Invest in Middlesex

06/08/2026

The Tourism Innovation Lab’s “Spark” grant and mentorship program turned my tourism idea into a possibility and has given me the confidence and resources to further my plans.
The combination of seed funding and mentorship that “Spark” has provided has been a game changer. The funding has helped with startup costs, to get my project off the ground, while my mentor’s knowledge and experience has helped me translate my idea into a success…I am sincerely grateful!
A huge thank you to the incredible partners for making opportunities like this possible: Windsor Hackforge Ontario Government Invest in Middlesex Southwestern Ontario Tourism Committee Visit Middlesex
A very special thank you to my mentor Cheryl Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life for all her help, advice, and direction along the way!

Learn more here: tourisminnovation.ca

06/05/2026

🌾 As Local Food Week wraps up, we want to take a moment to celebrate the backbone of Middlesex County's economy, our farmers, growers, and food producers. With 2,352 farms contributing $552M to our regional GDP, agriculture isn't just part of our identity, it's a driving force behind our community's prosperity.

And the good news? The local food adventure doesn't have to end here. Middlesex County's food scene is a destination year-round. Agri-tourism, taste trails, farm stops, and dining gems are waiting for you across the County. The Visit Middlesex Culinary Guide is your go-to whether you're a local looking for something new or welcoming visitors to the area. Find it online or grab a printed copy at select Middlesex County Libraries. 📖

Shop local, eat local, and explore local, not just this week, but all year long.
Check out our culinary guide:
https://www.visitmiddlesex.ca/culinary-guide

Our official map of all agri-business:
https://www.visitmiddlesex.ca/visitors-map

06/04/2026

It's Day 4 of Local Food Week and we're celebrating one of the best ways to support local, the Farmers' Market! Supporting local isn't just good for your plate, it's good for our community. When you shop at a Middlesex County Farmers' Market, you're putting money directly into the hands of local growers and keeping our regional economy thriving.

With agri-business making up 25%+ of all enterprises in Middlesex County, every market bag you fill makes a difference. Get out this week and meet the people behind your food! 👇 Where is your favourite market stop? Tell us in the comments!

In Middlesex County we are lucky to have 5 Local Farmers Markets:

1️⃣ Downtown Strathroy Market
2️⃣ Ilderton Farmer's Market
3️⃣ Komoka Community Market
4️⃣ Lucan Local Farmers Market
5️⃣ North Middlesex Farmer's Market

06/03/2026

Thinking about becoming a licensed home child care provider in Middlesex County? Thames Valley Children's Centre is hosting two information sessions this month, one in person in Strathroy and one virtual, where you can meet local providers, ask questions, and find out what's involved.

In-Person: June 4, Strathroy Library, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Virtual: June 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Children are welcome at the in-person session, with childminding available through EarlyON programming at the library.
Register: https://bit.ly/4wVft8d

Want to learn more about becoming a licensed home child care provider? 🧸

Join us for a Licensed Home Child Care Information Night and discover how to become a trusted home child care provider in your community.

You’ll have the chance to meet local providers, ask questions, and learn more about what’s involved.

In-Person Session
📅 June 4, 2026
📍 Strathroy Library, 34 Frank Street, Strathroy
⏰ 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided. Children are welcome, with childminding available through EarlyON programming at the library.

Virtual Session
📅 June 16, 2026
💻 Virtual meeting link provided after registration
⏰ 6:30–7:30 p.m.

🔗Register on our website: https://bit.ly/4wVft8d

06/03/2026

Middlesex County is in Barcelona this week at Equiplast 2026 (June 2-5), attending as part of the Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance - SOMA and connecting with plastics and manufacturing leaders from around the world.

If you're at the show and exploring where your next investment could land, our team would like to talk. Middlesex County offers shovel-ready sites, an experienced manufacturing workforce, and direct access to North American markets.

Find us on the floor or reach out directly to learn more about investing in Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada.

06/03/2026

Did you know that every dollar spent locally generates significantly more economic activity right here in our community than spending at a chain? During Local Food Week, skip the grocery store and take a drive to a Farm Gate shop or stand you've been meaning to check out. Fresh produce, eggs, local meats and more await. Tag a friend and make a road trip out of it! 🥕🥚🥩

And if you really want to connect with where your food comes from, Pick Your Own is the way to do it! From family farms to larger destinations, Middlesex County has no shortage of places to break out your baskets and make a memory. Just make sure to follow your favourites on social media, pick windows can vary depending on the season and weather.

🍓 Some local favourite u-pick farms to check out:
Arrowwood Farm (u-pick)
Kustermans Adventure Farms (u-pick)
Apple Land Station (u-pick)
Heeman's (u-pick)
Viane's Farms (u-pick)
Olde Drive Blueberry Farm (u-pick)

What are YOUR favourite pick your own spots? Share in the comments so others know where to go! 👇

06/01/2026

🌱 Local Food Week starts TODAY! All week long we will be celebrating the incredible farmers, growers, and producers right here in Middlesex County, Ontario's agricultural heartland. Home to 2,352 farms across 246,592 hectares, with agri-business making up 25%+ of all enterprises and contributing $552M to regional GDP annually.

And the best part? That incredible local food is right in your backyard. Farmers' Market season has launched, so get out, meet your producers, and explore the Farm Gate shops and stands you've always meant to visit. Fresh produce, eggs, local meats, and more await. Drop a comment with your favourite stops!

Ready to explore more? www.visitmiddlesex.ca has you covered with a Culinary Guide, an Official Agri-tourism map, and lots of fun on socials. Grab a printed guide at selected Middlesex County Libraries and start road tripping! 🚜🥕🥩

05/28/2026

Big news! The Invest in Middlesex Business Directory is here!

Looking to find a local business, connect with suppliers, or get your company in front of new customers? We've got you covered.

Our brand new Business Directory features 2,000+ Middlesex County businesses across every sector. From farms and manufacturers to restaurants, retailers, and professional services.

✅ Search by municipality or sector
✅ Discover who's doing business in your backyard
✅ Add YOUR business for FREE

If you're a resident, entrepreneur, or investor, the directory is your window into the Middlesex County business community.

👉 Explore it now: investinmiddlesex.ca/business-dir

05/26/2026

This is not one to miss, Middlesex County!

The Middlesex-London Food Policy Council is hosting a morning event on June 11 featuring Canada's first circular food economy in action, and they want YOUR voice in shaping what comes next locally.

🗓️ June 11, 2026 | 9 AM–12 PM
📍 Thorndale Lions Community Centre, Thorndale ON
🎤 Guest Speaker: Justine Dainard, Wellington County
🎟️ $20 general | FREE community access & student/senior tickets available

Registration closes June 2, link! 👇
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-your-food-future-lessons-from-a-circular-economy-tickets-1988509372061?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawSCzWBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyOE80QXJiV2JSM0Ntak96c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvGdH2VK2utHE_8H5VlCNQ92L__Y8Cij63c3uJZYj7vdNf3trHPl6nwVh6Wx_aem_ZT6vKF6QvdNO3wGQQ7gmLg

Hosted by the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) in partnership with Middlesex County.

Date: June 11, 2026 from

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST (includes a 1-hour presentation and interactive discussions)

Location: Thorndale Lions Community Centre (Room 3), 265 Queen St. Thorndale, ON

Guest Speaker: Justine Dainard, Smart Cities Project Manager from Wellington County

Cost: General Admission is $20. To support accessible participation, we offer a Community Access option (no fee) for anyone who needs it. Complimentary registration is also available for students and seniors.

Registration closes June 2, 2026.

Middlesex County Invest in Middlesex Visit Middlesex

Learn more and Register for our Event
https://www.facebook.com/share/1aK2WjKMov/

05/22/2026

It was great to see Business After 5 beyond London and popping into Middlesex County for an evening! A wonderful reminder that our business community stretches well beyond city limits. See you all at the next one!