Shining a Light on Mississauga's Business Success

By Trevor McPherson

President & CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade

I hope all MBOT members and stakeholders are having a productive fall and that the summer offered a chance to recharge and prepare for continued success and growth. While the economy remains somewhat uncertain, there are plenty of reasons for optimism as we enter another season filled with opportunity.

As I reflect on the last several months of activity at the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT), it is clear that we have much to be proud of. This past April, MBOT was honoured to receive the Outstanding Advocacy Campaign Award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. This award, which recognizes a chamber of commerce or board of trade for their efforts to effect change in public policy, celebrated MBOT’s success in advocating for the City of Mississauga to permit retail cannabis businesses. By joining the majority of Ontario communities in this regard, Mississauga has sent a strong message that it prioritizes the safe, legal distribution of cannabis, while encouraging economic growth in the sector and taking steps to combat the unregulated, illegal market.

In June, we welcomed a new chapter in our city’s leadership as Carolyn Parrish became Mississauga’s new Mayor. Having served many years on Council, as well as a Member of Parliament and a School Board Trustee, Mayor Parrish brings a wealth of experience to her new role. MBOT was delighted to host Mayor Parrish at our “Rise & Shine” breakfast event this past August, where she shared her early priorities with an audience of 360 eager attendees. She highlighted the need for increased housing and social services funding for the Region of Peel, and her authentic and candid approach was well-received by the business and community leaders in attendance. We look forward to working with Mayor Parrish to address the needs of our business community.

October is Small Business Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role small businesses play in our economy. Did you know that small businesses make up 98% of all employer businesses in Canada and employ over 10 million Canadians? These numbers demonstrate just how crucial small businesses are to our nation’s economic health and the prosperity of our communities.

In recognition of Small Business Month, MBOT will host our Small Business Forum in partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) on October 25, 2024. This forum offers a great opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. I encourage you to visit our website, www.mbot.com, to learn more about the event and to register your attendance.

For those small business owners who are not yet members of MBOT, I invite you to discover how we can be your partner in success. MBOT offers a range of programs and services to support your business growth, from professional development for your team members to international trade and policy-related events. There truly is something for everyone, and we would be thrilled to welcome you into our network of businesses!

Looking ahead, MBOT is committed to continuously enhancing the value we deliver to our members. Our focus remains on supporting business growth across Mississauga and addressing our economy’s most pressing needs. Beyond housing development, it is essential to protect our limited employment lands for future growth. Mississauga is no longer just a suburban commuter hub but an economic powerhouse, excelling in sectors like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, food processing, and innovative technology. Let us continue building on this success together.

Lastly, I am excited to announce that Mississauga will host the 2025 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM & Convention. This prestigious event will bring over 300 business delegates from chambers of commerce across Canada to our city from October 7-9, 2025. Both MBOT and Visit Mississauga will be attending this year’s AGM in Halifax to promote our city and showcase what delegates can expect when they visit us next year.

As always, please keep an eye on MBOT’s events calendar for upcoming opportunities to engage with policymakers and fellow business leaders. And do not hesitate to let us know how we can continue to serve you better!