Are Silicon Valley's Tech Giants Building a New Colonial Power Structure? Artificial intelligence evokes futuristic innovation, streamlined efficiency, and boundless progress. Yet beneath the polished interfaces and groundbreaking algorithms lurks a troubling question: has, or is AI becoming a form of modern colonialism, driven by resource exploitation, labor abuses, and environmental harm? As AI companies achieve trillion-dollar valuations and their technologies infiltrate e

Buying Local is an Act of Belief A Personal Introduction At AREA 81 , we’re building something rooted in belief — belief that rural entrepreneurship not only matters, but holds the key to our region’s future. We’re not fully established yet, but the vision is clear: a thriving, collaborative entrepreneurship and venture development ecosystem that turns bold ideas into enduring businesses, right here in Grey and Bruce (to start). Our Belief Capital campaign, and this blog pos

This is a photo of Inglis Falls in Grey County | Credit: @robertkmackey1987 Click here to see Grey Bruce news. We get it—you're busy. That's why we've put together these quick article roundups, updated weekly(ish), click on the links over there => to see what we're covering on: UN SDGs , entrepreneurship , marketing , and local news for Grey and Bruce Counties . Get the key takeaways and actionable advice you need, fast. NEW = Jul 26 update UN SDGs Forest Cuts Undermine UN S

Who are the Grey Bruce internet providers and how do you know what they offer and if they offer internet where you live or work? Updated | Jul 24/25: GBTel speedtest. That was my question when we moved back to the Grey Bruce area in July 2021. But, because this is rural Ontario there’s more to consider than just knowing who can provide Internet access to your home or business. And, just because you see a truck driving by with the name of an ISP (Internet Service Provider) it

Carbon Credits, Corporate Incentives, and Tech-Driven Sustainability: Insights from Farm Lab’s Sam Duncan and Oli Madgett

Learn what a Mafia Offer is, why jargon like this matters in startups, and how to choose the right offer type to gain traction with real-world examples.

Entrepreneurship is like navigating a complex maze filled with challenges and opportunities. For those who dare to tread this path, success often lies in adopting innovative approaches rather than relying solely on traditional methods. In this blog post, we'll delve into creative strategies that can power your entrepreneurial journey. We'll explore business growth techniques, identify the essential 5 C's of an entrepreneur, and provide actionable insights that will set you ap

Explore the latest tech boom with insights on QSBS expansion and startup exits. Discover how QSBS is reshaping investment strategies today.

In the ever-evolving landscape of commerce, Canadian entrepreneurs are on a quest for sustainable success. To navigate the complex business environment, they seek effective strategies that not only encourage growth but also foster resilience. This blog post outlines various business growth strategies tailored specifically for entrepreneurs in Canada. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refresh your approach, these insights will guide you to make informed decisions

B2B Research 2025 is for B2B entrepreneurs and their sales, marketing and operations teams.

Discover how Emily Ford, agronomist at Quattro Ventures, champions regenerative agriculture. Learn from Emily Ford's insights on sustainable farming.

In this episode (listen here) of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, Chris Herbert interviews Tom Bovingdon, founder and CEO of Infinity Network Solutions.

Key news and updates about: Grey & Bruce Counties; Entrepreneurship, Venture Development, Marketing & Sustainable Development for June 2025.

Belief capital—mentorship, trust, and support—is the missing ingredient in rural entrepreneurship. Learn how AREA 81 is helping founders turn belief into growth.

TL;DR Seventeen entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from both rural Grey Bruce and nearby cities  gathered for the first-ever AREA 81 May Day, mixing Farm-to-Fork food, innovation demos, and open conversation. The goal:  Test what’s possible when you bring diverse rural and urban talent together to shape the future of entrepreneurship in the region. What worked:  100% attendance, strong peer connections, candid feedback, and the seeds of new ideas and collaborations. What co

A roundtable discussion with experts examining the current state of early stage venture capital investing, liquidity strategies, M&A trends, and startup revenue quality.

Street Scene at Night In Owen Sound , Archives of Ontario, Open Government Licence - Ontario Owen Sound Vision 2050: A Resident & Entrepreneur's Take on Our City's Future (and its Regional Ripple) As an entrepreneur and resident deeply invested across Grey and Bruce Counties, with Port Elgin and Owen Sound being core hubs for our rural entrepreneurship and accelerator program, AREA 81 , I've been keenly following the "Future Owen Sound – Vision 2050 Strategic planning process

The Grey County Ad Advisory meeting for June 2025 covered agricultural initiatives, planning updates, and infrastructure projects affecting the farming community.

As AI accelerates the pace of innovation, even the most brilliantly engineered products can lose relevance overnight. The Dyson vs. robot vacuum story isn’t just about vacuums—it’s a warning for any builder: if the problem you’re solving is shrinking, no amount of technical magic can save you. Nate B Jones’s analysis lays out why human ingenuity must be directed at the right  challenges, especially as AI changes the game. Key Insights According to Nate, one in two vacuum clea

The First Milestone Every Entrepreneur Misses (And How We’re Fixing That in Grey Bruce) Before you build a product or write a plan, there’s one thing every entrepreneur needs: proof you’re solving a real problem. Ask most entrepreneurs when they really  started their business, and they’ll say: “When I had the idea.”Or, “When I built the thing.”Or, “When I made my first sale.” But in reality, most successful ventures start  the moment the founder gets clear on the problem they