Mississauga receives international recognition for support of businesses during pandemic

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Published December 13, 2021 at 9:57 am

Ex-husband of former mayor Bonnie Crombie runs to succeed her in Mississauga

Mississauga has received a pair of international business awards, including one that recognizes its strong response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign Direct Investment Magazine, a British-based publication that reviews global investment activity, announced that the City of Mississauga had received two awards:

• Specialism award recognizing the City’s “outstanding response to COVID-19”

• Best Aftercare award (joint runner-up) based on the ability of businesses to look after investments and see those investments grow

“We’re proud of this international honour that reflects our ongoing commitment to the health and growth of our business community,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Our Council has diligently supported business every step of the way during the pandemic. We worked to understand the support they needed to sustain their operations and now what they need as they begin to recover and thrive.”

Crombie pointed to the City’s Economic Development team, saying it has been tireless in its efforts in offering programs and providing assistance and guidance during “very trying and unprecedented times.”

Among the programs and initiatives offered by the City to businesses this past year were:

• a business relief portal: central location identifying relief programs and incentives that apply to specific business needs and links to government supports

• business advisory services: free advisory services with legal, accounting, business operations and sales and marketing professionals

• online webinars: free training, advice and supports to entrepreneurs and small businesses

• Mississauga ShopHERE program: providing independent and small businesses and artists with an easy, free way to sell products and online services

• #Mississauga Made: a shop-local campaign

• Temporary Patio program: allowing the expansion of outdoor dining  and seating areas to meet COVID-19 guidelines

Bonnie Brown, the City’s director of economic development, said the international recognition encourages still more support to help local businesses grow and succeed.

“Throughout the pandemic, we listened and responded quickly to help meet the diverse needs of our business community,” she said. “We’ve learned a great deal from this experience.”

Mississauga’s Economic Development Office provides information and services to help businesses get started, locate and grow.

Some 98,000 businesses, 1,400 multinational firms and 75 Fortune 500 companies comprise Mississauga’s business community, making the city one of the largest business centres in Canada.

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