(Barrie, ON) – The City of Barrie’s Economic Development department, Invest Barrie, recently received two Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honour economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that demonstrate consistent and exemplary performance. Winners are recognized at IEDC’s Annual Conference.
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.
The City’s Business and Employer Data Survey is conducted annually to collect up-to-date 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.
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 funded in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Health Venture provides participants 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.
About the International Economic Development Council
IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers and is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. IEDC provides professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals across the world. With over 4,500 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. For further information, visit IEDC.org.
Learn more about Invest Barrie at investbarrie.ca.
