Invest WindsorEssex is pleased to partner with the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus @wowcinc to host the Western Ontario 2026 Fall Funders Forum, taking place in @EssexCountyON.
Looking to learn more about funding opportunities for your organization or business?
Join us for an opportunity to connect directly with representatives from provincial ministries and learn about available grant programs, funding opportunities and application requirements.
This free, in-person session is designed for municipalities, nonprofits, economic development organizations and local businesses looking to explore funding opportunities and connect with regional stakeholders.
ย
๐ Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026
๐ 9 a.m. โ 12 p.m.
๐ Ciociaro Club
๐Register here: https://t.co/CfPhij6ejr
We were pleased to attend the @WERCofC Annual General Meeting this afternoon alongside our colleagues from @TWEPI.
It was a great afternoon of important conversations and insightful speakers discussing the future of Windsor-Essex, the evolving Canada-U.S. relationship and opportunities for our region.
Thank you to the Chamber for bringing together business and community leaders from across the region.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC), a division of Invest WindsorEssex, was pleased to welcome Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, to Windsor-Essex this morning for an announcement highlighting continued support for entrepreneurs and small businesses across Ontario.
The Ontario government is investing $49 million over the next three years in the newly branded Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC) network. Formerly known as Small Business Enterprise Centres, the refreshed OSBAC brand creates a stronger and more consistent identity for the province-wide network of more than 50 locations.
SBEC is proud to be one of these centres, continuing to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners in Windsor-Essex with access to business advice, training, mentorship, government programs and funding resources.
Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, shared:
โWeโre proud to continue helping Windsor-Essex businesses start, grow and adapt, while benefiting from a stronger, more visible identity that highlights the resources available across Ontario.โ
MEDIA RELEASE: https://t.co/2i9O8uhd8J
@ninatangri | @GordonOrr66 | @_investwe | @WERCofC | @AndrewDowieMPP
Our CEO Gordon Orr and Senior Directors Ed Dawson and Wendy Stark were pleased to join the leadership team and employees at Plasman's Windsor 1 Manufacturing facility in the @TownofTecumseh yesterday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its recent advanced manufacturing expansion.
The $10 million project included the acquisition and installation of four new 2250 T injection molding machines which are needed for upcoming automotive programs that Plasman has already won. With six local plants as well as facilities in nine countries across North America and Europe, Plasman has continued to express its confidence in the Windsor-Essex workforce and to invest in its local operations.
@GordonOrr66 | @EDawsonEcDev | @WendyLStark
Invest WindsorEssex is proud to celebrate this historic milestone for our region.
Our CEO, Gordon Orr, was pleased to attend today's inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, marking a once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment.
The @GordieHoweBrg strengthens Windsor-Essex's position as the premier gateway for international trade, investment and advanced manufacturing, creating new opportunities for economic growth for generations to come.
Congratulations to @WEtechAlliance on being selected to lead one of Ontario's nine Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS) through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network @OVINhub, with support from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Centre of Innovation @OCInnovation.
This investment is another significant vote of confidence in Windsor-Essex and our growing leadership in automotive innovation, electrification and next-generation mobility technologies. As the Windsor-Essex RTDS, WEtech Alliance, alongside ecosystem partners including Invest WindsorEssex, will help local companies accelerate commercialization, attract new investment and strengthen the competitive advantage of our region's advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
As our CEO, Gordon Orr, noted, "๐ผ๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ธ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐ค๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐-๐ธ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐๐ท๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ก ๐กโ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ก ๐โ๐๐๐ก๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐-๐ธ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ฆ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ก๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ข๐๐."
๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฐ: https://t.co/FFxoK1JQS3
@CityWindsorON | @UWindsor | @StClairCollege | @WERCofC | @GordonOrr66
Exciting news! Led by @WEtechAlliance in collaboration with regional partners, the new Downtown Windsor Innovation District has officially been unveiled, celebrating downtown Windsor's growing role as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, talent and technology.
As our CEO, Gordon Orr, noted, "The Downtown Windsor Innovation District reflects the momentum, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit that are driving our region forward. By creating a stronger identity for the innovation assets concentrated in our downtown core, we are showcasing Windsor-Essex as a destination for talent, investment and business growth."
Invest WindsorEssex is proud to be an active partner in this initiative alongside ecosystem leaders working together to create the conditions for long-term economic growth and reinforce Windsor-Essex's reputation as a leading hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility technologies.
โจRocket Innovation Studio | @UWindsor | @StClairCollege | @CityWindsorON | @GordonOrr66 | @OVINhub @OCInnovationation
Congratulations to the entire Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island team and Board of Directors on a successful Annual General Meeting and an outstanding year of promoting our region and showcasing everything #WindsorEssex has to offer.
Attendees had the pleasure of hearing an inspiring keynote from Guinnessยฎ World Record holder Conner Emeny, who delivered powerful insights on grit, adaptability, leadership, teamwork and the importance of fully committing to success. His message challenged attendees to embrace bold action, overcome obstacles and approach opportunities with a high-performance mindset.
Thank you to @TWEPI for bringing industry leaders together to celebrate achievements, share ideas and continue building a thriving visitor economy.
@GordonOrr66
The second panel of Day 2 at EDCO's ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐จ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฆ, moderated by Invest WindsorEssexโs Ed Dawson, explored ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ: ๐ ๐๐ & ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฏ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง.ย
The discussion highlighted how strategic foreign direct investment has helped position #WindsorEssex as a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing and battery production, driving supply chain growth, job creation and new investment opportunities. Panelists also shared insights on how Windsor's success can help inform investment attraction strategies across Ontario.ย ย
@CityWindsorON | @investontario | @NextStarEnergy
Congratulations to the 14 #WindsorEssex companies receiving support through @FedDevOntarioโs more than $20 million investment to help local businesses modernize operations, scale production, strengthen resiliency and drive innovation across our region.
Thank you to Minister Evan Solomon and the entire FedDev Ontario team for their continued support of Windsor-Essex and for recognizing the importance of investing in our businesses and workforce.
Invest WindsorEssex CEO Gordon Orr was also pleased to participate in a roundtable discussion with Minister Solomon, FedDev Ontario representatives, Mayor Drew Dilkens, the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce @WERCofC and regional industry leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing local companies and the types of supports needed to help businesses continue to innovate and compete globally.
We are proud to support local companies as they continue to grow, create jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of our regional economy.
MEDIA RELEASE: https://t.co/OMJ2WouEHP
@CityWindsorON| @EssexCountyON
Weโre excited to welcome 190+ local business leaders, along with ecosystem and municipal partners for todayโs event with Pierre Clรฉroux, chief economist, @bdc_ca.
Together, we are exploring how Canadaโs economy is evolving and what key trends mean for the business community.
Todayโs presentation highlights:
โข BDCโs 2026 economic outlook - and what it means for Canadian businesses
โข The impact of ongoing uncertainty and U.S. trade policy
โข Insights from BDCโs latest economic and business research
โข Practical steps to help businesses diversify and build resilience
๐๏ธ Our CEO @GordonOrr66 joins the conversation shaping #WindsorEssexโs future.
Weโre proud to see Gordon featured on @WERCofC's Beyond 2 Bridges podcast, where leaders from across business, culture, and community come together to share ideas and drive collaboration across the region.
In this episode, as CEO of both #IWE and @TWEPI, Gordon dives into the future of tourism, investment, and economic growth โ and how these forces work together to strengthen our region for everyone.
๐ง Tune in: https://t.co/bkrGRQXrmR
#Beyond2Bridges #WindsorEssexChamber #tourism #community #growth #innovation #business #EconDev
The Province of Ontario is investing $7.3 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to support Windsor-Essex companies impacted by U.S. tariffs. These projects will help strengthen supply chains, build capacity and increase competitiveness across the region.
In total, the eight funded projects will drive nearly $44 million in investments, create more than 65 new jobs and protect 692 existing jobs in the region.
Invest WindsorEssex is proud to have worked closely with many of the recipient companies. Congratuations to Dimachem Inc. and all companies receiving support through this funding. Supporting local manufacturers and identifying growth opportunities helps ensure #WindsorEssex continues to thrive as a global manufacturing hub.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: https://t.co/JJH1kp9DPa
@CityWindsorON | @EssexCountyON | @ONeconomy | @drewdilkens | @VictorFedeli | @GordonOrr66
Congratulations on reaching this milestone #GordieHoweBridge โ once-in-a-generation infrastructure project!
โThe launch of Breakaway business accounts marks an important step toward the opening of this landmark project, maximizing trade opportunities for local businesses and beyond. This state-of-the-art electronic toll payment program will support efficient border crossings and strengthen supply chain reliability in a highly competitive global marketplace.
Together, world-class infrastructure and a customer-focused toll program enhance the regionโs economic advantage. The Gordie Howe International Bridge and Breakaway will help attract investment, support local jobs and create new opportunities for businesses across Windsor-Essex to grow, compete and succeed in the North American market.โ @GordonOrr66 , CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
We had the pleasure of touring @NextStarEnergy, Canadaโs first large-scale battery manufacturing plant. With battery production underway, including fabrication for advanced energy storage systems, NextStar Energy is generating significant economic benefits across #WindsorEssex. With more than 1,300 employees driving cutting-edge innovation, the facility is supporting local supply chains and workforce, advancing Canadaโs clean energy future, and reinforcing Windsorโs leadership in advanced manufacturing.
Thank you to NextStar Energyโs CEO Danies Lee, Planning Director Sung Park, Chief Operating Officer Brett Hillock and Public Relations Manager Daniela Ferro for the impressive tour and continued commitment to our region.
@GordonOrr66
Proud to attend the grand opening of @NextStarEnergy โ a historic milestone for our region & for ๐จ๐ฆ growing battery mfg sector.
Our team is incredibly proud to have supported this transformational $5-B investment, creating 2,500+ jobs & further strengthening #WindsorEssexโs position as a N. American leader in battery production, advanced manufacturing & clean energy.
Congratulations & thank you to NextStar Energy, the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, @CityWindsorON & all partners who helped bring this landmark project to life. We look forward to continuing to support NextStarโs growth, driving long-term prosperity for our community. Read more: https://t.co/0P1EAolCkX
@fordnation@melaniejoly@VictorFedeli@ONeconomy@drewdilkens@GordonOrr66@JoeGoncalvesX
๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ. ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ. ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐.
Thatโs our promise at the ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ, ๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ. ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐.
From marketing strategies to leadership insights, funding opportunities to building lasting impactโthis summit is designed to give business owners the tools they need to grow with confidence.
Seats are limited, register today: https://t.co/ANc0d1eJDI
Hosted in partnership with @WERCofC and @WEsmallbusiness.
We are pleased to welcome to #WindsorEssex, the Honourable @EvanLSolomon, Minister Responsible for @FedDevOntario as well as #FedDevโs President @FDOPresident Nancy Gardiner and Linda Cousineau, VP business, innovation and community development. Today, we were joined by auto company reps and ecosystem partners for a roundtable discussion focused on challenges and strategies around U.S. tariffs, trade disruption and the impacts on Canadaโs automotive industry.
@GordonOrr66@WendyLStark | @WERCofC@RyanDonally@Raed_Kadri1@APMACanada