The village’s role as a commercial district and as a site of cultural capital is unique. Church and Wellesley is a living business ecosystem that reflects the intersection of identity, advocacy, and economic vitality, having driven tourism, entrepreneurship, and the creative industry in Toronto for decades.

What happens when community, activism and business collide? It happens more than you think, and Toronto’s gay village reflects the benefits of keeping the human side of business at the forefront.

A Village Built on Visibility

In the 1970s and 80s, as police raids and social marginalization pushed gay bars and community hubs from the periphery to central, urban neighbourhoods, the Village offered both affordability and proximity to downtown. Early businesses, many of them bars, cafes, and bookstores, were not just commercial ventures but sanctuaries. Places like The Barn, Chatelaine’s, and Glad Day Bookshop were deeply tied to political organizing and social support networks.

That dual purpose as both business and safe space shaped a unique commercial identity. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about building visibility and sustaining a community. The early economy of Church-Wellesley was activist by necessity, with businesses often operating under the threat of discrimination or violence. In this sense, the Village’s economy was inseparable from its identity.

Over the years, the Village’s commercial and cultural influence expanded, shifting from underground necessity to celebrated centrepiece, all the way up to present-day Pride Month, now one of Toronto’s most significant economic drivers.

Pride as a Growth Engine

Today, Pride Month is one of Toronto’s most profitable seasonal events, bringing in over $300 million in economic impact in a typical year. Much of that activity is concentrated in and around Church and Wellesley. Restaurants, local retailers, event organizers, and production companies benefit from the influx of people, and Pride-related spending supports hundreds of temporary and permanent jobs.

Pride Toronto has grown from a protest march into a global-scale festival, but Church-Wellesley remains its heart. For small businesses, the weeks surrounding Pride are crucial to annual revenues. Pop-ups, partnerships, and branded sponsorships line the streets, and business owners often plan inventory, staffing, and marketing strategies around the event. In this sense, Church-Wellesley functions like a cultural engine, turning identity into economic momentum.

But this success also underscores a growing tension. While Pride drives tourism, some long-standing community members worry about the commercialization of queer spaces. The question of who benefits economically looms large, but one thing is for certain: the village drives growth in a number of ways and cannot be discounted as an economic engine.

Gentrification and the Queer Economy

Like many urban cultural enclaves, the Village has not been immune to gentrification. Over the past two decades, the area has seen rising rents, condo developments, and a gradual shift in demographics. While change is inevitable, it has come at a cost to the small businesses that defined the Village’s character.

Independent LGBTQ2S+-owned businesses have faced mounting pressures from increasing real estate costs and changing consumer patterns. Chains and corporate franchises have slowly edged into the area, often offering more financial resilience but less cultural specificity. The closure of venues like Fly Nightclub and The Barn were not just economic losses, they were symbolic of a shift from grassroots queer enterprise to a more corporatized streetscape.

That said, the business environment is far from homogeneous. Many queer entrepreneurs continue to innovate within these constraints. Spaces like Glad Day Bookshop, which reimagined itself as a bookstore-bar-performance venue, show that resilience and adaptability is baked into the Village’s economic DNA. These hybrid models are not just about survival, they reflect an evolved understanding of community, experience, and commerce.

The Rise of Queer-Owned Businesses Across Toronto

While Church-Wellesley remains the symbolic and historical centre, LGBTQ2S+–owned businesses are thriving across the city, injecting inclusive values, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit into Toronto’s broader economy.

One of the most visible success stories is Craig’s Cookies. What started as a home kitchen operation by actor-turned-baker Craig Pike has exploded into a Toronto-wide brand with multiple storefronts. Known for its nostalgic, joy-filled branding and Pride-forward packaging, Craig’s Cookies is a model of how queer identity can be a business advantage, standing proudly at the intersection of authenticity and mass appeal. Pike has spoken about the connection between his values and his business model, saying in a 2024 interview: “I saw how happy people got when their cookies were delivered to the door. I’m a queer man who owns a business. My ethics and my morals and what I stand for are mirrored in the business.”

Other standout businesses include El Pocho Antojitos Bar, a queer Latina-owned Mexican kitchen in the Annex that blends casual dining with community warmth; and Studio Fontana, a gender-affirming salon that regularly hosts drag and beauty workshops in the heart of the city’s Entertainment District.

Even retail and lifestyle spaces like Beadle, a queer-owned design shop in Roncesvalles, and the reinvented Glad Day Bookshop continue to redefine what queer entrepreneurship looks like. These ventures thrive by cultivating loyal customer bases, hiring inclusively, and contributing to neighbourhood identity even beyond The Village.

Innovation Through Inclusion

Church-Wellesley has also played a vital role in fostering inclusive hiring practices and serving as a training ground for LGBTQ2S+ professionals. For decades, businesses in the Village have offered opportunities to individuals who faced barriers elsewhere, whether in hospitality, retail, or the arts. In many ways, it has functioned as a micro-economy of inclusion.

There’s also a ripple effect. Businesses that started in the Village often go on to influence wider markets, bringing queer-centered design, marketing, and experience to more mainstream contexts. For example, queer-owned creative agencies and production companies now work with national and international clients, bringing a distinctly Toronto voice to global conversations.

One organization helping carry this momentum forward is Start Proud, a Toronto-based non-profit that operates one of Canada’s few dedicated LGBTQ2S+ professional accelerators. With a focus on mentorship, career development, and corporate inclusion, Start Proud connects queer professionals — especially those entering industries like finance, law, and tech — with resources and leadership networks. It reflects how queer-focused business infrastructure is evolving, moving beyond retail to influence Canada’s corporate and innovation economy.

Moreover, the Village has become a testing ground for public policy and business grants aimed at supporting equity-deserving entrepreneurs. Programs from the City of Toronto and BIA initiatives focused on the Church-Wellesley corridor have helped stabilize the area post-COVID, offering rent subsidies, outdoor dining infrastructure, and marketing funds to preserve its cultural and commercial vibrancy. 

Local City Councillor Chris Moise, who represents Ward 13 Toronto Centre, which includes Church-Wellesley, and is one of the city’s openly gay elected officials, has been a vocal advocate for the economic and cultural importance of the Village. In 2023, he emphasized the critical role of small business support during Pride season, noting, “I have been working tirelessly … to support businesses in The Village, especially during Pride weekend.” Since then, Moise has supported BIA initiatives, called for increased city funding, and worked to ensure Pride events have the necessary infrastructure to benefit local entrepreneurs.

The Village as a Creative Economy

From drag performances to theatre, Church-Wellesley has long contributed to Toronto’s broader creative economy. Venues like Buddies in Bad Times Theatre have launched careers, hosted festivals, and incubated new works that go on to national stages. These artistic contributions generate economic value through ticket sales, tourism, grant funding, and employment.

It’s important to recognize that cultural production is part of the business environment, especially in a city like Toronto, where the creative industries account for over $11 billion in GDP. The Village may not resemble the financial district, but it plays a parallel role: attracting talent, creating jobs, and enhancing the city’s global brand.

The Business of Belonging

To view Church-Wellesley purely as a cultural district is to miss the full picture. It’s an economic microcosm shaped by identity and activism but driven by entrepreneurship, tourism, real estate, and creativity. The Village has always been both a neighbourhood and a business environment built on the principle that inclusion itself is economically powerful.

For Toronto to thrive as a global city, it must recognize the Village not as a niche, but as a nucleus, where culture, commerce, and community intersect in uniquely impactful ways. That recognition is more than symbolic, it’s smart business.

When Korean developer Blue Ocean Games recently announced it would establish its North American headquarters in downtown Toronto, it wasn’t an outlier—it was further proof of a growing trend. Over the past decade, the city has quietly built one of the fastest-growing video game development hubs in North America, attracting both multinational publishers and independent creators alike.

Like anything else, it’s hard to pin down the exact origins of a scene, but 2010 is a good candidate when it comes to game development in Toronto. As for the location, that would be a former General Electric warehouse buzzing with creative energy in the heart of the Junction Triangle, a neighourhood that had voted to name itself as such in that same year. 

It’s here that Ubisoft chose to open its Toronto HQ, putting both the neighbourhood and the city on the gaming map, crafting blockbusters like Assasins Creed Shadows, Splinter Cell Blacklist, Far Cry 6, and Starlink: Battle for Atlas along the way. But beyond the games themselves, Ubisoft’s arrival in Toronto marked a vote of confidence in the city that generated more momentum than even it could have imagined.

Backed by a $263 million investment from the Ontario government over 10 years, Ubisoft’s arrival amounted to more than job creation (though the studio set an ambitious target of creating 800 jobs); it planted a flag that signalled to the world that Toronto wasn’t just a player in the global tech economy, but an emerging heavyweight in digital entertainment.

Fifteen years later, the ripple effects of Ubisoft’s bold move are undeniable. The Toronto Region’s video game industry has exploded, now employing an estimated 7,000 people directly and supporting thousands more in adjacent industries like design, VFX, and software development. 

What does that look like on the ground? Today, Toronto is home to more than 300 game development studios, ranging from indie companies like DrinkBox Studios (creator of Guacamelee!) to major players like Rockstar Toronto (creator of the wildly popular Grand Theft Auto series and Red Dead Redemption), which operates out of Oakville, underscoring that talent and opportunities extend across the Greater Toronto Area.

“Toronto is incredibly supportive of game development, and we’re blown away by the up-and-coming talent in the region,” says Max Hoberman, CEO and founder of Certain Affinity. “It’s an exciting time for us as we make progress on an ambitious original game while continuing to co-develop some of the most exciting games in the industry.”

That enthusiasm isn’t just talk. Certain Affinity’s presence in Toronto is the kind of payoff Ubisoft’s early bet made possible. The Texas-based developer — best known for co-developing mega-franchises like Halo and Call of Duty — has steadily expanded its footprint in the region, viewing Toronto as a critical piece of its long-term strategy.

Think of it like a shopping mall: anchor tenants matter. Studios like Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, and Certain Affinity don’t just make hits—they create gravitational pull. Their presence helps hold the local ecosystem together, attracting new talent, supporting smaller studios, and validating the region as a place where major games and creative careers can be built.

“We’re thrilled to bring these games and new worlds to life,” Hoberman adds. “Our growing Toronto studio continues to be critical to our long-term strategic plans and success.”

And the momentum isn’t slowing. In 2024 alone, Canada’s video game industry contributed an estimated $5.5 billion to the national GDP, a figure Toronto helped drive through both scale and innovation. The city is now home to North America’s third-largest entertainment cluster, and its indie developers make up 55% of Canada’s gaming scene, shaping the character and dynamic of the industry from the ground up.

It’s no coincidence that some of the worlds biggest and most popular games are built in Toronto.

Since Ubisoft opened its Toronto studio in 2010, the city has steadily grown into one of the most compelling hubs for game development, not through spectacle, but by aligning with what studios actually need: deep technical talent, global perspective, and a production ecosystem built to scale.

Step into any local studio and you’ll see teams shaped by both code and narrative instinct. Teams are grounded in skill sets honed at institutions like Sheridan, George Brown, and the University of Toronto, where programs in animation, game design, and computer science consistently turn out industry-ready professionals.

That foundation is amplified by Toronto’s cultural makeup. With more than half of the residents born outside Canada, the region offers game developers a creative edge: access to a wide range of lived experiences and storytelling traditions. In an industry moving toward more authentic, inclusive narratives, that kind of diversity is essential.

“Toronto gives us the best of both worlds: the analytics talent we need to run a fund and one of the world’s deepest benches of creative indie developers to invest in. Ontario’s Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit also means we can invest in more teams,” said Damian Lee, CEO of Blue Ocean Games.

Under KRAFTON — the company behind global hits like PUBG: Battlegrounds — Blue Ocean Games recently announced that it would establish its North American headquarters in downtown Toronto. And Blue Ocean isn’t alone, there has been a 27% growth in Interactive Digital Media Companies in the Toronto Region since 2019.

Government support plays a crucial role. Ontario offers a range of incentives which provide substantial tax relief to companies that produce eligible digital products. Programs like the digital media tax credit make Ontario the leading province for digital media employment, outpacing other gaming hubs across the country.

Beyond the numbers, there’s a cultural shift happening too. Gaming is no longer viewed as just entertainment; it’s recognized as an art form, an economic engine, and a key piece of the city’s global identity. Major gaming conferences like the Canadian Gaming Summit have helped foster a dynamic, collaborative community that blurs the lines between indie and AAA.

Looking ahead, Toronto seems poised to cement its status as not just a hotspot, but a global capital of game development. The foundations laid by Ubisoft and other major players prove what smart investment, supportive policy, and creative energy can achieve when they come together.

In the world of gaming, it turns out Toronto isn’t just playing, it’s on the leaderboard.

The Four Seasons story began in 1961 when Isadore Sharp, a young Toronto architect, opened a modest motor hotel on Jarvis Street. Unlike the grand luxury hotels of the time, Sharp’s vision was different. Luxury should not be defined by extravagant decor alone but by an unparalleled standard of service that made every guest feel valued. This philosophy, focused on people rather than opulence, became the foundation of the Four Seasons brand.

Sharp’s approach was revolutionary. He believed that exceptional hospitality should be centered around attentiveness, warmth, and consistency. This core belief led Four Seasons to develop some of the most recognized service standards in the industry, transforming how guests experience luxury hotels worldwide.

Going Beyond Expectations

As Four Seasons expanded, it introduced game-changing concepts that reshaped the hospitality landscape. It pioneered innovations such as concierge services, complimentary toiletries, and 24-hour room service, which are now considered standard in high-end hotels. However, its greatest innovation lies in its service philosophy. By empowering employees and fostering a culture of respect and excellence, Four Seasons created a guest experience that was both seamless and deeply personal.

Another strategic decision that set Four Seasons apart was its asset-light approach. Rather than owning hotel properties, the company focused on managing them under long-term contracts. This allowed for rapid global expansion while maintaining strict control over service standards. This model enabled Four Seasons to scale without compromising quality, reinforcing its reputation as the gold standard in hospitality.

From Toronto to the World

By the 1980s, Four Seasons had expanded across North America and into Europe and Asia. Each new hotel maintained the brand’s commitment to excellence, reinforcing its reputation among elite travelers. Today, Four Seasons operates in more than 50 countries, with over 120 properties spanning five continents. Despite its vast global presence, the company remains deeply connected to its Toronto roots, with its headquarters still based in the city.

Why Toronto? The Perfect Foundation for Global Success

Toronto played a crucial role in Four Seasons’ rise to prominence. The city’s unique characteristics provided the ideal conditions for fostering a brand built on quality and innovation.

Toronto as a Premier Tourist Destination

Toronto’s status as a world-class tourist destination played a key role in Four Seasons’ success. As a city that welcomes millions of visitors each year, Toronto offers a dynamic blend of culture, business, and entertainment that attracts travelers from around the globe. By catering to a diverse and discerning clientele, the company perfected the art of personalized service, setting a new benchmark in the hospitality industry.

A Thriving Business Environment

Toronto’s position as a financial and business hub gave Four Seasons access to capital, talent, and a strong economic foundation. This stability allowed the company to expand globally while maintaining a commitment to service excellence.

A Culture of Innovation

The city’s entrepreneurial spirit and reputation for high standards influenced Four Seasons’ commitment to continuous improvement. From early innovations to its modern-day service philosophy, the company has consistently set industry benchmarks.

“The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion, and culture. It’s the Golden Rule, the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.” — Isadore Sharp, Founder and Chairman, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

A Toronto Legacy with a Global Reach

What began as a single hotel in Toronto has evolved into a symbol of world-class hospitality. Four Seasons has not only set new standards in the industry but has also demonstrated that a brand built on genuine care and attention to detail can resonate across cultures and continents.

Today, Four Seasons continues to shape the future of luxury travel, proving that Toronto is not just a city where great businesses are founded. It is a place where transformative ideas become global legacies.

Toronto has long been a financial powerhouse, home to Canada’s largest banks and a thriving investment sector – third in the world. But in recent years, the city has also emerged as a global hub for fintech innovation. At the forefront of this transformation is Wealthsimple, a company that has redefined investing, tax filing, and personal finance, proving that Toronto is not just a financial center, it’s a launchpad for global disruption.

The Toronto Region is the undisputed leader in Canada’s financial services sector, home to 50 percent of the country’s 60,000 fintech workers and over 140 fintech startups. The region ranks among the top five globally in fintech performance and legacy, providing a fertile ground for entrepreneurial talent. This environment has helped Wealthsimple scale rapidly, leveraging the city’s deep expertise and resources to reshape financial services.

The Idea That Sparked a Movement

Founded in 2014 by Michael Katchen, Wealthsimple was built on a simple premise: financial services should be accessible, transparent, and easy to use. Katchen saw a gap in the market—traditional financial institutions were expensive, complex, and catered to an exclusive clientele. By leveraging technology, he envisioned a platform that would make investing effortless for the everyday person.

Starting in Toronto, Wealthsimple quickly gained traction, attracting a new wave of investors who had previously been shut out of the wealth-building process. The company’s sleek design, low fees, and automated investment strategies made it a game-changer in the industry.

Redefining Tax Filing: A Digital-First Approach

Wealthsimple’s innovation didn’t stop at investing. In 2020, the company disrupted another industry ripe for change: tax filing. Wealthsimple Tax introduced a frictionless, pay-what-you-want model that made filing taxes easier and more transparent than ever before.

For years, tax software had been dominated by outdated interfaces, hidden fees, and frustrating processes. Wealthsimple’s approach forced competitors to modernize, setting a new standard for what consumers should expect from digital financial services. What started as a bold experiment soon became the new norm, inspiring a wave of similar offerings from other companies looking to keep up.

Scaling Beyond Canada: A Global Vision

Wealthsimple’s success in Canada laid the foundation for international expansion. With strong backing from major investors, the company has steadily grown its influence, demonstrating that a fintech company born in Toronto can compete on a global scale.

As the company expands its offerings — including commission-free trading and high-interest savings — it continues to challenge traditional financial institutions. Now valued at $4B, Wealthsimple’s ability to scale rapidly while maintaining its core mission of accessibility and innovation has positioned it as a leader in the fintech revolution.

Why Toronto? A City Built for Innovation

Wealthsimple’s rise is no accident—Toronto provided the perfect environment for a fintech company to thrive.

• A Deep Financial Expertise: Toronto is the second-largest financial center in North America, after New York, and home to all five of Canada’s largest banks as well as 41 international banks with Canadian headquarters. This financial depth offered Wealthsimple direct access to industry leaders, regulatory insights, and financial expertise.
• A World-Class Tech Scene: The region is home to 10,000 financial services businesses employing over 270,000 skilled workers. A host of incubators and accelerators contribute to a sustained pipeline of entrepreneurial talent, ensuring a steady flow of new ideas and cutting-edge innovation.
• A Hub for Investment: The Toronto Stock Exchange, North America’s third-largest by total trade, is a global leader in investment, particularly in mining, oil and gas, and cleantech. The Toronto Region also attracts more than half of all foreign capital investment in financial services in Canada, reinforcing its status as an international financial hub.

“Several of my friends that were doing interesting things in the Valley had actually moved back to Toronto to start businesses…I had watched from a distance as it seemed like something special was happening in the Toronto ecosystem and I got really inspired about being part of this” 

– Mike Katchen, Co-Founder and CEO, Wealthsimple.

A Toronto-Born Company That’s Reshaping Finance

From its beginnings as a Toronto startup to its status as a global fintech leader, Wealthsimple exemplifies how innovation in this city doesn’t just stay local, it transforms industries worldwide. By rethinking investment, tax filing, and banking, the company has paved the way for a more accessible financial future.

As Wealthsimple continues to grow, it serves as proof that Toronto isn’t just a great place to start a business, it’s a place where bold ideas become global companies.

Michele Romanow is the co-founder of Clearbanc, a provider of revenue-sharing solutions to fund e-businesses. As the youngest “dragon” on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, her innovative approach to financing has provided entrepreneurs with alternative funding options, reducing reliance on traditional models.

“There’s still a lot of work to do but let’s not forget about how far we’ve come. Just looking back to my parents’ generation, my choices would’ve been limited to roles like being someone’s assistant – something I would have been very bad at. That’s why I’m so motivated by what we’re doing at Clearbanc. We’ve helped eight times more female founders get funding. Every day, we help more people build their dream no matter who they are or where they’re from. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or at the pinnacle, we should always look to the other women around us who have succeeded for advice.”

2. Eva Wong

Eva Wong is the co-founder and COO of Borrowell, a fintech company offering free credit scores and financial product recommendations. Her leadership in the fintech sector has opened doors for women in technology and finance, demonstrating the impact of diverse perspectives in traditionally male-dominated industries.

“I never imagined myself as a co-founder or working in tech. I’m not the kind of person who has a thousand business ideas. But I think that anyone can be an entrepreneur. You don’t need to have an “entrepreneurship gene.” My work has been super rewarding and it’s an opportunity to make a difference, even in terms of the company culture we’ve built—we’re gender-balanced and actually have slightly more women than men in senior roles.”

3. Emma Asiedu-Akrofi

Emma Asiedu-Akrofi is the CEO of Fora: Network for Change, an organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering young women. With a background in community development and leadership at the Jean Augustine Centre, she champions programs that break systemic barriers and create opportunities for women in leadership.

“Exposure to leadership opportunities at a young age matters. It gives young people the freedom to explore, fail, learn, and grow without feeling like they’ve missed their chance. When youth facing racial and gender-based barriers have equitable access to opportunity, they can better chart paths that feel authentic to who they are.”

4. Farah Mohamed

Farah Mohamed is a Canadian women’s rights activist and social entrepreneur, renowned for founding G(irls)20, an organization that empowers young women globally through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership training. She also served as CEO of the Malala Fund, advocating for girls’ education worldwide. Currently, she leads The King’s Trust Canada, focusing on equity and sustainability initiatives. Her career is marked by a commitment to creating practical solutions to systemic inequities.

“Many immigrants — and especially refugees — will tell you that losing everything is jarring, but you don’t have the luxury of wallowing in it. You have to work harder than anyone else and create opportunities out of chaos. Your success becomes tied to your survival. Even after becoming a Canadian, that survivalist mindset sticks with you. I also recognize that in spaces traditionally dominated by white men, being the “only one” in the room can motivate you to open doors for others. It’s about creating opportunities for those who may not have had the same chances.”

5. Lorraine Godwin

Lorraine Godwin is the Vice President of Commercial at VerAI Discoveries, a company revolutionizing mineral exploration by deploying a groundbreaking artificial intelligence platform to detect concealed mineral deposits. In her role, Godwin leads go-to-market and business development efforts, partnering with mining companies to transform traditional exploration methods.

“When I graduated in Geophysics, I was 1 of 2 women graduates, and today I’m thrilled there are so many more women in science. Seeing more women in STEM and in leadership roles are two areas I’m passionate about. I was fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career, both men and women. Today there are more female leaders who can be role models and mentors to help other young women see themselves as future leaders.”

6. Mandy Rennehan

Mandy Rennehan is the founder and CEO of Freshco, a leading retail maintenance and construction company based in Toronto. Her innovative approach to business and commitment to empowering women in the trades have earned her numerous accolades, including Canada’s Most Admired CEO and the Toronto Region Board of Trade Business Leader of the Year.

“(The trades) industry was made for both genders. … I’m after people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s who say ‘I want to work with my hands. I want to build stuff. I want to build and maintain a new Canada.”

7. Joanna Griffiths

Joanna Griffiths is the founder and CEO of Knix, an innovative apparel brand known for its leak-proof menstrual underwear. Since launching in 2013, she has expanded Knix into a multi-product brand, raising $53 million in funding in 2021. Griffiths raised this money while pregnant with twins and spoke out against companies who are biased against pregnant CEOs and founders, citing her own experience. Griffiths has received numerous accolades, including Entrepreneur of the Year by Women of Influence in 2018.

“How many great opportunities are they missing out on because they hold these outdated views? There are lots of reasons to do some really hard thinking, read a couple of books and start to change.”

8. Jodi Kovitz

Jodi Kovitz is a Canadian lawyer and nonprofit executive, best known as the founder and former CEO of #MoveTheDial, a global movement dedicated to increasing the participation and leadership of women in technology. Under her leadership, #MoveTheDial impacted over 60,000 individuals worldwide, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. In 2023, Kovitz was appointed CEO of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) in Ontario, bringing her visionary leadership to the human resources field. Her career exemplifies a commitment to empowering women and fostering equitable workplaces.

“You can only be what you can see, and you haven’t historically seen many women as tech icons. And the pipeline has been a huge challenge: getting girls interested and curious about pursuing STEM careers. We have to change the perception for girls, that it’s not just for boys to do coding. That means we have to expose girls to tech in a different way at times, and expose girls to career options and role models.”

9. Fiona Lake Waslander

Fiona Lake Waslander is the founder and CEO of Coral, a digital health platform revolutionizing menopause care in Canada. Under her leadership, Coral secured significant funding to provide personalized, science-backed solutions for women navigating perimenopause and menopause, filling a critical gap in women’s healthcare.

“For a young women looking to start a new business, remember that you do have the capabilities and you do have a seat at the table.”

10. Fatima Zaidi

Fatima Zaidi is the CEO and co-founder of Quill Inc., a Toronto-based podcasting platform that connects businesses with podcasters. Her innovative approach to content marketing has opened new avenues for brands to engage with audiences, inspiring women in media and technology to explore entrepreneurial ventures.“Oftentimes the root of these structural barriers that many female founders face are social in nature, so, it is important to continue elevating the profiles of successful female founders and black entrepreneurs to inspire the emerging next generation of female founders.”

These businesses create opportunities, build communities, and inspire future generations. The Toronto Region is home to an incredible range of Black-owned businesses across every industry. This is just a small selection—far from a definitive list—of inspiring local entrepreneurs making an impact. Check out black-owned business in your area and keep the conversation going all year long!

Fresh Paint Studio: Established by Roxane Tracey in Toronto, Fresh Paint Studio is a creative hub designed to make art accessible to everyone. Whether through guided workshops, private events, or casual drop-in sessions, the studio offers a welcoming space where people of all skill levels can express themselves freely and explore their artistic side.

Have A Nice Day Pilates: Founded by Aiyana Jeffries, this Toronto-based Pilates studio is all about making movement enjoyable and accessible. With personalized sessions in an inviting atmosphere, Have A Nice Day Pilates helps clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence—regardless of their fitness level.

Be One to Give: What started as a small act of kindness by founder Tony Colley has grown into a powerful movement tackling food waste and insecurity. Be One to Give rescues surplus food from businesses and redistributes it to shelters and community organizations in Toronto. With a goal of eliminating avoidable food waste across Canada by 2040, this initiative is making a tangible impact every day.

A Different Book List: More than just a bookstore, A Different Book List—founded by Itah Sadu and Miguel San Vicente—is a cultural institution in Toronto. Specializing in literature from the African and Caribbean diaspora, the store serves as both a community gathering place and a resource for diverse, thought-provoking stories. Find it at 779 Bathurst Street.

McKie Rich Productions: Storytelling that leaves a mark. Founded by Michael McKie in Mississauga, McKie Rich Productions produces compelling film, television, and digital content that uplifts underrepresented voices. Through authentic narratives and high-quality production, the company is reshaping the media landscape one project at a time.

Cherry Gardens: Created by Amoy Henry, Cherry Gardens is a Toronto-based fashion brand offering stylish, genderless apparel and cozy lounge sets. Known for its high-quality basics and creative artist collaborations, the brand blends comfort with self-expression, making everyday wear effortlessly chic.

Curls Defined: Embracing natural curls is at the heart of this Markham-based brand. Founded by Shauna-Simone Leacock, Curls Defined offers tailored haircare solutions, consultations, and a carefully curated range of products designed specifically for curly and textured hair. With worldwide shipping, customers everywhere can access expert advice and premium haircare.

Elliott Marketing Digital (EMDigital): Led by marketing strategist Shanelle Elliott, this Toronto-based agency specializes in AI-driven marketing, social media strategy, and brand growth. EMDigital helps businesses elevate their digital presence with custom-tailored marketing solutions that drive engagement and success.

The Progressive Centre: Education meets empowerment at The Progressive Centre. Founded in 2014 by Ashleigh Henry in Ajax, this tutoring service provides personalized math and science support for students in grades 1-12. With customized learning plans and expert instructors, the centre helps students build confidence and achieve academic success.

The Green Jar: Sisters Tannis and Mara Bundi are on a mission to make sustainable living easy. Their Toronto-based boutique and refillery, The Green Jar, offers zero-waste, eco-friendly products that help customers reduce their environmental footprint. From refillable household items to reusable alternatives, every product is chosen with sustainability in mind.

Where would the Oscars be without the creation of IMAX? When people think of groundbreaking cinematic technologies, places like Hollywood and Silicon Valley often come to mind. Yet one of the most transformative innovations in film history was born not in California, but in Toronto. From its humble origins to its status as a global leader in immersive film technology, IMAX is a testament to Toronto’s ability to foster game-changing ideas and scale them worldwide.

The Birth of IMAX: Sparked at Expo 67

The IMAX story begins in the late 1960s when a group of Canadian filmmakers and engineers, Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor, Robert Kerr, and William C. Shaw, envisioned a revolutionary new way to experience cinema. Their inspiration came from the Expo 67 World’s Fair in Montreal, where large-format multi-screen presentations captured the audience’s imaginations but suffered from technical challenges. They set out to create a seamless, single-projector system that could deliver unparalleled clarity and immersion on massive screens.

In 1967, they founded IMAX Corporation in Toronto, laying the groundwork for a cinematic breakthrough. By 1970, they had developed a unique 15/70 film format, where film stock ran horizontally rather than vertically, allowing for dramatically larger, sharper images. This became the defining feature of IMAX technology, creating an immersive experience unmatched by traditional film formats.

The World’s First IMAX Theatre in Toronto

IMAX made its official debut at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan, where the film Tiger Child introduced audiences to a never-before-seen level of screen immersion. But the milestone came in 1971 when Ontario Place in Toronto became home to the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre, the Cinesphere. The premiere film, North of Superior, directed by Ferguson, stunned audiences with its breathtaking visuals of Canada’s natural landscapes, filling an enormous curved screen with unmatched clarity.

The Cinesphere was more than just a theatre, it was proof of concept. The long lines of eager moviegoers at Ontario Place signalled that IMAX was more than a novelty; it was the future of cinematic spectacle.

IMAX Goes Global: From Documentaries to Blockbusters

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, IMAX became the preferred format for documentary and educational filmmaking, particularly for films about nature, space, and science. NASA embraced IMAX, equipping space missions with specially designed cameras to capture the awe-inspiring vastness of the cosmos for audiences back on Earth.

While IMAX had built a strong reputation in specialty and educational filmmaking, its true breakthrough in mainstream cinema came in the early 2000s, when visionary directors like Christopher Nolan, James Cameron, and Denis Villeneuve began integrating IMAX technology into their Hollywood blockbusters. Nolan, in particular, pioneered IMAX’s use in major action films, shooting large portions of The Dark Knight in the format, creating jaw-dropping sequences that elevated the storytelling experience. The trend continued with Interstellar, Dunkirk, Oppenheimer, and Cameron’s Avatar, proving that IMAX wasn’t just a technical upgrade, it was a storytelling revolution.

Why Toronto? The Perfect Ecosystem for Innovation

What made Toronto the perfect launchpad for IMAX? A unique intersection of creative talent, technological expertise, and institutional support.

• A Thriving Film & Media Industry: Toronto has long been a major hub for filmmaking, home to TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) and a deep network of creative professionals who contributed to IMAX’s rise.
• Government & Institutional Support: Canada’s strong investment in arts and innovation played a crucial role in supporting the early development of IMAX, giving it room to grow.
• Tech & Engineering Excellence: Toronto’s access to world-class engineers and developers provided the technical expertise needed to refine and scale IMAX technology into a global force.

A Toronto Innovation That Continues to Shape Cinema

IMAX now spans over 80 countries, with hundreds of theatres showcasing the world’s biggest films in its signature format. Despite its global dominance, its roots remain firmly planted in Toronto, a city that continues to foster world-changing ideas and technological revolutions.

IMAX is more than a cinematic innovation, it’s a Toronto-made success story that proves bold ideas don’t just launch here, they scale worldwide. And for companies looking to build the next global powerhouse, Toronto’s legacy of innovation is a clear signal: this is the place to start.

Canada has long been a destination for those seeking new opportunities, welcoming approximately 471,000 immigrants in 2023. Immigrants now make up the largest share of Canada’s population in over 150 years, driving the country’s growth and diversity. Many of these newcomers settle in the Toronto Region, attracted by its vibrant community, cultural diversity, quality education, and economic opportunities.

The Toronto Region’s Significance in the Canadian Immigration Landscape

Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world, with 55% of its population identifying as a visible minority and over 190 languages spoken. Toronto also has the most diverse food scene when compared to thirty of the most populated cities in the world. Of the 387,000 international students in Canada, approximately 23% are enrolled in Toronto Region institutions, alongside over 96,000 post-graduate permit holders. The concentration of educational institutions and talent plays a critical role in maintaining the Toronto Region’s position as a global leader in innovation.

Immigration’s Role in Economic Sustainability

As the Toronto Region continues to welcome newcomers, immigration serves a vital purpose beyond cultural enrichment—it is a critical solution to Canada’s growing demographic challenges.

Canada’s declining birth rate reached a historic low of 1.26 children per woman in 2023, well below the rate necessary to maintain a population without immigration. In addition, approximately one in five Canadians is over 65, with projections showing this will rise to one in four by 2030. These trends collectively increase pressure on the labour market and the delivery of public services.

Immigration directly addresses these challenges by driving population growth and sustaining the working-age population. Between 2016 and 2022, 62.3% of newcomers were of core working age (24-54 years), ensuring a steady flow of skilled individuals contributing to economic activity. Since the mid-2010s, immigrants have accounted for 63% of the labour force growth in Ontario, filling gaps in healthcare, trade, and agriculture among others. In the Toronto Region, immigrants have significant representation in sectors such as professional, scientific and technical services, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing.

 The Micro Level – The Challenges of Starting Anew

Beneath the positive statistics lie the deeply personal struggles of immigrants adapting to a new life. While the Toronto Region offers significant opportunities, newcomers often face a range of challenges that can make their transition difficult.

Credential Recognition

Although 64% of core working-age immigrants who landed between 2016-2021 held a bachelor’s degree or higher, 19.6% of recent immigrants experience overqualification, leading to underemployment and underutilization of their skills.

Job Market Integration

Securing jobs aligned with prior experience can be difficult, with newcomers earning 15% less than non-immigrants of the same age group due to limited local experience or unrecognized qualifications.

Building Support Networks

Starting over in a new country can feel isolating. Newcomers must often navigate daily tasks like using public transportation or managing banking systems without the guidance of a strong support network. 74% of recent immigrants report higher levels of mental health issues, comparatively higher than established immigrants and Canadian-born.

The Toronto Region – A Hub of Opportunities and Support

Despite the challenges that immigrants face, their resilience is evident, and the Toronto Region offers significant support to newcomers. Toronto’s exceptional diversity creates an environment where newcomers can integrate and thrive.

The region is home to numerous immigrant support organizations, such as the Newcomer Centre of Peel, ACCES Employment, and Access Alliance to name a few, which offer services such as language classes, job training, and community-building activities. Newcomers can also find support in their transition through programs like the Newcomer settlement program, Ontario Bridge Training Program, and Global Experience Ontario..

Toronto’s multicultural neighbourhoods offer immigrants a sense of familiarity, with access to cultural food, festivals, and places of worship. Major regional events such as Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Mississauga’s Carassauga Festival (Canada’s largest multicultural Festival), and the Toronto Korean Festival (Canada’s largest Korean festival) celebrate cultural diversity and create opportunities for cultural exchange.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the success of many immigrants, with 32% of all business owners with paid staff being immigrants, with prevalence in sectors such as construction, professional services, health care, and retail trade. Programs like Futurpreneur Canada provide mentorship and resources for immigrant entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

The success stories of immigrants in the Toronto Region and Canada go beyond economic benefits and emphasize the community’s strength. From career advancement to cultural integration initiatives, the Toronto Region will remain a top destination for immigrants, strengthening Canada’s global position.

At Toronto Global, we have taken a proactive approach to investment attraction in this sector. In recent years, we have welcomed leading international companies such as Recursion, Cepheid and Sanofi. They are seeking something unique that is happening in the Toronto Region – the existing strength of our technology sector has converged with the life sciences industry to build a truly unique ecosystem.  

Artificial intelligence is being applied to improve the quality and efficiency of health care. And where else do biotech and pharmaceutical companies have access to the world’s top AI researchers? Increasingly, the world’s most promising researchers in deep learning and AI subfields are looking to Toronto as a hub with many opportunities to collaborate, advance research and develop applications.  

We have also advocated for the development of specialized laboratory space – wet labs – to support the demand for cutting-edge life sciences research. Recently, our team has run into this challenge: while companies are interested in expanding here, the type of real estate they need to operate is essentially non-existent in the Toronto Region. The lack of lab space – and wet lab space in particular – hinders not only Toronto Global’s, but all of Ontario’s, ability to land international life sciences investments.  

This advocacy work aligns with the province’s commitment to allocate $15 million for a new wet labs program to reduce the time and barriers companies face when seeking to access lab spaces. Today, as a result of our collective advocacy efforts, the story is changing. University of Toronto Mississauga just opened SpinUP, and new wet lab facilities are under construction in Mississauga (Spec Labs) and Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood (Seeker Labs – Catalyst), with others in pursuit, referencing Toronto Global’s Wet Labs white paper as a key resource.  

As described by Minister Fedeli, Ontario is making this “hard pivot” to life sciences and is looking to replicate its aggressive investment in the EV sector in a bid to become a global leader in biomanufacturing and health sciences. The province has an ambitious goal of growing employment in life sciences to 85,000 jobs by 2030, which would be a significant increase from the 72,000 jobs that currently exist. That’s a bold vision that we can get behind and that’s where we come in. 

We are also focusing our efforts on investment attraction and job creation in this sector. We’ve helped dozens of life sciences companies set up operations, creating more than 1,000 jobs throughout the Toronto Region. 

Additional and sustained funding for life sciences in the Toronto Region and Ontario will mean more growing companies – both domestic and international – will come, stay and scale here, further strengthening the industry. This commitment by the province is a step in the right direction.  

As the home to medical breakthroughs such as insulin, the pacemaker, and stem cells, we have a reputation for innovation and excellence in this field. The life sciences and health care sector is too important – to our economy and to Canadians – to risk falling behind.

CBRE Rankings

Toronto has the highest concentration of AI-specialty talent in Canada, with 11,700 tech workers with key AI skills. Toronto’s AI talent pool is nearly twice as large as those of other tech markets like Vancouver, Montreal, and Austin. The most sought-after AI tech talent are AI software and hardware developers. As of 2023, there were 101,900 software developers and programmers employed in Toronto.

Over the past five years, Toronto has witnessed the highest job gains among all tech markets in the Americas with a remarkable 44 per cent growth in its tech talent pool, adding 95,900 new jobs in the past five years. This surge has been driven by the increasing demand for AI skill sets across various industries.

Ranking sixth overall in North America, Toronto’s tech ecosystem has seen a massive spike fueled by a collaborative AI network, government funding, and growth of skilled graduates. These factors have created a hotbed for the development of skilled AI workers.

Versatility of AI Talent

Most of Toronto’s AI talent is employed within the tech industry. However, Toronto’s distribution of AI talent across various sectors mirrors the city’s economic diversity and dominance in ranging industries, namely business and finance.

Over 15 per cent of Toronto’s AI talent is concentrated in the finance sector, matching the trends of major financial hubs like New York with 22.2per cent and Chicago with 20.2per cent. Similarly, 22.5 per cent of AI talent work in professional services and 16.2 per cent in non-tech industries.

With a significant number of AI jobs being created in non-tech industries, AI is becoming integral to sectors like banking, law, and insurance. This trend underscores the versatility of AI applications and the growing demand for AI talent in different fields. Toronto’s workforce is well-positioned to respond to AI adoption across all sectors. In addition, Canada leads the world in terms of bringing more women into AI roles, achieving the highest year over year percentage change in female AI talent globally since 2019, including 67per cent in 2022 alone (Deloitte 2023).

According to CBRE’s Scoring Tech Talent report the most impactful indicators for any market’s potential growth of AI-specialty talent are the presence of universities with established AI education programs, major technology companies developing AI and available venture capital funding. The Toronto region checks all the boxes with an ecosystem that supports the future growth of AI talent.

Global companies like Sanofi, Unilever, Samsung, and Recursion have opened AI hubs in Toronto, highlighting the region’s significant AI growth. Toronto has the highest concentration of AI startups in Canada, hosting the headquarters of over 454 AI startups. VC funding in AI companies continues on an upward trajectory. In 2023, AI companies in Ontario raised $1.16 billion the highest number across Canada.

The region’s education and research play a key role in the development of AI talent. The presence of world-class educational institutions, such as the University of Toronto and the Vector Institute, play a crucial role in nurturing this talent.  The University of Toronto ranks ninth globally in AI research. These institutions not only provide rigorous AI education but also foster an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration, making Toronto an attractive destination for tech professionals. 

The Toronto Region continues to build a strong pipeline that supports its high-quality talent pool. Since 2022, over 7,900 students have graduated with degrees in computer engineering, math, statistics, and other tech engineering. For the same year, Toronto had more degree completions than major tech hubs like Seattle and Austin.

In Toronto, the programs with the most graduate growth between 2017 and 2022 were Computer Engineering with a 68 per cent increase in degree completions; and Math & Statistics, with an increase of 92 per cent. These numbers outperform the top three tech markets (New York, Seattle and San Francisco) that have experienced decreases in degree completions in the past 5 years.

Toronto stands out as a prime destination for the world’s most ambitious AI talent. The city’s robust growth, demographic shifts, sector diversity, and commitment to inclusivity create fertile ground for innovation and success in the tech industry.