We're Hiring! Seeking a Policy and Advocacy Advisor
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is hiring! We're are seeking a passionate and experienced Policy and Advocacy Advisor to join our team.
Policy and Advocacy are a cornerstone of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, and our in-house policy/advocacy lead helps us influence municipal, provincial, and federal decision-making to help grow the local economy. The successful candidate will play a vital role in driving our policy initiatives and advocating for the interests of our diverse and vibrant business community.
If you are passionate about driving positive change, influencing policies, and making a lasting impact on the business community, we encourage you to apply!
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and writing samples to careers@hamiltonchamber.ca. Applications must be received by Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
In case you missed it, Hamilton Day is returning this year on Saturday, November 4th! Building on the tremendous success of last year, this annual, award-winning event will work to support and celebrate 1000+ small businesses across Hamilton.
Sponsorships for Hamilton Day 2023 are now available and are being accepted until August 31.
Position your brand as a champion and supporter of local and small businesses. An investment in Hamilton Day allows you to:
Reach thousands of patrons, businesses, and entrepreneurs across all Hamilton BIAs and neighbourhoods
Leverage our established, engaged, and quickly growing social media channels to expand your online presence
Receive added brand recognition through all earned media
Self-promote your selected involvement using a suite of custom advertising materials
Support an inclusive, city-wide event focused on driving community connection and economic development
Contact our Manager of Sponsorship and Events, Jose Lacruz to learn more.
New Member Referral Program
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has launched its new Member Referral Program. Refer a new member to our Chamber, and receive a gift card of up to $50 to spend at a local restaurant!
Contact our Membership Manager, Sherri Rinaldi, to learn more.
Community News & Events
City of Hamilton Reaches Tentative Agreement with CUPE 5167
Over the weekend, the City of Hamilton and CUPE Local 5167 reached a tentative agreement that the City believes is fair to employees and taxpayers. The tentative agreement is now subject to ratification by the CUPE Local 5167’s membership and approval by City Council.
This development of a tentative agreement marks a significant step towards reaching a deal and ensuring the continued delivery of services to our community. As a result, there were no labour disruption given the commitment of both parties to recommend the agreement for ratification.
Details of the agreement will be made available after the ratification process is complete.
Hamilton to Begin Enforcing New Encampment Rules, Backs Tiny Shelters
On August 18, Hamilton City Council ratified an Encampment Protocol ("The Protocol") to address the presence of encampments in the city.
With a focus on providing structure to the situation and addressing homelessness, The Protocol outlines guidelines for the coexistence of housed and unhoused populations. It establishes standards for encampment locations, emphasizing a housing-first approach and the importance of a clean and safe environment.
The Protocol prioritizes individual housing solutions by creating a process for voluntary assessment of housing needs, centralizing concerns via a coordinated response team, and ensuring timely complaint handling. It limits encampments to five tents per location and designates prohibited areas, including spaces near schools, beaches, and heritage sites. To support The Protocol's implementation, the city will provide washroom access, increase by-law enforcement, enhance park cleanup, and offer peer support services.
This comprehensive approach aims to balance the needs of the community while acknowledging the challenges posed by encampments and the city's long-term goal of affordable housing.
Members of the public can now share concerns regarding encampments through a coordinated response team that can be reached at unsheltered@hamilton.ca or 905-546-2828.
The 13th Annual LiONS LAIR is just over a month away!
Innovation Factory's LiONS LAIR is an annual pitch competition which brings together the entrepreneurship and innovation community in Hamilton. LiONS LAIR gives finalists companies the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of our city’s top business experts – the “Lions” – for a chance to win CASH prizes!
Since the inaugural event in 2011, the competition has grown significantly, with hundreds of business leaders from the greater Hamilton area in attendance. This year's gala promises some exciting new changes:
Network with the who’s-who in the Hamilton business and start-up communities
Watch the top finalists pitch LIVE on-stage to the Investor LiONS
Dinner, drinks, networking and more!
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is a proud returning supporter this year.
Join us and celebrate the 13th anniversary of the LiONS LAIR pitch competition on September 27 from 5-10pm at Carmen’s Banquet Centre.
To Build More Homes, Ontario Launching Building Faster Fund and Expanding Strong Mayor Powers
The Ontario government is taking significant steps to address the housing affordability crisis by introducing the Building Faster Fund, an initiative that rewards municipalities for their efforts in housing construction. This new three-year program, backed by $1.2 billion in funding, aims to accelerate homebuilding while focusing on meeting provincial housing targets.
Under the Building Faster Fund, municipalities on track to meet the 2031 provincial housing targets will receive annual funding totaling $400 million. Those reaching 80% of their annual targets will be eligible for a share of the 1.5 million-home goal, and exceeding these targets will earn municipalities a bonus allocation. The funds can be allocated to housing-enabling infrastructure and related expenses that facilitate community growth.
To complement this initiative, strong mayor powers are being extended to 21 additional municipalities projected to have populations exceeding 50,000 by 2031. These mayors, committed to provincial housing targets, will gain enhanced decision-making abilities effective October 31, 2023. This expansion complements the existing 28 municipalities already granted strong mayor powers through housing pledges.
CEBA Loan Repayment: Government Needs to Reconsider its Deadline
Close to 300 associations and chambers of commerce and boards of trade collaborated on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s recent letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, urging the government to extend the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) repayment deadline. Click here to read the letter.
"The ramifications of the pandemic haven’t stopped. They need to be reviewed and reflected on. Extra debt load is something many businesses can’t handle as they recover from the pandemic while facing rising costs, supply chain challenges, a labour shortage and a looming recession." - Greg Dunnett, President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Are you a Small Business Owner? The Canadian Chamber Wants to Hear from You!
Small Business Week (October 15 to 21) is a week celebrating the small businesses that fuel Canada’s economy.
DYK - As of 2021 data, there were 1.21 million employer businesses in Canada. Of these, 1.19 million (97.9%) were small businesses.
If you are a small business, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) wants to find out what advice you would share with other SMEs. They're looking to hear from business owners who have either been at the game for a long time or are new to game. What is your advice and what have you learned over your entrepreneurial journey? During Small Business Week, the CCC will share your insights!
The CCC has created a brief survey for you to fill out to share any tips and advice that could help other entrepreneurs. We welcome your thoughts!
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