ICCC's interactive session on Opportunities in Chatham-Kent

An interactive session on Chatham-Kent and the Chatham-Kent Business Ventures Program co-hosted by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent region drew an enthusiastic response from entrepreneurs and professionals in the Greater Toronto Area.

The event was organized November 14 at the Grand Victorian Convention Centre in Mississauga.

The evening’s highlight was a presentation by officials from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and a special address by Alok Goel, President OMTEC Inc., and a long-time member of the Chamber; He narrated his positive experiences as an investor in Chatham-Kent.

Speaking on the occasion, D. P. Jain, Vice President & Director, Finance, ICCC, emphasized that the ICCC is committed to forging new links with the third tier of the government – the cities.

“Today’s program is a part of our Chamber’s thrust to engage smaller urban areas, which is the third tier of the government. It is in consonance with our approach to promote the cause of small businesses. Small businesses operate in smaller urban centres. So, when we promote one, we necessarily promote the other,” Jain said.

The program was held during Global Entrepreneurship Week, which takes place from November 12 to 18. In his remarks, DP Jain said, “Our Chamber encourages and facilitates entrepreneurship because many of our members are first - generation, first-time entrepreneurs.”

Chatham-Kent was represented by Geoff Wright, Economic Development Officer, Business Development; Audrey Ansell, Coordinator, Youth Retention and Immigration; and Katrina Moir, Marketing and Content, Newcomer Attraction.

During her presentation, Audrey Ansell emphasized that Chatham-Kent’s geographical location makes it especially conducive to business, and among the many advantages are the several border crossings that it offers to the United States. “Chatham-Kent offers access to 25 million people within a four hour drive and over 125 million people within a day’s drive,” she said. In addition, housing costs are attractively low and the low density of population makes for an easy commute.

Geoff Wright said the local government offers investment support to people from the GTA to relocate to Chatham-Kent. Entrepreneurs considering relocation to the area will find investment opportunities in areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy & resources, value-added agriculture and Tourism investment.  Chatham-Kent is positioned well for entry into the North American market and export markets to India and China. Chatham-Kent offers low business cost, low cost investment location and offers best in class services to support business this is called the ‘CK Advantage’.

Katrina Moir showcased the Chatham-Kent’s Business Ventures Program, which will launch soon. The program offers online matchmaking services between investors and Chatham-Kent based business owners wishing to sell their business, and lists investment opportunities available in Chatham-Kent. This will help open new vistas for investment in Chatham-Kent.

Addressing the gathering, Alok Goel, who moved his operations from an 1800 sq. ft. unit in Mississauga to 10,000 sq. ft. unit in Chatham Kent recently, listed the many advantages of the region, among these are the government assistance to kick start the project, lower property taxes and availability of human resources.

A lengthy Q&A session followed the formal presentations.

For more information on opportunities in Chatham-Kent, please contact

Geoff Wright: geoffw@chatham-kent.ca

Audrey Ansell: Audrey.ansell@chatham-kent.ca

Katrina Moir: Katrina.moir@chatham-kent.ca