Vaughan powers local business growth

Thousands of entrepreneurs supported through City programs in 2025

From start-ups to growing enterprises, Vaughan’s small business community is thriving thanks to the City of Vaughan’s continued commitment to entrepreneurship. In 2025, thousands of business owners and innovators accessed City-led programs through the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), designed to spark growth, strengthen skills and build long-term success.

Highlights of these accomplishments are captured in the 2025 VBEC Year in Review: 

• Business advisory services: VBEC connected businesses with planning, resources and opportunities through 1,079 consultations and 4,583 inquiries, making it a leading resource in the province.

• High-quality entrepreneurship programs: The team supported local businesses through training, mentorship and funding programs, including:

  • Starter Company Plus: $185,000 in grants were directly invested into local businesses, resulting in more than $3.9 million in direct economic spending.

  • Summer Company: $42,000 in grants were directly invested into local student-run businesses.

  • Business Planning Launchpad Series: 454 attendees received business planning support.

  • Better Your Business program: Two strategic, social and environmental sustainability plans were completed.

• Seminars and workshop series: VBEC delivered 59 seminars exploring best practices across a variety of industries to 985 participants through collaborative partnerships. The 2025 Small Business Week programming saw 126 participants attend eight seminars, workshops and networking events delivered in partnership with key stakeholders.

• Strategic partnerships and collaborations: VBEC leveraged expertise and networks from educational institutions and business accelerator and incubator programs. In collaboration with York University’s YSpace’s Food and Beverage and Venture Catalyst programs, VBEC provided programming for 46 entrepreneurs. In collaboration with TechConnex’s Future of Technology series, VBEC delivered seminars to 46 businesses. 

These initiatives and achievements were highlighted in the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2025 Year in Review (PDF).

Looking ahead, the VBEC team will continue to support Vaughan’s thriving small business community through continued business advisory services, entrepreneurship programs, seminars and workshops and strategic partnerships.

To learn more about VBEC, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.

QUOTES

“Vaughan is proud to support a strong and growing business community, and we remain focused on attracting new investment to our city. Through the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, we provide businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and partnerships they need to succeed – from consultations and workshops to guidance that helps them navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. These services play a critical role in making Vaughan a destination of choice for businesses looking to start, scale and invest. I want to thank the VBEC team for their outstanding work and achievements in 2025, and recognize the businesses, entrepreneurs and leaders whose vision and hard work continue to drive our economy forward. Together, we are building a community that is vibrant, resilient and full of opportunity.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“Over the past year, business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators have accessed a wide range of high‑quality City programs and services through the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre. These initiatives were designed to spark growth, strengthen essential skills and support businesses at every stage of their journey, from start‑up to expansion. The results highlighted in this review reflect the outstanding work of the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre team. I want to sincerely thank each and every member for their expertise and continued commitment to Service Excellence for Vaughan’s business community.”

- Michael Genova, Deputy City Manager, Strategic Initiatives

“The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre team remains committed to advancing Vaughan’s business community through partnership, investment attraction and entrepreneurial support. The 2025 Year in Review showcases the team’s hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the entire team on a successful year, and best wishes for continued achievements ahead.”

- Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development

QUICK FACTS

• The City’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) offers comprehensive support, including business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance, for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs starting or growing their business in Vaughan.

• The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2025 Year in Review (PDF) showcases an overview of the VBEC team’s initiatives and achievements.

• Connect with the VBEC team by email at ed@vaughan.ca or by phone at 905-832-8526.

LEARN MORE

• Economic Development’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2025 Year in Review (PDF)
• Economic Development’s webpage
• Economic Development department’s eNewsletter
• Economic Development’s LinkedIn