Have real, candid conversations with other Brampton business leaders

Open Door Discussions gives you a place to explore opportunities, solve problems and share insights with fellow business owners and professionals. You’ll connect with like-minded leaders to learn about the resources available to you, uncover opportunities, share challenges, and work towards solutions together.

With free virtual sessions open to members and future members, the Brampton Board of Trade invites you to join the discussion or learn more by visiting bramptonbot.com/open-door-discussions.

Innovation

Not only is Brampton located in the centre of the second largest Information and Communication Cluster in North America, but it also has a reputation for fostering inventive entrepreneurs and developing cutting-edge technology. Driven and determined, these visionaries are champions of innovation, pushing our imaginations and city forward with every new idea.

Metro Compactor Service

Metro Compactor Service has been a proud member of the Brampton community since 1978, making a significant impact over the past 45 years. As a leader in waste management equipment and technology, Metro has actively promoted a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable region for businesses and residents of the city, revolutionizing the industry with their iSMART technologies, service-first mentality, and their commitment to environmental stewardship. By providing reliable and effective waste equipment and services, Metro has contributed to waste reduction, proper disposal, cost savings, and ultimately, improved the quality of life for Brampton residents and business owners — over 1,300 customers in Brampton alone. Metro’s commitment to innovation through various initiatives has created additional work and jobs for people in the region and offered new cost-effective alternatives to customers. In 2010, Metro’s iSMART solution was developed, and is now attached to over 4,500 compactors across North America. This IoT smart system provides remote monitoring of service issues and compactor fullness, enabling Metro to provide on-demand service during equipment issues, reduce gas emissions, and save Brampton companies significant expenses.

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst

Since its founding in 2018, the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (RCC) at Toronto Metropolitan University has grown into one of Canada’s major centres for training, commercial acceleration, experiential learning, public education and policy development — all in cybersecurity. Based in two locations within the Innovation District in downtown Brampton, RCC drives innovation in cybersecurity in Brampton and on a national scale, they have accelerated more than 40 high-potential cybersecurity companies and trained more than 540 cybersecurity specialists over the past four years. RCC has strong partnerships with government at all levels, including the Government of Canada, through which it leads awareness education for Canadian youth. Additionally, RCC works with numerous private-sector companies, as well as public-sector organizations such as law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and health care systems and has worked closely with the Government of Ukraine to provide free cybersecurity training to economically displaced Ukrainians living in Ukraine.

SAR-caretech

SAR-caretech is at the startup level but the owners have 20+ years experience in the tech sector developing new areas of AI technology. Services are focused on IT health care, AI projects and supporting citizens in their ability to work. The company is currently operating with 2 full time employees working on a project basis, with plans to expand in summer.

SAR-caretech

Survalent Technology Corporation

Headquartered in Brampton, Survalent’s core purpose is to enable reliable power delivery and help promote a climate-friendly future. Survalent’s electric, utility, control-room software helps utilities keep the light on. As the world shifts away from carbon-based electricity generation to renewables/smart grid, electric utilities will require greater investment in Survalent-like technology to complete this transition. Survalent has partnered with many organizations within the Brampton community to recruit and attract talented, high-tech employees with a very niche set of skills to support the development of their unique technology. With offices in Mexico, Macedonia and UAE, they support and serve a community of over 700 customers in 40 countries. This diversity gives them a broad perspective and a tremendous base of experience. Customers range from small to large electric, gas, water/wastewater and transit utilities across the globe who rely on Survalent’s software to effectively operate, monitor, analyze, restore and optimize operations as they strive towards becoming more climate friendly.

Community Builder

These local businesses make corporate social responsibility part of their company’s vision and have made their community a priority. The impact they have made on individuals and organizations in our city has been significant — and has helped change lives for the better.

Algoma University

Over the past four years, Algoma University has undergone a multi-year period of transformation and expansion of its programming, campus facilities and student body within the heart of downtown Brampton. By providing increased access to innovative, high-quality university programming to the community, Algoma is taking a leadership position in bringing Brampton’s 2040 vision to life. By providing an ever-expanding pool of well-educated talent, they are helping address current and future labour force needs while expanding its economic, social and cultural impact with this diverse community. Enrolment at Algoma’s Brampton campus during the 2022–23 academic year has increased to over 5,000 full- and part-time students, including an increase in domestic enrolment of 168% since 2019/20. The university has also experienced a 38% in secondary school applicants to its Brampton campus for Fall 2023 and has awarded $269, 000 in direct bursaries to deserving students from Brampton and the surrounding region. These students are all choosing to study in this location which brings considerable economic and social benefits to the community, particularly to small and medium-sized businesses located downtown.

Brampton Immigration Consultancy

Founded by a Brampton-based immigrant family, BIC provides newcomers with assistance in getting their study and post-graduation work permits, express-entry file reviews, study consultations, and much more. Currently operating 6 locations worldwide with recent ventures into the education and non-profit sector, the company has introduced new strategies to expand communication and create a new generation of global citizens. Launched in 2019, BIC created their online education platform, Intake Abroad, providing students with information for over 150 post-secondary institutions worldwide, while also offering them 24/7 access to admissions counseling, resources for financial aid, eligibility assessments, and much more. When COVID-19 hit, BIC distributed COVID-testing kits and hygiene products to community members. The company’s recent endeavor has been the implementation of a food and clothing drive this past December 2022 and thanks to community’s help, BIC was able to collect non-perishable food and used clothing donations that will be given to various Brampton-based organizations looking to make a difference for impoverished groups in the city.

Castlemore Dental

R. Khanuja Dentistry was established in 2007 in Brampton, operating as Castlemore Dental and Flower City Dental. Employing 42 people, Castlemore Dental provides family dentistry and specialized dental services. In 2012, Dr. Raj recognized that dental accessibility is a critical health issue in Brampton and the cost of dental services can be restrictive for residents without dental insurance. Consequently, he started an annual pro-bono dental clinic day which he calls, “Doing Positive in my Backyard.” On this day, he closes his regular business, opening the doors for patients who otherwise cannot afford dental treatment. This program has influenced his colleagues, staff, patients and dental suppliers to volunteer and support his cause to give back to the community. Dr. Raj is a recipient of numerous awards including the 2017 Brampton Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Award for Team Work, Canadian Business Excellence Award (2016, 2017, 2018), and was recognized with the June Callwood Outstanding Voluntarism Award by the Province of Ontario.