News
October 11, 2024
Burlington Economic Development Unveils 2023 Annual Report
October 11, 2024 | Burlington, ON
Burlington Economic Development is proud to announce the release of its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing a year of strategic growth, collaboration, and continued economic development. The report highlights Burlington’s commitment to supporting local businesses, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth.
In 2023, Burlington Economic Development supported more than 150 businesses through 320 customer service requests. Programs like Digital Main Street continued to drive real impact for small businesses; in 2023 alone, 68 Burlington businesses accessed 71 grants totaling more than $177k as part of this provincially funded initiative.
The report also provides key updates on the Burlington Lands Partnership, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward’s Red Tape Red Carpet initiative, and TechPlace.
Executive Director Anita Cassidy stated, “These developments along with Burlington’s recognition from Site Selection Magazine as one of Canada’s best locations for tech companies, reaffirm our city’s appeal to businesses and talent.” Burlington’s strategic partnerships with post-secondary institutions were front and centre in 2023, including the relaunch of Burlington Day at Mohawk College and the renovations at the Robert Bateman Community Centre, which will become the future home of Brock University and our innovation hub TechPlace. Cassidy emphasized, “Our partnerships have strengthened, showcasing our ability to foster growth and innovation through collaboration across the region and the public and private sectors.”
The Chair of the Board of Directors Ron Laidman noted Burlington Economic Development’s work in 2023 on investment attraction, noting that, “We strengthened our partnerships, particularly with Toronto Global and Destination Toronto, to support and participate in the MedTech conference and the Web Summit events.” These successful collaborations played a crucial role in positioning Burlington internationally as a leading destination for businesses.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward also provides greetings as part of the report and includes mention of how we’re working together to plan for Burlington’s future growth. “Burlington Economic Development’s input in planning our Major Transit Station Areas and employment lands have been crucial in positioning our city for future growth and investment, balancing economic prosperity with livability. This balance is reflected in The Globe and Mail’s ranking of Burlington as the most livable city in the province.”
Burlington Economic Development is proud of this recognition and continues to work on the connected communities situated around the Burlington, Aldershot and Appleby GO transit train stations.
View the full Burlington Economic Development 2023 Annual Report here.
About Burlington Economic Development
Burlington Economic Development (Burlington EcDev) is an agency of the City of Burlington that works to attract high-value companies to Burlington, support the expansion of existing businesses, and encourage the start-up and growth of new companies. The team works across all industries and sectors to deliver personalized support to businesses and collaborates with partners across the private and public sectors to maintain Burlington’s robust and diverse economy.
Media Contact
Claire Green
Burlington Economic Development + Tourism
Strategic Lead – Economic Development and Destination Marketing
Claire.Green@burlington.ca
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