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Reserve your spot for Learning from Experience: The Development of Brampton Arts Organization with the Durham Region Arts and Culture Collaborative.  

This learning and professional development event will be held September 27 at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa. It will examine the process, challenges and positive outcomes of how the Brampton Arts Organization officially became an independent non-profit arts organization.  

Durham Tourism is a proud partner of the Durham Region Arts and Culture Collaborative—a group of individuals committed to supporting arts and culture in Durham Region.  

Sign up and take part in the North Durham Building Business Forum. The event on October 22 brings together small and medium-sized business owners, entrepreneurs and community partners.  

Build strategic connections, learn about available business supports in Durham Region and be inspired by thought-provoking speakers. The keynote session looks at incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into your business with Dr. Peter Lewis, a Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence at Ontario Tech University. Allison Hector-Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Region of Durham, will chair a panel on leading with inclusion in the workplace. 

A plated dinner showcasing local ingredients will be served and there is a $10 fee to attend with proceeds going to North House which provides housing supports for those who are at risk or in crisis within the communities of North Durham. 

Celebrate Culture Days In Durham Region 

Be a part of Canada’s largest celebration of arts and culture from September 20 to October 13 with Culture Days. The campaign consists of free events designed to get people participating in and supporting arts and culture. Everyone can take part—from community volunteers and public libraries to independent artists, major arts and culture institutions and specialty festivals.  

Scugog’s Culture Days on September 21 and 22 will feature free art workshops, demonstrations and live music. The Town Trolley will provide free shuttle service to and from each hub. Township of Brock’s Culture Days on September 28 and 29 offers the chance to experience and learn about the township’s history at events hosted by the historical societies of Beaverton, Cannington and Sunderland. Uxbridge’s Culture Days has several events planned for October 5, including a celebration of author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 150th birthday at her Leaskdale home. 

Discover Durham’s Rural Cycling Loops and Bike-Friendly Businesses 

Tourism destinations and businesses that provide cycle-friendly amenities are spotlighted as part of Durham Tourism’s new rural cycling loops. 

DurhamTourism.ca/cycling offers a user-friendly map showcasing 13 rural on-road loops across Durham Region that are designed for cyclists of various skill levels. The loop descriptions also highlight shops, restaurants and other tourism destinations that are members of the Ontario by Bike community. 

Four organizations in Durham Region have been awarded federal funding to draw new visitors through the Tourism Growth Program. Whitby will receive $200,000 to make improvements along the waterfront. In Port Perry, Theatre on the Ridge will apply its $150,000 grant to develop experiential packages, while Uxbridge’s Springtide Music Festival was awarded $118,193. Central Counties Tourism will receive $132,695 to develop interactive augmented reality tours and guides.   

Canter Coffee is expanding. The trailer has become a Sunderland favourite since opening in August 2023 and now it will be serving up coffee and baked goods at the soon-to-be opening Hometown Heart Store in Cannington. The shop is a collaboration with Richer Design Co. And the Canter Coffee trailer isn’t going anywhere—you’ll still find it in Sunderland every week from Thursday to Sunday. 

Bella Notte Ristorante in Whitby has been named an Open Table Diners’ Choice 2024.

The award by the online reservation network is based on feedback from thousands of local diners. Bella Notte is loved for its authentic Italian dishes. Book your reservation. 

Make new connections, enjoy great conversation and support fellow professionals at Chamber Rocks on September 23.

The event is hosted by the

Whitby Chamber of Commerce and will be held at Corrados Restaurant and Bar. Register to save your spot. 

Vendors are invited to sign up for the Night Market on September 24 at the Nourish and Develop Foundation in Cannington. This is the final pop-up community market for the season. Visitors can enjoy food, live music and local vendors. Apply by September 20. 

Explore sustainability and innovation at The Business Summit on October 3 at the Ajax Convention Centre. Visit the free public expo to explore the latest innovations and sustainable solutions, and to network with businesses and professionals. Register for the conference and gain valuable insights from expert sessions and keynote speakers focused on shaping the future of business. Sign up for The Business Summit. 

Register now and celebrate entrepreneurs, business owners and innovators at the annual Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week.

The event brings together Durham Region’s business support, educational and networking organizations to inspire and assist those who drive economic growth in Durham. Scheduled from November 18 to 22, Do It In Durham is a part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and is open to anyone who wants to start a business, grow a business or champion entrepreneurship in Durham Region. Register for Do It In Durham.

Current News & Trends

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been stimulating local economies for over a year now, but she is not the only act with economic power. The Data Appeal Company analyzed other multiple-date concerts including Adele and Coldplay and found significant economic impacts. Read more to find out where the money is being spent. 

Small businesses that boost posts on Meta platforms using mobile devices, this is for you: Meta has changed how users pay for in-app purchases, specifically for paying for boosted posts, on the Facebook and Instagram iOS apps. These changes include using prepaid funds to pay for ads and the addition of Apple service fees and applicable local fees. Apple service fees can be very expensive, so be sure to learn more from the Meta Business Help Center.