London Mayor Josh Morgan is announcing the first in a series of actions aimed at protecting local jobs and strengthening London’s economy in the face of U.S. tariff threats.
The London Economic Development Corporation and the London Small Business Centre, are focusing on three different initiatives with potential to create a total of 250 jobs, while launching dozens of new, made-in-London businesses:
- An enhanced version of the Foodpreneur Advantage Scale Up program will help more small food and beverage manufacturing businesses get their local Canadian made products onto grocers’ shelves, while preparing them to take advantage of new interprovincial trade opportunities. This program is projected to create, grow, and support over 25 companies, while creating 150 new jobs.
- Building on London's success in attracting newcomers, upwards of 50 jobs and 20 new companies are expected to be created through the New Start program. This initiative helps newcomer-led startups navigate complex regulatory environments, overcome cultural and communication barriers, and build trust and networks within the business community. Working closely with London’s settlement services and various ethnic communities, hundreds of newcomers will be connected to local entrepreneurial support resources, skills development, and mentorship opportunities.
- The London Economic Development Corporation has partnered with Global Start-Ups from Toronto on a program that will bring international entrepreneurs with pre-vetted business plans, financial resources, and approved business immigration to Canada, to assess opportunities in London. Based on the current pipeline of prospects, it’s believed nearly a dozen global businesses are poised to land in London, creating upwards of 50 new jobs.
“These actions are just some of the many actions we’re taking to make our economy more resilient, but we need to move quickly – and strategically – in the face of continued uncertainty,” said Mayor Morgan. “In addition to actions being contemplated by other organizations, and an ongoing review of the City of London’s existing procurement policies, I’m encouraged by how community partners are coming together to develop proactive solutions such as those being detailed today by the LEDC and Small Business Centre.”
The announcements come only weeks after Mayor Morgan convened a meeting of major employers, and economic development leaders to discuss how best to safeguard London jobs amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
"These initiatives are designed to further diversify our economy and help us better withstand external economic shocks. Continuing our focus on food processing, organic growth and entrepreneurship will help create new channels for job creation and achieve a sustainable economic future", said Kapil Lakhotia, President of the London Economic Development Corporation.
“As we face economic uncertainly , strengthening entrepreneurship is more important than ever. Local businesses are up to the challenge. Initiatives like this offer mentorship, training, and access to resources, and serve as a reminder that the journey to economic growth and sustainability must be a community effort” said Steve Pellarin, Executive Director of the London Small Business Centre.
According to Statistics Canada, more than 700 businesses in London exported about $7.8-billion worth of goods to the United States in 2023, mainly in transportation and manufacturing related industries. Since the threat of tariffs first emerged, Mayor Morgan has met with the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister in Ottawa, while also traveling to Washington D.C. alongside Premier Ford for meetings with American lawmakers, and business leaders. He has also tabled a motion, passed by London City Council, which seeks to ensure the City of London’s buying decisions and procurement policies prioritize Canadian products and services.
Media Contacts:
Caroline Jones
Communications Advisor
Office of Mayor Josh Morgan
cajones@london.ca
519.661.2489 ext. 4850
Ashley Conyngham
Director, Marketing and Communications
The London Economic Development Corporation
aconyngham@ledc.com
519.661.1833
Juliane Ferreira
Communications and Engagement Specialist
London Small Business Centre
jferreira@sbcentre.ca
519.659.2882 ext. 221
