Economic Development News

Black Business Catalyst Project: Challenges, Inspiration and Insights

The Black Business Catalyst Project (BBCP) is a limited web series, presented by geekspeak Commerce, focusing on the e-commerce journeys of four Black-owned businesses—including One More Cocoa and Swift Hockey in Durham Region. Created in celebration of Black History Month 2024, a new episode was released each week throughout the month of February—showcasing the participant's work, as well as business challenges, inspiration, and insights from guest mentors.

View the series below to learn more about...

The Original Patty Gyal: An Entrepreneur with Vision

Written by: Abigail Guevara, Senior Content Writer – Freelance

Carlene Honigan is a woman with a sparkling personality, who is diligent in the face of challenges, and driven to make her dreams come true—all being the best qualities of an entrepreneur.

Photo: Carlene Honigan, Owner, The Original Patty Gyal

From concept to reality

One day as Carlene was waiting in line to be served at one of her favourite West Indian grocery stores, she made a keen observation—one that would launch her now successful...

Region wins award of excellence for economic development vision

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism Division (Invest Durham) has been named an Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Award of Excellence winner for Ready Set Future: A PLACE Blueprint for Durham strategy and action plan.

Designed to recognize current ideas and initiatives—with the potential to become future best practices for economic development—EDCO selected Invest Durham for its plan: a 30-year vision for this region, with a five-year action plan...

Pioneering Progress with Durham Region’s Black Entrepreneurs

Founding Board Members of Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs (DRABPE) | Left to right: Brenton Alleyne, Silvan Murray, Carlene Honigan, Tennille Spencer, Dane Lawrence, Susan Blake,  Trevin Noble, Marlon Shaw

Written by: Abigail Guevara, Senior Content Writer – Freelance

Dane Lawrence, raised amid the balmy breezes of Jamaica, could not have foreseen his journey toward entrepreneurship in Canada, particularly in the vibrant Region of Durham.

His relocation to Canada...

The Durham Region International Film Festival announces its official winners from the 2023 festival

Whitby, Ontario – From October 19 to 21, the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) had its annual run at two beautiful venues in Ajax and Oshawa. The festival showcased wonderful films at its in-person festival as well as through virtual programming. The carefully curated line-up included films from all over the world but had a special focus on Canadian and regional productions.

A lineup of independent judges determined the winners for each of the festival’s categories. The panel...