Discover Halton
Where business meets opportunity
Looking to start a business in Burlington, Oakville, Milton or Halton Hills? The Halton business region is a hub of entrepreneurship encompassing various industries, proximity to major markets, and vibrant communities to help bring your innovation to market.
Whether you’re starting a business, scaling operations, or investing in cutting-edge innovations, the Halton region provides a supportive ecosystem, skilled workforce, and strategic location to help you achieve your goals.
Why Halton?
Work
World-class institutions like Sheridan College, along with regional campuses and partnerships from McMaster University, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and Brock University, help equip Halton with a highly skilled workforce and support innovation through applied research, talent development, and industry collaboration.
Grow
Strategically located within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Halton boasts seamless connectivity via highways, ports, and rail. With strong economic diversity, including advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and life sciences, the region offers ample opportunities for growth and investment.
Play
Halton combines urban amenities with stunning natural beauty. Explore scenic trails along the Niagara Escarpment, shop at vibrant farmer’s markets, or enjoy cultural events in picturesque downtown cores.
Explore Halton's innovation sectors
Explore Halton’s diverse business sectors — from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to digital technology and clean energy — creating the right foundation for innovation and growth.
Life Sciences
Halton is home to a growing life sciences presence, with global and emerging companies advancing healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences manufacturing. Organizations such as Boehringer Ingelheim Canada and innovation-driven companies like The Cultivated B contribute to a strong ecosystem focused on improving health outcomes, advancing research, and supporting commercialization across the region.
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Halton’s economy, particularly in Oakville and Milton, where companies specialize in automation, materials, and precision manufacturing. Firms such as Promation support innovation in industrial automation and systems integration, helping regional businesses modernize operations and remain globally competitive.
Smart Transportation
Halton’s strategic location along major transportation corridors supports innovation in logistics, mobility, and transportation technologies. Regional companies like Geotab, with a strong presence in Oakville, are global leaders in connected vehicle data, fleet optimization, and sustainable transportation solutions.
Food and Beverage
Halton’s robust food and beverage sector includes significant regional producers and processors. The region also benefits from large-scale foodservice distribution through Gordon Food Service in Milton, underscoring the breadth of food production, processing, and supply-chain strengths across Halton.
Clean Technologies
Sustainability-focused innovation is gaining momentum across Halton. Companies such as EcoSynthetix in Burlington are developing bio-based and environmentally responsible materials, contributing to cleaner manufacturing processes and more sustainable industrial supply chains
Digital Media and Information Technologies
Burlington and Oakville continue to see growth in software, digital media, and IT-driven companies. Innovation hubs like TechPlace and Alternawork help support founders building solutions in software development, artificial intelligence, data, and connected technologies that serve both local and global markets.
Start your business journey with Innovation Factory
Building and scaling your business isn’t easy, which is why Innovation Factory (iF) is here for you.
Since 2010, we’ve helped thousands of start-ups with countless hours of advisory support, and access to specialised training, mentorship, and strategic networking opportunities.
As a non-profit business accelerator for Southern Ontario, we never take equity in your business, which means you can access our services for free, at every stage of your business growth.
Drop by our Halton office, located in the Robert Bateman Community Centre, where you can reserve dedicated meeting rooms, attend one of our workshops and connect with like-minded business professionals.
Grow your business in Halton
Looking to bring your business to Canada? Halton is your gateway to even greater opportunities across Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
With Innovation Factory’s Runway accelerator program and the Government of Canada’s Start-Up Visa program, you can bring your venture to Canada with comprehensive support to help your business thrive in a new market.
Halton’s strategic location offers connectivity to major markets in North America, making it an ideal runway for international business operations. Innovation Factory’s team is here to help you forge new partnerships, gain access to growth and investment opportunities, and tap into a wealth of sector-specific resources that cater to industries ranging from advanced manufacturing to life sciences and digital technology.
Looking to invest in a Canadian tech business?
Innovation Factory connects you with a network of ambitious start-ups and industry leaders across the Halton innovation ecosystem.
If you’re passionate about fostering technological advancement, driving market adoption, and nurturing high-potential ventures, we’d love to work with you.
Innovator spotlights
Hear from entrepreneurs that have successfully scaled their business as part of Halton’s innovation ecosystem!
Beyond Halton's business community
After a long day of building your business, take a moment to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Halton waterfront, visiting the local farmers’ market, or experiencing vibrant social gatherings. Halton is an ideal place to work, live, and enjoy all that life has to offer – there is something for everyone.
Creatives
Immerse yourself in Halton’s dynamic arts scene, from galleries to live theater in downtown Burlington and Oakville.
Foodies
Savor local flavors with a mix of fine dining, craft breweries, and farmers’ markets showcasing the best of Halton’s culinary talents.
Explorers
Enjoy scenic hikes along the Escarpment, relax at the beaches of Burlington, or explore conservation areas like Rattlesnake Point.
Techies
Connect with like-minded innovators through networking events, coworking spaces, or fun social activities across the region.
How to find us
Our Halton office is situated within the Robert Bateman Community Centre, a transformative multi-use facility that serves as a vibrant hub for education, recreation, and community engagement.
Contact us
[email protected]
905-667-2611
Pour la service en français, veuillez contacter Shannon Graszat à l’adresse [email protected]
Visit us
5151 New Street, Burlington, ON L7L 1V3 Canada
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday:
Closed
