News Round Up | July 2025
- Chris Herbert
- Jul 25
- 14 min read
Updated: Jul 30
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 Sustainability Goals in Agriculture
Farmers across the U.S. are voicing concern over accelerated forest conservation program cuts, which limit access to funding for sustainable land use—directly conflicting with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 13: Climate Action). Reduced support constrains reforestation, soil health efforts, and biodiversity protections, compounding existing labor shortages.
Actionable Insight: Agri-businesses and policymakers must advocate for restored forest program funding as a critical pillar of sustainable and resilient food systems. | Read more
Soil Health, Farmer-Led Innovation, and the Road to Net Zero
Reflections from Groundswell 2025 highlight how regenerative agriculture, soil health monitoring, and farmer-led innovation are accelerating progress toward key UN SDGs—especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Practical sessions emphasized low-input systems, biodiversity restoration, and the need for tools like carbon calculators to track and reduce on-farm emissions.
Actionable Insight: Agri-entrepreneurs should invest in soil data, regenerative practices, and carbon auditing to align with environmental goals and emerging funding opportunities. | Read more
Canada Launches Wildfire Innovation Hub to Boost Climate Resilience
The federal government has launched the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC), a national innovation and knowledge hub focused on wildfire technology and management. Backed by $11.7M over four years, WRCC supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by integrating Indigenous fire stewardship, scientific research, and emerging tech like autonomous drones to improve wildfire prevention and response.
Actionable Insight: Climate-tech entrepreneurs should engage with WRCC initiatives to access funding, pilot programs, and partnerships focused on wildfire resilience. | Read more
Staples Trade-In Program Supports Circular Economy and Affordability
Staples Canada’s new electronics trade-in program allows customers to swap used devices for e-gift cards, reducing e-waste while making back-to-school tech more affordable. Partnering with Allstate and TerraCycle, Staples supports UN SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through certified recycling, refurbishment, and reuse. It’s also part of broader community efforts, including tech-enabled health equity through the Even the Odds initiative.
Actionable Insight: Businesses can align sustainability with consumer incentives by embedding circular economy models into sales and service strategies. | Read more
Microsoft Bets Big on Carbon Removal with XPRIZE Startup Vaulted Deep
Microsoft has committed to purchasing 1.6 million metric tons of carbon removal from Vaulted Deep, an XPRIZE finalist using organic waste injection into deep wells. This marks one of the largest carbon removal deals to date and reinforces Microsoft's climate pledge to be carbon negative by 2030.
Actionable Insight: Climate-conscious companies should explore partnerships with innovative carbon removal startups to meet ESG goals and gain strategic sustainability advantages. | Read more
Oh No, I Betrayed America
Former CIA analyst Martin Gurri reflects on being labeled a traitor for criticizing America's intelligence and foreign policy establishment. Gurri argues that transparency—not blind loyalty—is what the country truly needs.
Actionable Insight: Leaders should foster cultures where truth-telling and critical thinking are seen as patriotic acts—not threats to authority. | Read more
The Two-Bedroom Trap: Housing Design’s Hidden Barrier to Growing Families
Restrictive zoning and cost-driven condo design have flooded cities with two-bedroom units, pushing growing families out or into cramped quarters, eroding school enrolment and neighbourhood diversity.
Actionable Insight: Developers and advocates should lobby for inclusionary-zoning amendments and density bonuses that guarantee a share of three-bedroom units in every new multifamily project. | Read more
Rethinking Urban Green Spaces: Equity and Environmental Justice in City Planning
Mapping 50 U.S. cities shows low-income and racialized blocks hold 42 % less high-quality parkland, amplifying heat stress and asthma. Researchers propose an “equitable green-access index” to steer climate funds and track progress.
Actionable Insight: Municipal budget teams should allocate tree-planting and park upgrades by the index so nature-poor neighbourhoods receive first investment and rapid-build shade structures. | Read more
Entrepreneurship and Venture Development
CX Leaders Outpace Rivals in Growth and Resilience
Companies with mature customer experience (CX) practices grow revenue 3.3x faster and are 26x more likely to exceed financial targets, according to Medallia research. These CX leaders prioritize real-time feedback, integrate AI/ML tools, and empower frontline teams to act on insights. Lagging firms struggle with fragmented systems and siloed data, stalling customer satisfaction gains.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and marketers should embed CX analytics into daily operations and prioritize cross-functional data sharing to drive growth and loyalty. | Read more
Tariffs, Cuts, and AI: Canada Faces Pressure on All Fronts
Trump escalates economic pressure with new 35% tariffs on Canadian imports, citing questionable justifications and intensifying trade uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ottawa braces for deep public sector cuts under new Clerk Michael Sabia, who’s calling for sharper focus and accountability. Build Canada launched Ontario Spends, empowering citizens with clear provincial budget data. On a brighter note, Canada boosts AI innovation with $100M in funding for Scale AI projects driving industry efficiencies.
Actionable Insight: Business leaders should prepare for tariff volatility, leverage open government data tools, and explore AI partnerships to increase operational resilience. | Read more
OMERS Ventures Refocuses on Canadian Startups Amid Strategic Shift
OMERS Ventures is doubling down on Canadian investments following leadership changes and the exit of several global team members. With a renewed domestic mandate, the firm aims to back early-stage Canadian startups more aggressively, especially in sectors like fintech, healthtech, and climate tech.
Actionable Insight: Canadian founders should seize this moment to pitch locally, as OMERS’ sharpened focus could mean increased capital access and ecosystem support for homegrown innovation. | Read more
Canadian Founders Face Tougher Terms, Higher Personal Risk
Canadian startup founders often face steep personal financial risk—averaging $347K in bankruptcy costs—due to investor-favored deal structures and a lack of founder protections. Katherine Homuth’s proposed “founder constitution” aims to rebalance terms, while others call for founder-friendly funding mechanisms like U.S.-style SAFE agreements. Without these shifts, Canada risks discouraging repeat entrepreneurship.
Actionable Insight: Founders should push for standardized, protective deal structures and advocate for diversified, low-risk capital sources to sustain long-term innovation. | Read more
From Vetocracy to Velocity? C-5 Sparks Tensions, Innovation, and Housing Contrasts
Build Canada critiques Canada’s slow project development culture, highlighting the controversial rollout of Bill C-5, which aims to fast-track national-interest infrastructure by bypassing bureaucratic barriers. However, Indigenous leaders voiced frustration over poor consultation. Meanwhile, a proposed capital gains reform and new tax tools aim to drive investment retention. On housing, Edmonton surges with flexible zoning, while Toronto’s stalled condo market risks losing federal subsidies.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should watch zoning flexibility and policy shifts to time investments and engage early in regulatory processes. | Read more
Startup Jargon Isn’t the Problem—Lack of Context Is
In this Mi6 post, AREA 81 cofounding member, Chris Herbert defends the use of “jargon” like Lean Canvas or Mafia Offer, arguing these are vital tools—not fluff—for early-stage growth. The real issue? Failing to explain them in context. He outlines 7 proven offer types—from Concierge MVPs to Pre-order Offers—that entrepreneurs can use to validate ideas, create urgency, and build traction.
Actionable Insight: Use tested offer frameworks—but explain them clearly to team members, partners, and investors unfamiliar with the startup lexicon. | Read more
OpenAI Unveils Advanced ChatGPT Agent for Complex Business Tasks
OpenAI’s upgraded ChatGPT agent handles complex workflows like research, scheduling, and analysis—freeing teams from repetitive tasks and boosting productivity.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and teams should explore how task-based AI agents can streamline operations, freeing up time for strategy and creative problem-solving. | Read more
BDC and RBC Partner to Expand Loan Access for Entrepreneurs
BDC and RBC are expanding loan guarantees for Canadian entrepreneurs, enabling easier access to growth capital through the High-Growth Financing Envelope.
Actionable Insight: Founders should explore this new financing channel to accelerate growth—especially if traditional lending has been a barrier. | Read more
Escapees to Bluesky
Disillusioned users are leaving Twitter (X) for decentralized platforms like Bluesky, seeking safer, more values-aligned spaces for digital community building.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs building communities should prioritize trust, transparency, and user agency to attract and retain principled early adopters. | Read more
The Drag We Never Knew We Needed
Darren Reiniger reframes “friction” as a necessary force in business, enabling alignment, feedback, and traction. Too little resistance leads to chaos; the right amount drives growth.
Actionable Insight: Audit your business “friction points” and distinguish between healthy resistance (alignment, reflection) and harmful drag (inefficiency). | Read more
Canadian Tech Leaders Urge Founders to Set Boundaries and Define Success on Their Own Terms
At Homecoming, a Canadian tech event, top founders and investors emphasized the importance of learning to say “no”—to burnout, unsustainable scaling, and external definitions of success. Speakers like Michele Romanow and Eva Wong stressed prioritizing mental health, setting values-based goals, and challenging hustle culture norms.
Actionable Insight: Founders should codify personal and organizational boundaries early—such as max work hours or revenue vs. impact trade-offs—to build ventures that last. | Read more
Drive Capital’s Second Act: Doubling Down on the Midwest After a Breakup
After the departure of co-founder Chris Olsen, Drive Capital sharpened its focus on Midwest-based startups, raising $1B across new funds. Success stories like Duolingo and Olive AI prove the region’s VC viability. By leaning into founder relationships and local roots, Drive is reasserting itself as a top-tier non-coastal firm.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs outside tech hubs should seek regional VCs prioritizing relationship capital and domain proximity over trend-chasing. | Read more
Resilience Over Revenue: What’s Driving Today’s Small Business Owners
GoDaddy’s 2025 survey shows 73 % of founders equate success with autonomy and fulfilment over raw revenue; 64 % remain optimistic, leaning on AI chatbots, local sourcing, and side-hustle diversification.
Actionable Insight: Advisors should position offerings around flexibility—modular SaaS, usage-based financing, and purpose-driven branding—to mirror founders’ values-first priorities. | Read more
Scaling a Business Without Burning Out: A Founder’s Framework for Sustainable Growth
Tanish Shenoy shares actionable strategies for entrepreneurs juggling business and personal development: embrace “lazy learning” via podcasts during daily tasks, read just 10 pages a day for ongoing insight, conduct weekly “brain dumps” to reduce stress, swap YouTube distractions for learning channels, and build a “growth buddy” network. Small, consistent habits create compound growth without overwhelming your schedule.
Actionable Insight: Layer personal growth into everyday routines for lasting entrepreneurial resilience. | Read more
Different Kinds of Smart: Leveraging Cognitive Diversity
Collab Fund identifies six intelligences—analytical, pattern, curiosity, emotional, probabilistic, discipline—each dominant at different venture stages; over-hiring one type breeds blind spots and slower pivots.
Actionable Insight: Build a cognitive matrix linking roadmap phases to the “smart” style required, then recruit or rotate talent so every milestone has its ideal thinker. | Read more
Marketing, Sales and Business Development
Canadian Manufacturing Needs a Digital Wake-Up Call
Paul Hogendoorn warns that Canadian manufacturers risk falling behind without urgent adoption of modern technology and data-driven practices. He stresses the need to move beyond buzzwords like “Industry 4.0” and focus on practical implementation—such as leveraging real-time data, integrating lean principles, and empowering frontline workers with meaningful insights.
Actionable Insight: Business leaders must champion digital literacy and invest in simple, scalable tech solutions to remain globally competitive. | Read more
“Algorithm-Proofing” Your Content Strategy
Justin Moore outlines how creators can “algorithm-proof” their business by focusing on audience ownership rather than platform dependency. He recommends building email lists, selling evergreen products, and using content to drive community and conversion—not just reach. As algorithms shift unpredictably, resilient creators invest in value-driven funnels and direct relationships.Actionable Insight: Marketers and founders should prioritize owned channels (like email) and build diversified revenue streams to safeguard against algorithm disruptions. | Read more
The 5 Activities of Successful Salespeople
Top salespeople don’t rely on charisma—they follow disciplined, repeatable behaviors. Five key activities include prospecting, qualifying, advancing deals, following up, and learning from feedback.
Actionable Insight: Audit your sales process against these five behaviors—then implement daily rituals to reinforce consistency and boost performance. | Read more
Effective Prospecting: The Cornerstone of Sales Success
Effective prospecting is proactive, targeted, and consistent. High-performing reps dedicate daily time, research prospects, and use multi-channel approaches to build trust early.
Actionable Insight: Block dedicated time daily for focused, high-quality prospecting—and treat it as a non-negotiable growth activity. | Read more
Marketers Lead in Customer Journey Visibility, but CRM Adoption Still Lags
46% of marketers report full visibility into the customer journey—far ahead of sales and customer success. Yet CRM usage remains fragmented, driven more by habit than strategic fit.
Actionable Insight: Audit your CRM usage and selection criteria—optimize for journey alignment, not just past experience. | Read more
CROs and CSOs Eclipse CMOs in Customer Growth Leadership
Customer Activation and Growth roles are shifting toward revenue-focused titles like Chief Revenue Officers and Chief Sales Officers, while Chief Marketing Officers hires decline. Gender diversity is also slipping as a result.
Actionable Insight: Marketing leaders should evolve toward revenue alignment and cross-functional growth strategies to stay relevant. | Read more
Experience Over Everything: B2B Tech Buyers Trust Their Gut (and Past Vendors)
A new TrustRadius report shows 52% of B2B tech buyers rely most on their own prior experience—surpassing demos, reviews, and even free trials. While price remains the top purchase driver, repeat exposure and trust matter more than ever. With AI playing a growing role in content discovery, marketers should prioritize transparent pricing and amplify testimonials from return customers.
Actionable Insight: Focus on retention, user experience, and case studies to stay top of mind between buying cycles. | Read more
Millennials and Gen Z Want Brands That Do More Than Sell
A new survey finds 79% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z want brands to take clear social stands. Authenticity, diversity, and sustainable practices are now baseline expectations. These cohorts also reward brands that engage in two-way dialogue and show cultural fluency—not just polished ads.
Actionable Insight: Brands targeting younger consumers should embed values into operations, not just campaigns, and create participatory content to foster real-time engagement. | Read more
Driving SMB Growth with Empathy and Data: Insights from Google’s Elana Chan
Google’s SMB marketing chief says growth now hinges on pairing AI-powered audience insights with human storytelling. Her playbook: weekly creative sprints, short-form video “moments,” and inclusive language that mirrors customer values.
Actionable Insight: Deploy Performance Max or similar AI suites to auto-generate assets, then refine copy in a human voice to raise click-through and lifetime value together. | Read more
Grey and Bruce Counties
Owen Sound Loosens STR Rules in Downtown Core
Owen Sound council has approved removing both the principal residence requirement and 180-day rental cap for short-term rentals (STRs) in properties zoned Core Commercial (C1), opening downtown to more non-owner-occupied Airbnbs. The move follows a year-long review showing minimal complaints from licensed operators and aligns with tourism and economic development goals. Council declined to extend the same rule changes to waterfront zones.
Actionable Insight: Local property investors and tourism-based entrepreneurs should explore C1-zoned downtown opportunities as STR licensing becomes more flexible. | Read more
Owen Sound Greenlights Zoning for New Catholic High School
Owen Sound council has approved a zoning bylaw amendment to enable construction of a new Catholic high school on 28th Avenue East—the first project to connect to city services extended in 2017 to spur east-side growth. The $36M, 1,012-student facility will replace the overcapacity St. Mary’s and is expected to drive further residential and commercial development in the Sydenham Heights area.
Actionable Insight: Local developers and service providers should anticipate new demand near the school site and explore opportunities in this newly serviced growth corridor. | Read more
Owen Sound Adjusts Budget Process to Comply with Strong Mayor Legislation
Owen Sound has revised its budget planning process to comply with Ontario’s “strong mayor” legislation, despite council and Mayor Ian Boddy opposing the powers in principle. The mayor now holds sole authority to propose the budget, with limited timelines for council review, amendments, and possible veto override. Other powers have been delegated back to staff and council, preserving local governance norms where possible.
Actionable Insight: Local business and civic leaders should monitor mayoral budget proposals closely, as this centralized authority could accelerate or redirect infrastructure and investment priorities. | Read more
Bruce County Municipalities Shift Fire Dispatch to St. Catharines
Municipalities like South Bruce Peninsula are outsourcing fire dispatch to St. Catharines, raising concerns over response times and reducing local contract revenue for Owen Sound.
Actionable Insight: Local business owners should monitor emergency response changes, especially if operations depend on timely municipal services. | Read more
Report Exposes Reintegration Barriers for Former Inmates in Grey-Bruce
A local report reveals key barriers facing former inmates—housing, ID access, and stigma—urging stronger cross-sector support and community-based reintegration programs.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and local leaders can support reintegration by creating inclusive hiring practices and collaborating with social service initiatives. | Read more
South Bruce Peninsula Backs Proposed Solar Farm Near Allenford
The town has endorsed a 200-acre solar project aiming to produce 100 megawatts. It aligns with Ontario’s green energy goals and may bring local economic benefits.
Actionable Insight: Local businesses should explore partnership or service opportunities tied to the clean energy sector as rural renewable projects gain traction. | Read more
Owen Sound Calls for Community Dialogue on Public Drug Use
In response to rising concerns over public drug use, Owen Sound is convening a stakeholder meeting to discuss harm reduction, public safety, and support services. Officials aim to balance compassion with community standards, bringing together health providers, police, business owners, and residents for joint problem-solving.
Actionable Insight: Local businesses should engage early in these discussions to help shape pragmatic policies that support both public health and downtown vibrancy. | Read more
MIFF 2025 Lineup Blends Global Cinema with Small-Town Spirit
The Meaford International Film Festival (MIFF) returns with a diverse 2025 lineup, including international features, documentaries, and panel discussions that bring global issues to local audiences. With strong community sponsorship and post-film socials, MIFF continues to boost Meaford’s cultural profile and tourism economy.
Actionable Insight: Local businesses should leverage MIFF’s draw through pop-ups, partnerships, or themed promotions that tap into the festival’s engaged, culturally curious audience. | Read more
Bruce Power’s Community Vision Ties Energy Investment to Local Prosperity
Bruce Power’s “Community Matters” initiative outlines a long-term strategy that links clean energy production with regional development. Investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and Indigenous partnerships aim to ensure nuclear innovation directly benefits surrounding communities. The plan emphasizes transparency, job creation, and environmental responsibility.
Actionable Insight: Local businesses should explore supplier opportunities or co-develop community programs aligned with Bruce Power’s regional investment themes. | Read more
Bruce Peninsula Braces for Summer Surge as Park Visits Climb
Parks Canada staff anticipate another record-setting summer on the Bruce Peninsula, urging visitors to plan ahead due to capacity limits, parking shortages, and fragile ecosystems. Increased tourism boosts local business but strains infrastructure and conservation efforts, prompting tighter visitor management and educational outreach.
Actionable Insight: Tourism operators should align with Parks Canada messaging, offer shuttle or off-peak packages, and prepare for sustainability-minded travellers seeking low-impact experiences. | Read more
Owen Sound’s Historic Black Church Reopens as a Cultural Beacon
The reopening of Owen Sound’s British Methodist Episcopal Church—central to the Underground Railroad legacy—marks a milestone in preserving Black Canadian heritage. Restoration was driven by local volunteers and historians, reaffirming the site’s role in education and reconciliation. Its revival now anchors community tours and cultural programming.
Actionable Insight: Heritage tourism operators and educators can build partnerships around restored cultural landmarks to deepen storytelling and attract values-driven visitors. | Read more
Pride Celebrations in Grey-Bruce Emphasize Inclusion Beyond Urban Centres
Owen Sound and surrounding Grey-Bruce communities hosted vibrant Pride events, underscoring the growing visibility and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents in rural Ontario. Organizers emphasized safety, allyship, and year-round inclusion—not just symbolic celebrations. Local businesses, schools, and municipal leaders played key roles in expanding participation.
Actionable Insight: Rural entrepreneurs and civic leaders can boost community engagement by aligning with inclusive events that reflect evolving local demographics and values. | Read more
Sauble Sign Change Marks a Bold Reclaiming of Indigenous Identity
On Canada Day, Saugeen First Nation replaced the iconic “Welcome to Sauble Beach” sign with “Welcome to Sauble: Home of the Chippewas of Saugeen.” The change asserts sovereignty over disputed land while promoting cultural visibility. It also coincides with heightened tourism, sparking dialogue on reconciliation and territorial recognition.
Actionable Insight: Tourism businesses and municipalities should collaborate with Indigenous communities on branding and land use to foster trust and cultural alignment. | Read more
Legal Expertise Meets Leadership as Nawash Elects New Chief
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation has elected retired legal scholar Deborah McGregor as chief, marking a shift toward rights-based governance rooted in both Indigenous law and environmental justice. Her background promises strong advocacy in land stewardship, treaty interpretation, and intergovernmental relations.
Actionable Insight: Organizations working with Indigenous communities should prepare for more legally grounded, sovereignty-focused negotiations—prioritizing relationship-building and shared decision-making frameworks. | Read more
Meaford’s Growth Spurt: Opportunity with Growing Pains
Meaford, Ontario is surging: $100 M post-pandemic builds, new eateries, and marquee festivals lift footfall, yet wastewater capacity, rising housing costs, and limited commercial inventory threaten momentum if upgrades lag.
Actionable Insight: Secure downtown space early, sequence launches with scheduled infrastructure expansions, and partner with heritage events to earn local trust as growth accelerates. | Read more
About These Roundups
In today's fast-paced world, staying on top of the latest news and insights is crucial for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those thinking about starting their own businesses. That's why we've curated these concise article summaries. Our goal is to cut through the noise, helping you quickly grasp vital information, key takeaways, and actionable advice that can directly benefit your venture, all without having to sift through lengthy articles yourself.
We diligently monitor and select articles covering essential topics like UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), entrepreneurship and venture development, marketing, sales and business development, and specific economic and community insights relevant to Grey and Bruce Counties. We update these roundups (mostly) weekly throughout the month, ensuring you have fresh perspectives and timely information to help you navigate the business landscape.
