We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of February. See below to read our top highlights.
Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force launches
The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and Invest WindsorEssex have joined forces to establish the Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force (Windsor-Essex ETTF). This initiative brings together local businesses, leaders and community stakeholders to serve as a unified voice for economic development and trade in the Windsor-Essex region. The task force is a response to potential economic challenges posed by proposed tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States, which could impact the region. Given Windsor-Essex’s heavy reliance on the automotive and manufacturing sectors, as well as its critical role in facilitating one-third of all trade between Canada and the U.S. through commercial border crossings, this shift could impact jobs, businesses and overall trade stability.
The Windsor-Essex ETTF plans to address the impact of trade disruptions with provincial and federal legislation and work promptly to collect, coordinate and disseminate information on strategies, programs and other remedies to alleviate the impact on the regional economy. This collaborative effort will help support resiliency and growth through a coordinated, responsive approach. SUBSCRIBE TO UPDATES
Battery Boost Job Days coming to Windsor-Essex
Invest WindsorEssex is proud to host a series of Battery Boost Job Days across Windsor-Essex. Prospective job seekers can connect directly with employers, actively hiring for in-demand roles in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing and the supply chain industry. Our talent attraction specialist, Jessica McCarthy, will also be on-site to share valuable insights about the Battery Boost Technical Training Program and offer guidance on the application process.
Battery Boost is an innovative training program funded by Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada. Administered by Invest WindsorEssex with delivery support from NextStar Energy and program partner Virtualware. This program is designed to prepare participants for careers as Technicians in EV battery manufacturing.
Register for the upcoming job days in your area:
Leamington | Feb. 26 | Completed
Tecumseh | March 6 | Register
Amherstburg | March 27 | Register
Kingsville | April 2 | Register
LaSalle | April 24 | Register
Essex | May 7 | Register
Lakeshore | More info coming soon
Windsor | More info coming soon
Access business funding and support opportunities:
For businesses interested in funding programs and resources, we invite you to attend our complimentary in-person sessions on Pathways to Business Growth: Funding and Support Opportunities to help support your expansion. These sessions will offer valuable insights from experts across all levels of government to unlock new growth opportunities.
Upcoming sessions:
City of Windsor | March 19 | Register
County of Essex | March 27 | Register
SmartTO Innovation Challenge Competition
SmartTO is the newest transportation and mobility hub empowering startups and SMEs to develop, test and prototype advanced automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions led by York University in partnership with Centennial College and Toronto RTDS under the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).
Exciting news as they launch the SmartTO Innovation Challenge Competition, offering Ontario-based startups the opportunity to showcase their expertise by developing cutting-edge solutions in response to this year’s challenge: “How can your startup leverage smart materials and enabling technologies to advance mobility and transportation while enhancing Ontario’s position in innovation across sustainable energy, intelligent systems and last-mile delivery?” Bring your innovations to life and apply by March 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST. Check eligibility and APPLY HERE
DiscoveryX 2025 returns with the best in Ontario Innovation
Join DiscoveryX hosted by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), April 16 – 17, 2025, at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, where groundbreaking ideas connect with the resources, partners and opportunities that have the potential to become reality. Don’t miss an inspiring keynote from world-renowned Futurist, Founder and CEO, Amy Webb, who will share insights on emerging tech trends and how to prepare your organization for a future of constant disruption. Nobel prize winner Geoffrey Hinton, the “Godfather of AI”, will also speak on the future of machine learning. As Ontario’s leading ecosystem connector, DiscoveryX is the place to be for those shaping what is next. REGISTER HERE
ChargeHub helps EV owners locate nearest charging stations
Founded in 2013, ChargeHub has been on a mission to make EV charging as seamless as fueling a gasoline vehicle. They have since developed one of the largest network-independent community-driven EV charging apps, now available through Google and Apple. Users can download the app conveniently and, through an interactive map, locate the nearest EV charging station in their city and across Canada or the United States. The City of Windsor currently has approximately 176 public charging station ports (Level 2 and Level 3) within 15 km, offering accessible and cost-effective charging solutions for electric vehicle owners. LEARN MORE