Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.
Celebrate #EconDevWeek with Windsor-Essex by participating in some of the following ways!
Town of Amherstburg
- Monday, May 12: The Entrepreneur spotlight panel: Stories from Amherstburg’s business leaders event will feature a panel of Amherstburg entrepreneurs in a casual, welcoming setting with short talks and open dialogue. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, connect with fellow attendees and leave feeling inspired.
- Tuesday, May 13: Head out to GL Heritage Brewing Co. for an Amherstburg business networking event.
- Wednesday, May 14: Attend a workshop on Using Social Media and AI tools. This event is a partnership with the Town of Amherstburg Economic Development Department and the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.
- Wednesday, May 14: Spot the Town of Amherstburg’s economic development team and Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre advisors on a ‘walk-about’ throughout the town. They will visit some local small businesses to introduce themselves and inform them about the services they offer to small businesses.
- Thursday, May 15: Amherstburg Job Fair. Polish up your resume and come prepared to impress your future employer! Several Amherstburg businesses are looking to hire for full-time and part-time positions.
- The Town of Amherstburg launched the Business Builder Loan program, a collaboration with Community Futures Essex County to support Amherstburg businesses by offering up to $50,000 to help local businesses start, grow/expand or innovate.
Town of Essex
Colchester and County Road 50 Community Improvement Plan (CIP):
The Town of Essex is committed to working in partnership with the private sector to promote the economic prosperity of the municipality. This commitment is reflected in the Colchester and County Road 50 Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which seeks to revitalize Colchester as a vibrant social, economic and cultural hub within our community. To support this revitalization, the Colchester and County Road 50 CIP offers eight key financial incentives to eligible business and property owners identified within the exclusive project area interested in enhancing their properties and contributing to the region’s growth and vitality. These targeted incentives include:
- Development Permit Fee Grant
- Development Charges Grant
- Tax Increment Equivalent Grant
- Parks Levy Equivalent Grant
- Façade Improvement Grant
- Outdoor Café, Patio, and Commercial Outdoor Space Grant
- Conversion and Rehabilitation Grant
- Professional Design Services Grant
Town of Kingsville
During its April 14, 2025, Council meeting, Kingsville Town Council adopted an Industrial and Commercial Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Kingsville’s CIP program is designed to support Kingsville’s 2040 Strategic Plan priority to create a thriving local economy; incentivize private sector investment, promote economic diversification and enhance quality “local” employment opportunities.
Available grant streams:
- Industrial Development Property Tax Increase Grant
- Commercial Development Property Tax Increase Grant
- Industrial – Commercial Property Freeze Grant
City of Windsor
Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP):
The City of Windsor is driving growth and innovation through its Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP). Designed to attract new investment in key economic sectors, the CIP offers a range of financial incentives aimed at diversifying the local economy and creating or retaining high-quality jobs. This dynamic program empowers the City to take bold actions—such as acquiring and preparing land, improving buildings, and providing grants to property owners and tenants—that would otherwise be restricted under Ontario’s Municipal Act. Every initiative undertaken through the CIP is carefully aligned with its strategic objectives, ensuring sustainable, long-term community growth. Whether through property development, redevelopment, or business expansion, the CIP provides the tools to help build a stronger, more resilient Windsor. There are four financial incentive programs:
- Business Development Grant
- Business Retention and Expansion Grant
- Small Business Investment Grant
- Development Charges Grant
Housing Solutions Made for Windsor (HSMFW):
In 2023, the City of Windsor initiated a review of municipal lands across the community to identify opportunities for developments that could help address Canada’s housing crisis. This comprehensive review uncovered several properties with significant and immediate potential to support a range of housing needs, including affordable housing and missing middle housing. On March 1, 2024, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens announced that City Council members, alongside City Administration, had finalized a list of municipally owned lands now available for development to support these critical housing initiatives. To learn more about this program and current lands or properties available for development, visit the Housing Solutions Made for Windsor webpage.
Invest WindsorEssex – Business Retention and Expansion team
Contact our team if you are:
- Expanding your business
- Looking for government support programs
- Exploring new export opportunities
- Launching new products
- Looking to diversify your customer base
- Interested in connecting to supply chain opportunities
Learn more about our business retention and expansion services and our key sector database.
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre
- Tuesday, May 13: Do you have an idea and you want to start your own business, but you aren’t sure where to start? Join a free webinar hosted by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.
- Wednesday, May 14: The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre has partnered with the Town of Amherstburg to host Using social media and AI for customer acquisition seminar.
- Wednesday, May 14: Advisors from the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, together with the Town of Amherstburg’s economic development team, will visit local small businesses in Amherstburg to introduce themselves and share information about their services.
- Thursday, May 15: Join an in-person Writing a Business Plan event and gain guidance, information and resources for creating an effective business plan.