The City of Brampton successfully wrapped-up a virtual FDI mission to the United States (US), specifically targeting technology and innovation businesses in Texas and New Jersey, which ran from mid-October to early November, 2021.
Brampton’s growing innovation and technology sector, access to diverse and skilled talent, and connectivity to the North American market has drawn the attention of US businesses looking at opportunities for nearshoring and expansion.
The goal of the mission was to promote Brampton within the US market and attract investment, both new investment and through the growth and expansion of US companies with existing operations in Brampton. The Economic Development Office’s (EDO) work in investment attraction and business retention and expansion is vital to Brampton’s economic recovery as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brampton is home to many US headquartered businesses including Albea Canada; Taro Pharmaceuticals; SPS Commerce; Dynacare; Zochem; and Daniels Health.
Throughout the mission, our Sector Managers were proactive in coordinating meetings with the management teams of eight local businesses that have their headquarters in the US, as part of the Business Retention and Expansion work. The City of Brampton team furthered four expansion projects as a result of these meetings.
The events of the mission included participating in pre-mission briefings with the Consul Generals of Canada in Dallas and New York, and their Trade Commissioners, as well as officials from Invest Ontario. The discussion covered a range of topics including the importance of collaborative approaches to attracting investment to Brampton.
EDO engaged with industry associations and their members which resulted in highly successful events that developed leads that we continue to connect with today. Discussions at these meetings centered on opportunities for US-based businesses to soft land in Brampton.
The City team is currently working to fulfil action items identified during the mission, and continue to develop strong relationships with businesses and organizations that were engaged throughout the mission.
Quotes:
It was an honour to share the many initiatives and opportunities underway in Brampton with the businesses and associations we met during the US virtual mission. Brampton offers the innovation and technology infrastructure and support needed to help innovation and tech companies grow and develop. We have the skilled talent these companies are looking for and our location and connectivity, whether to the larger North American market or on Canada’s Innovation Corridor, is unmatched. I look forward to witnessing the relationships and connections we made flourish.
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
During this mission, it was evident that Brampton delivers on a number of priorities that business leaders and entrepreneurs look for when expanding to international locations — a safe and vibrant community to raise a family; access to quality education and health care; and a truly supportive economic culture that prioritizes innovation. Brampton checks each of these boxes and it was a pleasure to share my experiences and perspective as a proud Bramptonian.
- Charmaine Williams, City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8, City of Brampton