Southern Ontario has a rich history of entrepreneurship as small businesses make up the backbone of many communities. From family-owned shops lining main street to the innovative startups creating jobs, they not only contribute to our economic growth but bring a unique character to our communities.
These businesses contribute a lot to our neighborhoods by creating jobs, fostering creativity and creating spaces for community engagement. Whether it’s the local coffee shop where residents gather, the family-run restaurant serving generations of customers, or the tech startup pushing the boundaries of innovation, each small business contributes to the vitality of our region.
When we support business owners, we are investing in the prosperity of our friends and neighbours. These enterprises create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and foster a sense of community in our towns. They are integral to the fabric of our region, and their success is intertwined with the success of our community as a whole.
As we navigate the challenges of our times, it is crucial to recognize the talents of our small business owners, who have weathered storms and adapted to change with determination. They are owned and operated by people from all walks of life, bringing a richness of experiences and perspectives that make our communities stronger.
Our government is committed to working collaboratively to create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. By supporting initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, access to capital, and innovation, we can ensure that southern Ontario remains a hub of economic activity and a place where small businesses can continue to flourish.
Southern Ontario has incredibly talented and hard working entrepreneurs. When they are supported they attract new businesses which contributes to national prosperity for generations. Together, we can build a future where we support our people, invest in their potential and turn possibilities into realities.
Filomena Tassi
Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
The Honourable Filomena Tassi was first elected as Member of Parliament for the riding of Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas in 2015. She has previously served as Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Seniors.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Minister Tassi has been the voice of change for families in the city through a lifetime of commitment to her community.
Minister Tassi obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Western University, and also holds a Master of Religious Education from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto.
Minister Tassi practised law for six years before leaving to raise her family. She later became a high school chaplain for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. As chaplaincy leader, she helped establish the D.R.E.A.M.S. (Dominican Republic Education and Medical Support) program, which has enabled thousands of students to live and work with the materially poor in the Dominican Republic.
Minister Tassi, her husband, and two children live in the Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas riding.
