As part of the Southwest Middlesex vision and mission, one of the key strategic priorities is economic vitality with a focus on planning for marketing and developing assets for continuing economic growth. Our supportive municipal government continues to take steps in progressively building programs that contribute to our overall attractiveness as a place where people want to invest and do business. We welcome you to our community.
Business Welcome Guide
Welcome to Southwest Middlesex! We love seeing new residents and businesses move in and we are here to help make your transition smooth. We understand the challenges associated with a business opening and want to make sure you have all of the information and resources that you need to navigate the process successfully. Below you will find our Business Welcome Guide containing general information about the area and services provided. Topics covered include:
- Community Profile
- Municipal Organization
- Important Departments and Contacts
- Zoning & Construction Requirements
- Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Information
- Business Licensing, including Liquor Licensing
- Business Resources Information
- Municipal Services & Utilities
- When you Need to see us at the Municipal Office
Business Directory
Invest in Middlesex hosts a business directory for all of Middlesex County. We encourage all Southwest Middlesex business owners to register their business in this directory for great exposure locally and beyond.
Economic Snapshot of Southwest Middlesex - Population, Housing, Labour Force and Local Economy
Southwest Middlesex is currently experiencing growth through new housing starts. We continue to look into opportunities to diversify our existing housing stock and traditionally, Southwest Middlesex has enjoyed significantly lower housing market prices. We have a labour force of approximately 3,100. Our labour force is relatively strong with unemployment rates lower than the provincial average.
The key economic drivers in Southwest Middlesex with respect to job growth are in the areas of Health Care and Social Assistance, Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation and Warehousing and Accommodation and Food Services while key economic drivers in respect to revenue generation are in Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing, Farms, Utility System Construction and Agriculture, Construction and Mining Machinery Manufacturing.
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Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
As part of the Southwest Middlesex vision and mission, one of the key strategic priorities is, ‘economic vitality with a focus on planning for marketing and developing assets for continuing economic growth’. That is the reason that council pursued the development of a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) with goals to:
• Retain and support existing businesses;
• Attract new investment, partnerships, and funding to the community;
• Reduce the number of vacant or under-utilized or non-performing buildings and properties;
• Promote Southwest Middlesex’s agricultural heritage and character;
• Revitalize local streetscapes and gateways into the community to create a vibrant and stimulating public realm that attracts outside people and businesses; and,
• Increase opportunities for attainable housing options.
The Southwest Middlesex CIP (adopted June 23, 2021) will be a key planning tool in guiding community improvement activities in existing businesses and will assist in maintaining Southwest Middlesex as a desirable place to live and work. Having a CIP for the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex provides a supportive environment for existing businesses but also improves the ‘First impression’ of Southwest Middlesex, creating a positive investment climate for additional employment and business opportunities.
See the details of the council approved Community Improvement Plan adopted June 23, 2021
The Intake period for applications is February 1 to February 21 annually except Signage Improvement Grants which are accepted year round for work that can be completed within the calendar year. If you are ready to apply, download the application and other important information about the available programs:
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Brochure 
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Application Form Check the full Community Improvement Plan to see if you are in the CIP area. Applications accepted between February 1 & 21 yearly except Signage Improvement Grants which are accepted year round for work that can be completed within the calendar year. - Click here for a printable pdf of the CIP application form  |
Additional Business Support Organizations
Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) Business Help Centre
The CFDC is a great organization that offers a range of small business supports including:
- Business Consulting & Planning
- Community Economic Development
- Small Business Financing
- Workshops
Invest in Middlesex
- Community Economic Development
- Promotion and support of local business
- Workshops
Available Real Estate
Invest in Middlesex is your source for searching available commercial and industrial properties throughout Middlesex County. Searching can be refined to Southwest Middlesex to find out what properties we have to offer in our community. If you would like to list a property through this database, you can contact us or go directly through the Invest in Middlesex office.
Learn about Local Businesses Operating in Southwest Middlesex
Enjoy videos of local businesses including Halide Emulsion Labs, Fulline Farm Equipment , Sabbe Tree Farm and more provided courtesy of Invest in Middlesex - these are just a small sample of the great businesses found within Southwest Middlesex.