Brampton’s hub for innovative learning

Create new opportunities

Producing quality carbon steel parts for large OEM customers

Plasma, Laser, Oxyfuel Cutting, Forming, Beveling and Machining

Proud community supporter of the Business Excellence Awards

Dress People

Dress People is Brampton’s special occasion headquarters with over 30 years of experience and over 5,000 dresses in stock, from size 0 to 30. Since 1984, Dress People has been a pillar of fashion in downtown Brampton, customizing each customer’s experience and fashion and have won many awards: Top Choice Awards 2016–2019 and The Brampton Guardian Reader’s Choice Award in 2018. Dress People has served and supported women in all areas of their lives – from sweet sixteens and proms, to business and gala attire, and of course, Bridal and bridesmaids gowns. They offer prices that are affordable to the general public and over the years, Dress People has locally sourced their clothing from Canadian designers such as Frank Lyman and Joseph Ribkoff. They employ talent such as seamstresses and offer sewing classes to those who want to learn. A one-stop-shop for all sizes and budgets, Dress People is a leader in Brampton’s retail sector.

Visionaries. Change-makers. Communit y builders.

Congratulations to the winners of the Brampton Board of Trade’s 2023 Business Excellence Awards. Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber support Brampton’s t hriving ser vice industry and applaud t hose delivering e ssential services to promote the well-being of Brampton’s community. humber.ca.

guelphhumber.ca

Favourite Salon & Spa

Co-owner Anjali Kansal opened this establishment in 2015 and 8 years later, has 8 employees that were either newcomers to Canada or needed that first break in the beauty industry. Her veteran employees have combined experience of nearly 50 years, which speaks volumes for a salon. From regular donations to shelter homes, to helping ensure her employees and customers in medical fields were taken care of during COVID, Anjali goes above and beyond for customer service. She supports local, makes sure all suppliers are small businesses needing a boost, makes regular donations to various charitable causes and ensures Favourite Salon & Spa is a safe space for employees and customers — a great business that’s making an impact in the community.

Jamie’s Cracked Corn

To make the famous, great tasting Jamie’s Cracked Corn, you start with the very best of ingredients – mushroom popcorn, organic sugar, sea salt and Canadian canola oil. Blend these superior products with knowledge and experience, and you will have a sweet and salty delight for your taste buds which are gluten-free, nut-free, trans fat-free, dairy-free, cholesterol-free, and GMO-free. You will know Jamie’s Cracked Corn are at an event (such as the Brampton Farmers Market) by the irresistible aroma of their cracked corn drifting through the air. Since they took over the business, the Tait Family have released many new flavours and built strong partnerships with other local small businesses who now proudly carry their popcorn. You’ll find them proudly set up at many Brampton events, the Brampton farmers market, the Toronto Premium Outlet Mall and at various charity events around the city. Jamie’s Cracked Corn is also very involved in giving back to the community with their support of Bethel Hospice, Regeneration and donating popcorn to various school fundraising initiatives.

OccaSSions

In the world of business, it’s all about location. However, OccaSSions has proven that with a great work ethic and building a strong relationship with the community, you can overcome one of the biggest challenges a business can have. Being there for the community has demonstrated excellence in small business and since launching, OccaSSions has had many achievements such as creating cookies for Madonna, being in a movie alongside Tia and Tamara Mowry, creating a cake for Universal Studio Canada, and having the opportunity to provide the City of Brampton with a large cupcake mosaic of the Canadian flag. OccaSSions has also made an impact by supporting mental health for children and youth in the community. Working with EveryMind (formerly known as Peel Children’s Centre), OccaSSions has been rasing funds to support mental health since 2010 with funds raised providing counselling to several children and teens in our community. OccaSSions has also helped several other organizations such as The Journey, The Knights Table, Credit Valley Conservation, Boys and Girls Club and many more.

Pure Lush Designs & Co.

Pure Lush Designs & Co. started out as a small family décor business 12 years ago and within that time period, the company acquired 2 additional companies - Serendipity Event Space and Lush Flowers Boutique. Managing three functional business areas, Melissa has provided quality customer service, along with the latest technology tools, and is constantly supporting staff with on-going training and development. Along with supporting the Brampton community at large with the implementation and continuous growth in business, these new and enhanced structures resulted in being awarded 2023 Top Choice Award for Wedding Décor.