Invest Barrie, the city’s Economic Development department, received two Excellence in Economic Development awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Invest Barrie received two IEDC Excellence awards, given to economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that demonstrate consistent and exemplary performance. Invest Barrie received a bronze award for the 2025 Business and Employer Data Survey and was also awarded a bronze for its Health Venture small business training and mentorship program. Barrie’s Business and Employer Data Survey is conducted annually to collect business data and create a comprehensive list of all Barrie businesses operating in employment and commercial areas. The data collected provides insight into the city’s economic landscape and helps make informed decisions to better support organizations and residents. The 2026 survey is currently open for feedback from local businesses. The Health Venture is a program designed to support paramedical professionals to launch and scale successful health-focused practices. Delivered as a pilot through the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia under the Starter Company Plus program and is funded in partnership with the province of Ontario. Health Venture provides paramedics with business training, sector-specific mentorship, peer networking opportunities, and access to micro-grant funding to help grow their businesses in the health and wellness sector.
