@citywaterloo's Economic Development feed, showcasing why people do business and put down roots in our great city. Proud collaborator with @createwaterloo.
With over 475 businesses, such as shops, live music venues, vibrant night life, a diverse food scene and amazing festivals and events - Uptown Waterloo has something for everyone!
๐ Find out what to explore on your next visit - uptownwaterloobia.com#SupportLocalWaterloo
ALT A street scene at dusk with the road lined with shops and decorated with illuminated street lights. Uptown Waterloo logo is displayed.
Founder Exchange is a high-impact networking event designed to bring #founders together for honest conversations, practical advice, and valuable insights from experienced entrepreneurs.
๐ June 16, 2026
๐ Accelerator Centre
Learn more: bit.ly/4g8WhxL
ALT A person in a red shirt is seated at a table engaged in conversation with others with several people sitting at tables in the background and text overlay that reads "founder exchange" with The Accelerator Centre logo.
โ๏ธ The City of Waterloo is now accepting applications for two #patio programs!
Whether youโre a new business or looking to renew your existing patio licence, this is your chance to create a unique outdoor experience.
๐ Learn how to apply: waterloo.ca/patios
ALT Outdoor dining area with red chairs and tables. Text says "Want to add a patio to your business?"
๐ท Construction Connect is a networking event on June 9th designed to foster meaningful connections between employers in the construction industry and skilled newcomer talent.
Hosted by the Workplace & Immigrant Network.
๐ Reserve your spot! bit.ly/4ni0T6j
Your story matters!
If youโre an immigrant, refugee, international student, or temporary worker living within the Waterloo Region, share your experience and help shape a more inclusive community.
๐๏ธ Open until May 31, 2026
๐ Take the survey today: bit.ly/4tyqUA2
ALT A group of smiling individuals from diverse backgrounds gathered together. The Immigration Partnership logo and text "Because your story counts" are displayed on the right.
Join an interactive workshop for employers, HR professionals, managers and team leads.
You will walk away with practical strategies to improve communication across teams and clients from different communication styles and backgrounds.
Reserve your spot! bit.ly/3P35nkC
ALT Image featuring person smiling with text that says "Employer Workshop. Practical Communication for Todayโs Canadian Workplace. Reduce miscommunication improve workplace effectiveness. June 9th, 2026, 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. The GrandWay 7445 Wellington County Rd. 21 Elora, ON. Facilitator Shani Ellis-Alman." with logos displayed for Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region, WIN, Canada Immigration and Citizenship.
The AC:Health program by Accelerator Centre is designed for startups developing AI, data and software technologies that improve #healthcare delivery, patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
๐ Apply by May 25, 2026
๐ Learn more: acceleratorcentre.com/achealโฆ
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Summerโs almost here โ time to explore local patios, markets & events that help keep Waterloo growing, creative & connected! โ๏ธ
Learn how your business can gain free tools to highlight your unique roots and encourage residents to shop and support local ๐ bit.ly/47nTbQE
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Founders: stop wasting months building the wrong thing!
Join a hands-on workshop to learn how founders can make better decisions around customers, pricing, growth, positioning and product direction.
๐ Register today: luma.com/3ook710b
ALT Black background featuring neon blue lights, a QR code and text overlay that says "Why Founders Waste Months on the Wrong Decisions and How to Avoid It. May 28, 2026, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at UWaterloo, E7. Hosted by Growth Partner AI."
The KW Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards is an annual tradition that has been celebrating the inspiring women in our community since 1975.
๐ May 21, 2026
๐ Marshall Hall, Bingemans
๐๏ธ Learn more & get tickets: womenoftheyear.ca/2026awards
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Looking for ways to #SupportLocal this season? The Uptown Dollars Gift Card works like a prepaid credit card and can be used at any participating uptown businessโhelping keep dollars in our community!
๐ Learn more & find participating businesses - bit.ly/48nhmjK
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The @citywaterloo Zoom Prospector tool offers FREE insights to help you better understand our community and the opportunities within it.
Explore:
โข Available properties
โข Economic trends
โข Labour force data
โข Demographics
โข And more
๐ Access today: bit.ly/4dmfyc9
ALT Aerial view of an urban area in uptown Waterloo featuring buildings and streets under a cloudy sky with text overlay that says 'Local data and insights' and the City of Waterloo logo.
Save 20โ30% on manufacturing costs in Waterloo Region. Our new Manufacturing Cost Calculator lets you compare labour, building and electricity costs in cities across North America. Compare savings here: hubs.ly/Q04grkdf0
Applications are closing soon for the WRSBC Summer Company Program!
Young entrepreneurs looking to run their own business can receive start-up funds, develop professional skills, and gain mentorship from local business leaders.
๐ Apply by May 15, 2026: bit.ly/3IcSL2U
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๐ Business Development Bank of Canada has launched the LIFT Program โ a $500M initiative helping Canadian small to mid-sized businesses adopt AI with expert support and flexible financing.
๐ Learn more & apply: bdc.ca/en/solutions/lift
The CanExport SMEs program offers funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets. Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding!
๐ Apply by: May 29, 2026 at 12 p.m.
๐ Learn more: bit.ly/4vF1937
ALT Logo with the word "CanExport" over a map of the world, featuring red and blue colors. Wavy red lines are beneath the text.
The Waterloo Region Womenโs Expo celebrates womenโs achievements and contributions to our community.
On May 23, join local businesses, leaders and changemakers for a day of connection, inspiration and empowerment.
๐๏ธ Get tickets: oktoberfest.ca/events
ALT Silhouette composed of colorful, diverse abstract portraits beside the text "Waterloo Region Women's Expo."
Have an idea for an event in uptown Waterloo? ๐ก
SPOTLIGHT WATERLOO created by the Uptown BIA provides up to $5,000 in funding to support organizers who want to create vibrant, inclusive and community-driven events.
๐ Click below to learn more & apply. uptownwaterloobia.com/spotliโฆ
Through the Skills Advance Ontario program, employers and employment training providers can access funding to deliver training that helps Ontario respond to trade disruptions, tariffs and evolving global economic uncertainty.
๐ Learn more & apply: bit.ly/4tj81l1
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Do you own or lease property in uptown Waterloo? You may qualify for CIP funding!
Grants help support:
๐ก Commercial upgrades
๐ Heritage preservation
๐ฑ Sustainability improvements
โฟ Accessibility enhancements
๐ Apply May 1 โ Oct 31, 2026
Learn more: waterloo.ca/CIP
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