Economic development
London, Ontario is a hub for talent, business, and growth.
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The City of London is developing a new Economic Development Strategy to guide growth, innovation, and investment in the years ahead. A dedicated page has been established to provide information on the process and opportunities for input.
London is situated in the heart of southwestern Ontario between Toronto and Detroit, and it is one of Canada’s fastest growing and increasingly diverse cities. With a population exceeding 530,000, London is the 11th largest city in Canada. Have questions about economic development in London, Ontario? Reach out to us at economicdevelopment@london.ca.
The advantages of London, Ontario
Health care expertise
London is a hub for health care research and expertise. Home to over 100 companies and renowned hospitals employing more than 25,000 people, London is a leader in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. London offers a comprehensive array of scientific, clinical, testing, and data management services, making it a prime location for start-ups, scale-ups, and established companies.
Advanced manufacturing
London is home to the Canadian headquarters of leading advanced manufacturing companies, including 3M Canada, McCormick Canada, Trojan Technologies, Starlim North America, Trudell Medical, Diamond Aircraft, and Sodecia North America. Additionally, the Western Advanced Manufacturing Park empowers collaboration between leading-edge research, manufacturing, entrepreneur, and investment partners to rapidly generate high technology, manufacturing innovations, and advanced solutions.
Innovation acceleration
London is a city on the cutting edge of innovation, driving advancements across various sectors, including health care, advanced manufacturing, and technology. With a growing ecosystem of research institutions, start-ups, and established companies, London fosters a collaborative environment where innovation accelerates at a rapid pace. The city is home to organizations like the Western Advanced Manufacturing Park and the London Health Sciences Centre, which act as catalysts for breakthrough innovations and cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, various funding programs and government initiatives support the development and commercialization of these innovations, positioning London as a dynamic hub for new ideas and market-ready solutions.
Talented workforce
London has a strong educational system, from primary to post-secondary level, that offers the next generation of talent a world-class education. The presence of world-class educational institutions such as Western University, including its Ivey Business School and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, has a significant economic impact on London’s economy. London also boasts Fanshawe College, one of the largest colleges in Ontario. Western University and Fanshawe College offer a range of programs, providing a steady supply of skilled professionals for London with high employment rates.
Strategic location
London is at the manufacturing forefront of world-renowned products, investments, and talent. The city is located along the 401-highway corridor and is within one day’s drive of over 150 million consumers. This corridor facilitates $1.5 billion in trade daily.
A tourism destination
London’s tourism sector, encompassing events, attractions, food and beverage, accommodation, meetings and conventions, and sports, contributes approximately $616 million GDP annually to the local economy.
Key employment sectors
These economic areas make up London’s top eight employment sectors. In addition to these eight major sectors, tourism in London is also experiencing significant growth as an employer.
London’s diverse economy is strengthened by its dynamic creative sector
Music
Globally recognized as a premier City of Music, London attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year to its festivals, concerts, and community performances, boosting its $1 billion tourism industry. London has established itself on the national stage, hosting prominent events such as the Canadian Country Music Awards in 2016 and 2021, and the JUNO Awards in 2019.
Learn more about the London Music Office
Film
Film London is part of the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and is helping position London as a top film-friendly city. Since 2021, the film industry has contributed over $1 million to the local economy, creating over 300 jobs, and attracting more than 25 productions. Notable projects include “The Changeling” for Apple TV+, “Blackberry” for CBC and XYZ Films, and “Motorheads” for Amazon Prime. London has also hosted feature films like “Please, After You” and “Sunshine City,” as well as episodes of “The Amazing Race Canada” and “Ghost Hunters of the Grand River.” Through local partnerships, talent development, and strategic marketing, Film London is enhancing the city’s reputation as a vibrant film production hub.
Economic development partners
The City’s economic partnerships are dedicated to developing strategic partnerships and increasing collaboration with businesses, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, post-secondary and health care institutions.
London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)
The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) serves as the primary economic development agency for London. LEDC focuses on fostering business growth, attracting new enterprises, and ensuring that companies have the necessary talent, resources, and conditions to thrive. Serving a diverse range of sectors—including agri-food, manufacturing, digital media and tech, health, and professional services—LEDC provides tailored, no-cost economic development services to businesses of all sizes. The LEDC is instrumental in advancing industrial land development, facilitating research and development partnerships, integrating various ecosystems, and promoting London globally.
LEDC is tasked with attracting new businesses and jobs, supporting business retention and expansion, aligning workforce development with business needs, and maintaining partnerships to bolster economic development. LEDC provides annual updates to the Municipal Council and/or a Committee of Council, including investment data, labour force trends, and metrics related to the local economy.
Learn more about the London Economic Development Corporation
TechAlliance
Headquartered in London, ON, one of North America's Top 10 Emerging Tech Markets, and ranked 12th in Canada, TechAlliance is the lead voice for the region’s innovation corridor. TechAlliance supports the most promising early-stage startups to the highest potential unicorn technology firms across a wide range of tech sectors— including EV and automotive tech; artificial intelligence and machine learning; gaming, digital media, SaaS, fintech, eCommerce and ICT; life sciences, life sciences, medtech devices and therapeutics, femtech and health innovation; advanced manufacturing; cleantech, energy and resource management; food innovation and agri-tech.
Fortifying London as one of the best places to build a made-in-Canada company, TechAlliance’s strategic priorities are to foster a vibrant innovation community, accelerate venture growth, and foster collaboration and entrepreneurial prosperity. TechAlliance helps companies attract talent, capital, and customers through bespoke advisory services, education and networking opportunities, facilitating valuable connections for founders, CEOs, industry leaders, investors, and tech professionals.
Small Business Centre
Established in 1986, the London Community Small Business Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs through the startup and growth phases of small businesses. The Centre contributes to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the community by offering comprehensive support services, programs, and resources. It has played a key role in creating hundreds of new jobs annually.
In partnership with the City of London and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT), and as a member of Small Business Centres Ontario, the Centre provides free consultations with qualified business consultants, workshops and seminars tailored to small business needs, guidance on business plans, access to government programs, and mentorship opportunities.
Learn more about the Small Business Centre
London Chamber of Commerce (LCC)
The London Chamber of Commerce (LCC) is the voice of business in London, connecting, empowering, and advocating for a thriving local economy. Through its broad membership network, the Chamber provides valuable programs and services that help businesses grow, from cost-saving affinity programs and professional development to member-to-member opportunities and high-profile events like the Business Achievement Awards.
As a trusted advocate, the Chamber represents the interests of London’s business community to all levels of government, contributing to sound policy, investment, and workforce development. By fostering collaboration and amplifying the voice of business, the London Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in building a competitive and inclusive economy for London and the region.
Learn more about the London Chamber of Commerce
Support for downtown business growth
Downtown London is the vibrant heart of the city, offering dynamic opportunities for businesses to thrive in a unique and growing community. With high foot traffic, excellent visibility, and a supportive network through the Downtown London Business Association, businesses are perfectly positioned to succeed. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to start a business or an established company seeking to expand, Downtown London provides invaluable resources and a collaborative environment for growth.
Learn more about how to do business in Downtown London
Service London Business: Your one-stop business portal
Looking to start, grow, or expand your business in London? Service London Business provides a single point of access for permits, licenses, zoning information and other key services to help you do business with the City.