Make it Kitchener is the economic development strategy guiding business growth and investment in Kitchener.
On this page:
Make it Kitchener 2.0
Launched in October 2020, Make it Kitchener 2.0 is an ambitious plan to support economic recovery and to propel our community and economy forward by investing in catalytic growth opportunities and creating a resilient future where everyone can make a difference. It is informed by engagement with community members, stakeholders, business owners, community leaders, social service providers and housing providers, who were challenged to explore and ideate on what’s next for Kitchener from 2020 to 2030.
The strategy lays out a roadmap for City investments, balancing immediate support for businesses and long-term investments in areas that most directly impact residents' lives.
| Supporting economic recovery from the pandemic |
In response to the unprecedented economic change and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is focusing on immediate action and long-term commitment to:
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| Health innovation |
| Kitchener is positioned to establish a unique foothold in the growing health industry by leveraging our strengths in technology, data, communications, manufacturing and medical devices. We will support the development of leading facilities for entrepreneurs to advance health and med-tech innovations that create opportunities for clinical, academic and entrepreneurial collaboration, centered around a new urban business park. |
| Creative industries |
| Supporting, developing and boosting our local artistic and creative talent will foster a robust sector that can also fuel other vital industries. We will collaborate with industry and educational partners to become a global leader in creative industries. We will also continue to advance affordable creative spaces that will enable the growth and collision of creative entrepreneurs. |
| A city-wide startup network focused on sustainable development goals |
| We will focus on expanding the startup ecosystem across the city, including a network of City-owned and commercial spaces for entrepreneurs. This will include developing a hub to support businesses tackling the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, continuing to learn from stakeholders, and working in partnership to deliver innovative entrepreneurial support programs in new ways to eliminate barriers to entry. |
| Affordable and attainable housing |
| We will work to pioneer mixed-income, mixed-use communities through new investment models that enable the City to actively create affordable and attainable housing. We will also contribute to affordable lifestyles in our community through measures like active transportation, access to community amenities, free community festivals and more. |
| A vibrant, active city |
| Our goal is to continue creating opportunities and places across our city where difference makers and entrepreneurs can offer experiences and moments that bring our community to life. We will work with key stakeholders, business areas and cultural producers to build and promote inspiring and impactful experiences, launch platforms, and enable opportunities that support our vibrant city. |
To learn more, download our full Make it Kitchener 2.0 Economic Development Strategy.
Download Make it Kitchener 2.0
Progress and updates
Click the links below to learn more about some of Make it Kitchener 2.0’s major milestones.
Resources for businesses
If you’re interested in starting, moving or growing your business, Kitchener is the place to do it. Explore our business development page to find resources to help start a business, support and grow your business, or navigate trade tariffs on Canadian exports.
Contact our Economic Development team for more information and to discuss your business journey.
- Economic Development — Cory Bluhm
- Arts & Entertainment – Jeremy Dueck
- Business Growth & Entrepreneurship – Andrew Sturgess
- Arts & Creative Industries — Andrea Hallam
- Business Development — Brian Bennett
- Downtown Development — Aura Hertzog
- Kitchener Market — Cameron Dale
- Special Events —Steve Roth
- Waterloo Region Small Business Centre — Naudia Banton