jennifer Foden

These three farming businesses are not only contributing to the ongoing success of the agricultural industry in Durham Region, but they’re thinking outside the box while doing it.

Sunflower Farm Photo courtesy of Kailey Jane Photography

The Sunflower Farm

Ursula Kressibucher, owner and CEO of The Sunflower Farm, an agricultural tourism (agri-tourism) business located in the north end of Durham Region, was born and raised on a farm in Beaverton—the same one her Swiss grandmother...

Access IO technology startup and investor events resume with support from Invest Durham

Whitby, Ontario – Building upon successful events in 2019 and early 2020, Access IO is returning to Durham Region. Access IO is a high-impact event focused on sourcing new technologies to solve real-world problems. 

The event invites startups to collide with the angel investment community, industry experts and potential customers. Startup companies selected for the showcase will have one minute to pitch their solution.

Abilities Centre and Grandview Kids will co-host the first 2022 event. Abilities...

Durham at Collision

Last week, the Collision Conference returned to Toronto and Invest Durham was a partner.

Promoted as the fastest growing technology (tech) conference in North America with more than 35,000 attendees meeting, learning, investing and doing business, Collision provides a stellar opportunity to connect with innovators from Canada and around the world.

To establish a significant footprint and high brand visibility for Durham Region at the conference, our Invest Durham team worked with Durham Region’s