London Economic Development Corporation

05/29/2026

The Southwest Food Summit brought together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners for a day focused on one thing: growing the future of food in Southwestern Ontario. 🌱🍽️

With more than 250 attendees, this year’s Summit created space for meaningful conversations around scaling businesses, exploring new markets, navigating trade uncertainty, and building stronger support networks for food and beverage companies at every stage of growth.

One story that stood out was Peacasa's, a London-based snack company that grew from just $500 in annual sales in 2019 to more than $1 million in sales last year, with products now sold in over 700 stores across Canada. Their journey reflects the kind of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive London’s growing agri-food sector forward.

London’s food and beverage ecosystem now includes more than 150 companies employing over 10,000 people, and events like the Southwest Food Innovation Summit continue to strengthen the connections that help this sector thrive.

Foodpreneur Advantage
London Small Business Centre
Fanshawe College Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI)
Eye Candy Design: CPG Branding & Packaging
True Leaves Consulting
Western Fair District
The Grove at Western Fair District

05/28/2026

London’s aerospace and defence sector continues to reach new heights. ✈️

The International Test Pilots School (ITPS), headquartered in London for the past 25 years, is expanding its operations to North Bay to meet growing global demand while reaffirming its commitment to the Forest City as its headquarters.

With more than 150 employees remaining in London and continued growth planned at its local operations, ITPS is helping position our region as a key player in advanced aviation training, aerospace innovation, and defence partnerships on the global stage.

Article by The London Free Press.

05/28/2026

We’re pleased to share that Aspire 2025 Inc. is entering an exciting new chapter under new ownership and leadership.

With renewed investment in operations, maintenance, and production growth, Aspire is focused on innovation, expansion, and building a strong future for its team and the community.

Current opportunities include:

• Electrician
• Food Safety & Quality Assurance Supervisor

Explore these roles and future career opportunities through https://londonmfgjobs.com/

05/26/2026

This year's Southwest Food Summit served up something special!🌱🍴

Founders, manufacturers, innovators, and industry leaders from across Southwest Ontario came together at The Grove at Western Fair District to explore new paths to market and strengthen connections within the region’s growing food and beverage ecosystem.

From insightful panel discussions and networking opportunities to conversations around innovation, distribution, marketing, scaling, and sustainability, the Summit highlighted the incredible momentum happening within Canada’s food and beverage sector.

Thank you to all of our speakers, partners, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees for helping make this year’s Summit such a success. We’re proud to continue building opportunities for growth, and innovation across the region, and we’re excited to see these connections cook up new collaborations in the months ahead!

Foodpreneur Advantage, London Small Business Centre
Fanshawe College Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI)
Eye Candy Design: CPG Branding & Packaging
True Leaves Consulting
Western Fair District.

05/26/2026

The SW Food Summit is currently happening now! Take a peek at the setup. We can't wait to see all of the fabulous speakers, presentations, and booths today at this sold out event. Make sure to tag us in your photos/posts. Happening now until 2 PM.

The SW Food Summit is prepared in partnership with: Foodpreneur Advantage, London Small Business Centre, Fanshawe College Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI), Eye Candy Design: CPG Branding & Packaging, True Leaves Consulting, and Western Fair District.

05/25/2026

London is the Forest Capital of Canada for 2026! 🌳

This national designation from the Canadian Institute of Forestry recognizes London’s leadership in forest conservation, sustainable urban forestry, ecological restoration, and community stewardship.

From Indigenous stewardship along the Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River) to today’s work protecting and growing our urban canopy, London’s identity as “The Forest City” continues to grow stronger.

Over the coming year, residents will have the opportunity to take part in events, learning opportunities, tree plantings, and community initiatives that celebrate and strengthen our urban forest.

More info about city events here: https://london.ca/projects/forest-capital-canada-2026

Josh Morgan
City of London, Ontario - Municipal Government

05/22/2026

We’ve been made aware of emails circulating that claim to offer access to a “newly updated and verified London Economic Development Corporation Industry Mailing List 2026” or request payment for business directory information.

Please note: these emails are NOT affiliated with London Economic Development Corporation.

LEDC does not sell mailing lists, charge for access to our business directory, or request payment for these services. Our business directory is free, publicly available, and downloadable through our official channels: https://www.ledc.com/business-directory

If you receive suspicious communications claiming to represent LEDC, we encourage you to verify the source before responding or sharing information.

We've got it here. London makes the difference.

05/22/2026

London’s summer soundtrack is officially here! 🌳

From the celebration of local talent during Forest City London Music Awards to the biggest international lineup yet at Sunfest London, the city is gearing up for a summer filled with music, culture, and community.

Whether you’re discovering local artists, exploring Victoria Park, or planning your festival calendar, there’s no shortage of reasons to experience London this season!

Learn more about what’s happening this summer:
🎶 London Music Week coverage at fclma.ca
☀️ Sunfest 2026 lineup announcement at sunfest.on.ca

05/21/2026

We’re excited to welcome The Middlesex-London Health Unit as a new employer on the London Tech Jobs Portal! 🎉 They are currently hiring a Full-Time End User Support Analyst to join their IT team and contribute to essential healthcare operations in our region. Learn more and apply now through https://londontechjobs.ca/.

💼 Hiring in Southwestern Ontario?

The London Tech Jobs Portal helps connect employers with skilled local talent in IT, administration, marketing, creative services, and other high-demand industries.

Join our growing network today and start showcasing your job opportunities to the right candidates! ✨ https://londontechjobs.ca/RegisterAccount.aspx

05/21/2026

The Southwest Food Summit is only a few days away and we couldn't be more excited for the incredible speakers that will be joining the event:

In New Paths for Food and Beverage Success, the panel will be moderated by Cheryl Appleton of Canadian Women in Food, with panelist Leigh Armstrong from Gordon Food Service - Canada joining the conversation.

In The Long Game: Investment, Growth and Exit Strategies, the discussion will be moderated by Amanda Richardson of Winston Wilmont, alongside panelist Sean Bingley from Farm Credit Canada.

Our keynote speaker, Emily O’Brien, founder of Comeback Snacks, brings an unforgettable story of resilience and reinvention. From serving a federal prison sentence to building a brand now carried in over 1,200 locations across Canada and the U.S., Emily has turned adversity into purpose and impact, becoming a leading voice in entrepreneurship, reintegration, and stigma reduction: https://heyor.ca/vLDAnW

The SW Food Summit is prepared in partnership with: Foodpreneur Advantage, London Small Business Centre, Fanshawe College Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI), Eye Candy Design: CPG Branding & Packaging, True Leaves Consulting, and Western Fair District.

📅 Tuesday, May 26, 2026
📍 TheGroveWFD
🎟️ Tickets start at $25 for food and beverage manufacturers.

Don't miss out! Register here: https://heyor.ca/CKLOer

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