Articles

Middlesex County is home to a robust agriculture industry that provides foundational support for the local economy. Van Osch Farms, a family-owned beef cattle and cash crop operation that has been nurturing the land and feeding families since 1954, is one of these foundational agricultural businesses.

To cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit among youth, Invest in Middlesex is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 "Pitch Your Plan" youth business competition. This dynamic contest invites students from grades 7-12 to step forward with their innovative business ideas and compete for a chance to turn their dreams into reality. Beginning today, young visionaries are encouraged to submit their groundbreaking business proposals. The competition provides a unique platform for students to showcase their creativity, ingenuity, and strategic thinking. The deadline for submissions is July 4th, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Middlesex County’s Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) initiative supports local businesses to foster job growth and economic vitality. Through confidential interviews, the program identifies challenges and opportunities to create targeted action plans for job retention, expansion, and an improved business climate. Open to all industries and businesses of every size.

Middlesex County provides a good environment for growing small businesses that strengthen the community and fuel local economic growth. Among them, Baribeau Construction stands out as a multi-generational family business that has been building not just structures, but trust and relationships, for over three decades. Founded in 1987 by Jack Baribeau, this Dorchester-based company has grown into a trusted name in Southwestern Ontario, blending small business values with construction expertise.

Nortera Foods, a leader in high-quality frozen vegetable production, officially celebrated the opening of its $25 million expansion today with Middlesex County Warden Brian Ropp, Economic Development staff, local elected officials, and MP Lianne Rood in attendance.

Middlesex County, November 8, 2024 – Middlesex County Economic Development is proud to announce its recent achievements at the 2024 MarCom Awards, winning a prestigious Platinum Award for its innovative video series, "Making it In Middlesex: Stories of Business Success." Additionally, Middlesex County Tourism has been honoured with a Gold Award for its exceptional Culinary Guide, and a third Platinum Award for the Middlesex County Trails Guide, which highlights the county’s abundant outdoor trails with an artistic touch.

Middlesex County Economic Development and Tourism Celebrate MarCom Awards Success

Middlesex County is flourishing with small businesses that enrich our community and drive the local economy. One standout is Willow and Water, a remarkable establishment owned and operated by Mia VanBree, whose lifelong passion for horses and the great outdoors is at the heart of this thriving venture.

Glencoe, Ontario – October 9, 2024 – Today marks a significant milestone for Middlesex County as the economic development team proudly welcomes Ontario Plants to the community. This new facility represents a major investment in the county and underscores the community's readiness to collaborate with innovative agri-businesses aimed at enhancing agricultural growth in the region, according to Cara Finn, Director of Economic Development for Middlesex County. 

Last week, Middlesex County staff joined the Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) on a tour of agricultural businesses in the County. The tour began at the new Holiday Inn Express, proceeded through southwest Middlesex County, and included visits to Aspire’s cricket processing facility, Arva Flour Mills, and the Western University Environmental Sciences Field Centre. The final stop was Stanton Farms, showcasing innovative agricultural practices. The tour highlighted the significant contributions of grain farmers, who produce $900 million in regional GDP and manage 84% of the county's farmland.