Oakville Launches ‘Branches to Business’ to Help Local Companies Grow and Thrive

By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

The Town of Oakville is investing in the long-term success of its business community with the launch of Branches to Business, a new retention and expansion program aimed at helping local companies access the tools, data, and support they need to grow.

Led by the Town’s Economic Development department (Invest Oakville), the program focuses on building strong relationships with business owners and supporting them across four key areas: funding tools and programs, workforce development, scaling and growth, and navigating municipal processes.

Through customized engagement, streamlined services, and an annual business conditions survey, Branches to Business will make it easier for business owners to connect with the right resources and partners. The initiative supports the Town’s goal of strengthening the local economy and creating more job opportunities.

Business owners can start by completing a short intake form at invest.oakville.ca, after which the Invest Oakville team will follow up to discuss individual needs and next steps.

Branches to Business is a cornerstone of Oakville’s Economic Development Plan 2025–2029, which prioritizes supporting and expanding the local economy while strengthening key sectors such as Professional Services, Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Life Sciences, and Film, ICT and Digital Media. By maintaining close relationships with major employers and sector leaders, the Town aims to better understand economic conditions and promote continued job creation.

“Branches to Business advances our Economic Development Plan’s strategic direction to support and grow the local economy. By connecting companies to the right resources and funding tools, we’re helping businesses expand and create more jobs in Oakville,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

The program also aligns with Council’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes managing growth to maintain a vibrant economy.

Situated in the heart of the Toronto–Waterloo innovation corridor, Oakville is ideally positioned for business expansion, offering access to a highly skilled workforce and strong partnerships with organizations such as Sheridan College, Halton Healthcare, and Innovation Factory Halton.

Between 2023 and 2029, Oakville is expected to see significant job growth across key sectors, including professional services (14%), life sciences (14%), motion picture and video (18%), and computer systems design (12%).

For more information on the Branches to Business program, visit the Growth and Expansion Support page at invest.oakville.ca.