On June 23, the City of Brampton welcomed a combined investment of $5.2 million from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support local businesses in strengthening resilience, improving competitiveness and pursuing new opportunities for growth.
“We thank the Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for recognizing Brampton’s potential and investing in the future of our local economy. Through the Brampton Business Growth Accelerator and AI Onboard Program, businesses will have greater access to the tools, expertise and supports they need to strengthen supply chains, adopt new technologies and compete globally.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice-Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton
The funding, provided through FedDev Ontario will support two new City-led initiatives designed to help businesses navigate global trade challenges, adopt new technologies and expand into new markets.
The announcement was made by Amandeep Sodhi, Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre, on behalf of The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, bringing together Mayor Patrick Brown, Members of Council, federal representatives and more than 20 local businesses and organizations to mark this significant federal investment.
Helping Businesses Diversify and Strengthen Supply Chains
Through a $2.5 million investment under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), the City will launch the Brampton Business Growth Accelerator, led by Invest Brampton.
The program will:
- Provide tailored advisory support, market intelligence and business development services to help businesses identify new market opportunities.
- Support local companies in developing new product lines and accessing opportunities in emerging sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing, where Brampton’s strong industrial base and growing presence in defence and space innovation position local businesses for growth.
- Enhance business readiness for procurement and other opportunities.
- Strengthen supply chain networks by connecting Brampton businesses with anchor firms and innovation partners.
- Promote the adoption of new technologies to improve competitiveness and efficiency.
- Accelerate the growth of small businesses through advisory services and market expansion support.
Accelerating AI Adoption to Boost Productivity and Competitiveness
Through a $2.7 million investment under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, the City of Brampton will partner with the BHive Innovation & Training Hub to deliver the BNext AI Program.
The initiative will support Brampton’s businesses, including those embedded in regional supply chains, newcomer-led businesses and companies seeking to strengthen operations through AI adoption. Through workshops, one-on-one mentorship, implementation sprints and showcase opportunities, the program will help businesses in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, logistics and mobility assess their AI readiness, implement practical AI tools and improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
Businesses looking to strengthen operations, explore new markets and access growth opportunities can continue to connect with Invest Brampton for advisory support, resources and programs designed to help them succeed in a changing global economy. Learn more at investbrampton.ca.
Additional Quotes
“Brampton is one of Canada’s strongest and fastest-growing economic engines, and ensuring our businesses have the tools they need to compete globally is essential to our continued success. We thank the Government of Canada for this significant investment, which will help local companies strengthen resilience, adopt new technologies and pursue new opportunities for growth. By supporting innovation and AI adoption, we are helping position Brampton businesses for long-term success and creating good jobs for residents.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“The Government of Canada is helping businesses stay competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing economy. These investments will give Brampton companies the support they need to strengthen their operations, adopt new technologies like AI, and pursue new opportunities for growth and good jobs.”
– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“This investment is helping Brampton’s businesses adapt, grow and compete in today’s changing economy. By supporting businesses with expert advice and accelerating the adoption of AI, we’re strengthening our local economy and opening new opportunities for innovation and growth right here in our community.”
– Amandeep Sodhi, Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre
“BHive is proud to support the Government of Canada’s national AI strategy by bringing practical AI adoption directly to Brampton’s small and medium-sized businesses. Through the BNext AI Program, we will work hands-on with local companies to strengthen productivity and enhance the competitiveness for our economy.“
– Vikram Khurana, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BHive Innovation and Training Hub
