Vaughan powers small business success

Nov. 7, 2025 2:30 p.m.

Business

Thousands supported through City’s entrepreneurship programs in 2024

Small businesses are the backbone of Vaughan’s economy — and the City is making sure they have every opportunity to thrive.

Of the 19,700 businesses that call Vaughan home, more than 86 per cent are small enterprises. Through the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), the City provides entrepreneurs with hands-on guidance, training, and funding to help them start, grow, and succeed right here in Vaughan.

Here are some of the highlights:

Business advisory services: VBEC connected businesses with planning, resources and opportunities through 1,061 consultations and 3,972 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: $145,000 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: 572 attendees received business planning support.
- Better Your Business program: Four strategic, social and environmental sustainability plans were completed.
Seminars and workshop series: VBEC delivered 100 seminars exploring best practices across a variety of industries to 2,155 participants through collaborative partnerships. The 2024 Small Business Week programming saw 126 participants attend nine 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 57 entrepreneurs. In collaboration with TechConnex’s Future of Technology series, VBEC delivered seminars to 213 businesses.

These initiatives and achievements were highlighted in the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre: 2024 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 continues to be a destination of choice — not only for entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners looking to start or grow their ventures, but also for conferences and events that recognize our city’s thriving business ecosystem. What truly sets Vaughan apart is the unmatched service and support we provide through our Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC). The VBEC team goes above and beyond to help businesses succeed, offering tailored guidance, training, seminars and hands-on assistance every step of the way. I want to thank our entire Economic Development team for their commitment to helping businesses — big and small — reach their full potential.”

Mayor Steven Del Duca

“The Economic Development department often says that Vaughan is transformative, ambitious and purpose-driven. I think those words also define this great team, as demonstrated in the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Year in Review. Over the last year, through a wide variety of programs and services, they have helped attract new investment and talent to the city and supported our existing dynamic business community. The list of achievements outlined in this Year in Review is outstanding, and I look forward to seeing what this team will achieve next.”

Zoran Postic, City Manager

“The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre team is dedicated to raising the City’s profile, attracting new partners and investments, and supporting the expansion of the local business community. The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre’s 2024 Year in Review is a testament to the hard work this team does every day to support Vaughan’s current and future entrepreneurs. I want to congratulate the entire team on their successes in 2024, and I look forward to many more shared accomplishments in the years 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: 2024 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.