Growing innovation, talent, and economic opportunity

Economic development is about creating the conditions for a strong, diverse, and resilient economy in order to enhance well-being and quality of life for the community. 

From agriculture and food processing to advanced manufacturing, plastics to small business entrepreneurship, Northumberland's economy is evolving as Eastern Ontario's production hub, and a wellness tourism destination. 

To foster this progressive transformation, the County has spearheaded initiatives over the last several years such as:

• Bringing together significant public funding and private capital investment to create a private sector-led utility - currently under development - that will deliver high-speed internet to every household and business in Northumberland.  
• Opening the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre (OAFVC) in Colborne, a unique food manufacturing facility designed, built, and staffed to serve as a launchpad for food entrepreneurs moving into the next phase of business growth. 
• Supporting local small business growth with innovative programing through the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre. Programing such as Digital Northumberland - launched during the pandemic to help small businesses increase their online presence. Also programs such as the Faster Forward Summit program for existing growth-stage businesses, the Women's Entrepreneurship Program, and the Summer Company program for youth, along with other small business supports. 
• Creating Ontario's first Tourism Wellness Experience Development program, launched to help carve out a unique niche for Northumberland's tourism industry, and bring more benefits to Northumberland's communities and businesses.

As the County continues to take steps to support a business ecosystem and a talent pipeline that meet current business demands, help us understand what is important about this topic. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.  

Here are some questions to consider:

• What are steps we can take to further promote innovation, and support talent and business to thrive?
• When you imagine Northumberland 10 years from now, what makes our community an incredible destination to visit, and a great place to live, work, and raise a family?