Celebrate Vaughan 2016 | Page 51

ATTRACT INVESTMENT AND CREATE JOBS THE 2016 RANKING OF CANADA’S BEST PLACES FOR BUSINESS BY CANADIAN BUSINESS AND PROFIT WAS RELEASED THIS SUMMER AND VAUGHAN IS IN EIGHTH PLACE NATIONALLY AND SECOND IN ONTARIO. This year, the City is piloting a suite of progressive programs and seminars as part of the Vaughan International Commercialization Centre (VICC) – a City-led economic development initiative. The VICC provides established businesses with the tools they need to expand and reach an international market. Vaughan’s prosperity and continued growth can be attributed to its many vibrant and dynamic businesses. With every new venture comes job creation and economic growth. It is this innovation, forward-thinking and commitment to business excellence that have contributed to Vaughan being an economic leader in the GTA. A CITY OF ENTREPRENEURS ENTREPRENEURS OF THE FUTURE It is Vaughan’s business people who drive the local economy and contribute to the success of the City. They are supported by the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC) – which provides support for small businesses and Starter Company holds an annual event, the Business-to-Business EXPO, that is focused on building relationships in order to grow. An annual program run by VBEC in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth, Starter Company provides hands-on business mentoring to young entrepreneurs. In the past year, more than 50 businesses have been created. ONES IN 2015 T S E IL M W E N D E H VAUGHAN REAC 3.4% Vaughan is now home to more than 11,200 businesses. More than 200,000 people employed in Vaughan, up from 176,000 in 2011. The average annual employment growth from 2005-2015. 38% The City accounts for 38 per cent of the Region's employment.