Durham Is More campaign celebrates newcomer entrepreneurs and their contributions to the region

Whitby, Ontario – Today, the Region of Durham, with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is pleased to launch the Durham Is More initiative, an extension of the Durham is Our Home campaign that was launched in 2022.

Durham Is More showcases the valuable contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs that make Durham Region more innovative, sustainable, inspiring; and how they are contributing to our local economy, creating jobs, bringing new products to market and addressing critical skills gaps.

To highlight the valuable contributions that immigrant entrepreneurs make to the Durham Region economy, a video was created that showcases seven local entrepreneurs from different industries and businesses; sharing their stories of how they began their entrepreneurship journey and why Durham is More because of local businesses. The video can be viewed by visiting durham.ca/OurHome.

Residents are encouraged to celebrate the valuable contributions that immigrant entrepreneurs make to the region on social media by tagging Durham Region and Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada in social media posts or including the hashtags #DurhamIsOurHome and #DurhamIsMore.

For more information, visit the Durham is Our Home campaign page.

Quotes

“Durham Region is a community of choice for immigrant entrepreneurs looking to establish their business. From the range of startup supports available to the welcoming and inclusive community, Durham Region has much to offer. We are lucky to have so many talented newcomers in the region bringing fresh and innovative ideas, new products and valuable expertise, contributing to our local economy.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“Durham is home to a growing number of immigrant entrepreneurs. Newcomer entrepreneurs play a crucial role in enriching the region’s economic and social prosperity by addressing skills shortages, creating new economic opportunities for all residents, and inspiring the next wave of diverse business owners. ”

- Allison Hector-Alexander, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 Quick Facts:

• The Durham is Our Home campaign is an initiative led by the Durham Local Immigration Partnership (DLIP), with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
• The DLIP is a network of more than 100 community partners, including settlement and non-settlement service providers, agencies, organizations and institutions committed to the vision of a welcoming Durham Region, where immigrants belong and contribute socially, culturally and economically.
• Durham Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada with nearly 745,000 people calling it home.
• Immigrants comprised approximately 28 per cent of Durham’s population in 2021 (192,600 people). Residents represent nearly every culture and speak almost every language.
• Immigration plays a crucial role in addressing skills gaps and talent shortages throughout the region.
• Durham Region has supports and resources to newcomers and residents looking to start their own business.

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.