News Round Up | June 2025

Chris Herbert
2 days ago
7 min read

We get it—you're busy. That's why we've put together these quick article roundups, updated weekly(ish), covering UN SDGs, entrepreneurship, marketing, and local news for Grey and Bruce Counties. Get the key takeaways and actionable advice you need, fast.

UN SDGs

Entrepreneurship Education Can Bridge Gap Between Universities and SDGs

The article from Times Higher Education highlights how entrepreneurship education can effectively bridge the gap between universities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It argues that by embedding entrepreneurship into their core mission, universities can become powerful engines for innovation and addressing critical global challenges. "Entrepreneurial universities" are characterized by their focus on innovation, offering specialized curricula, actively supporting new ventures, and fostering strong ties with industry.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, this indicates a growing ecosystem where academic institutions are increasingly geared towards practical, impactful solutions. Engaging with such universities could offer opportunities for collaboration, access to talent, and potentially groundbreaking research relevant to your business. Furthermore, aligning business strategies with the SDGs, as encouraged by these universities, can open doors to new markets and conscious consumer bases, while also contributing to a more sustainable future. This shift in higher education means more skilled, innovation-driven individuals entering the workforce, ready to tackle complex problems.

Date: June 9, 2025 | Source: Times Higher Education (THE)

Youth Charter Calls for Greater Cohesion in Sport for Development

The Youth Charter is advocating for stronger unity and cohesion in the "sport for development" sector to more effectively achieve the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization stresses that unified action, transparent public engagement, and cooperation across different generations are crucial for making a real, impactful difference. This initiative aims to leverage the power of sport to address broader societal challenges.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, this emphasis on "sport for development" could highlight emerging opportunities within the social enterprise sector. Businesses that align with the SDGs, especially those involving community development, health, and well-being through sports, may find increased support and avenues for impact. The call for greater cohesion also suggests potential for partnerships and collaborations among organizations working towards similar goals. Entrepreneurs in sports-related industries, or those looking to incorporate social impact into their business model, should consider how they can contribute to and benefit from this growing movement, potentially leading to new markets and funding opportunities.

Date: June 7, 2025 | Source: Zawya

Entrepreneurship and Venture Development

College-University Lab to Market Network Names National Director

The College-University Lab to Market Network, spearheaded by RRC Polytech, has appointed Nasil Nam as its first National Director. This significant move aims to bolster entrepreneurship and research commercialization across Canada. Nam will be responsible for rolling out programs that directly support researcher-entrepreneurs within the network's 38 member institutions, which include colleges, polytechnics, and universities.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, this initiative presents a valuable opportunity to connect with and potentially benefit from cutting-edge research and innovation. Nam's role will involve strengthening partnerships and enhancing the commercialization of research-based ventures across various fields, including health, STEM, social innovation, and the social sciences. This focus on translating academic research into marketable solutions could lead to new business opportunities, access to emerging technologies, and collaborative projects that drive economic growth. Keep an eye on this network for potential collaborations or insights that could benefit your business.

Date: June 5, 2025 | Source: RRC Polytech: Communications and Marketing

Futurpreneur Announces Canadian Delegation for G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Summit

Futurpreneur has announced the 2025 Canadian delegation for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance (YEA) Summit in South Africa. This year's summit will concentrate on how young entrepreneurs can foster economic resilience, diversify markets, and promote inclusive trade practices. The Canadian contingent is made up of 42 diverse and talented young entrepreneurs, notably including a strong representation of women-led and minority-owned businesses.

For aspiring and current entrepreneurs, this event highlights the global importance of youth-led innovation and the opportunities for international collaboration. The summit's focus areas directly impact the environment in which small businesses operate, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies and inclusive business models. Participating in or even following the outcomes of such summits can provide valuable insights into global economic trends and policy discussions that may influence future business landscapes. The strong representation of diverse entrepreneurs also underscores the growing recognition of varied perspectives in driving economic growth and innovation.

Date: June 4, 2025 | Source: NationTalk

Marketing, Sales and Business Development

MarTech Solutions Continue to Grow

An article from Marketing Charts reveals a significant growth in marketing technology (MarTech) solutions, now surpassing 15,000 offerings globally, although the pace of growth has somewhat slowed compared to the previous year. Despite this, the market continues to expand, with consistent growth observed across major MarTech categories. The article also touches on the churn rate within these tools, indicating that while new solutions emerge, some existing ones are also being phased out.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, this surge in MarTech solutions signifies both opportunity and complexity. While a wider array of tools can help automate tasks, personalize customer experiences, and optimize marketing efforts, it also means a more crowded and potentially confusing landscape to navigate. The key takeaway is to be strategic in your MarTech investments. Rather than chasing every new tool, focus on solutions that directly address your business's specific needs, offer clear ROI, and integrate well with your existing systems. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your chosen tools and be prepared to adapt as the market evolves, ensuring your marketing efforts remain efficient and impactful.

Date: May 30, 2025 | Source: Marketing Charts

B2B Marketers Face Economic Uncertainty

An article from Marketing Charts highlights that B2B revenue marketers are primarily challenged by economic uncertainty, which 45% of surveyed professionals identify as their biggest hurdle. This is often made worse by unrealistic expectations. The survey, which included over 500 B2B marketing professionals across the US, UK, Europe, and Asia, also pointed out other significant difficulties, including extended sales cycles, problems with engaging target audiences and identifying buying groups, challenges in lead nurturing, issues with marketing technology stacks, and complexities in data analysis.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners in the B2B space, these findings underscore the need for adaptability and strategic focus. During economic uncertainty, it's crucial to refine your sales process to navigate longer cycles and to develop robust strategies for engaging and nurturing leads. This means focusing on personalized content, demonstrating clear ROI, and leveraging your tech stack effectively to gain actionable insights from data. Prioritizing customer understanding and building resilience in your sales and marketing efforts will be key to overcoming these common challenges and securing growth in a fluctuating market.

Date: May 28, 2025 | Source: Marketing Charts

Grey and Bruce Counties

Region's Unemployment Rate Remains Second Lowest in Province

The Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region in Ontario continues to boast one of the lowest unemployment rates in the province, dropping to 3.9% in May, making it the second lowest. This positive trend is driven by an increase in overall employment, particularly within the goods-producing sector. While the services-producing sector experienced a slight decrease in employment, the overall regional job market remains robust.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners in this region, or those considering expansion into it, these statistics signal a strong and stable economic environment. A low unemployment rate often means a healthy consumer base and a competitive, though potentially challenging, labor market. Businesses in the goods-producing sector may find particular opportunities for growth. Conversely, businesses in the services sector might need to strategically adapt to the slight downturn noted. Understanding these regional economic dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions about hiring, investment, and market targeting, ultimately supporting sustainable business growth.

Date: June 9, 2025 | Source: Owen Sound Sun Times

Ontario Approves Funding for Regional Transit in Grey, Bruce, Dufferin

The Ontario government has greenlit funding for a regional transit service spanning Grey, Bruce, and Dufferin counties, injecting $9.495 million from the Ontario Transit Investment Fund. This initiative aims to establish integrated, coordinated, and sustainable public transportation in these rural areas, with Southgate Mayor Brian Milne highlighting its potential to boost community involvement. The funding will ensure the continuation of Route 2 between Dundalk and Orangeville and integrate all transit services across the three counties into one comprehensive network.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners in Grey, Bruce, and Dufferin, this investment in regional transit offers significant opportunities. Improved transportation can broaden your customer base by making your business more accessible to residents across the region. It also enhances workforce mobility, potentially widening your talent pool and making it easier for employees to commute. Businesses relying on the movement of goods or services within these areas might also see logistical improvements. This development signals a commitment to regional connectivity, which can foster economic growth and create a more dynamic environment for local enterprises.

Date: June 7, 2025 | Source: Owen Sound Sun Times

Owen Sound and District Chamber Hands Out Business Excellence Awards

The Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated local business achievements by presenting its annual Business Excellence Awards across 14 categories. Notably, European Bakery Cafe and Sugar Dust Baking were recognized with the prestigious Business of the Year awards, highlighting their significant contributions and excellence within the community.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, events like these underscore the importance of local recognition and community engagement. Winning or even being nominated for such awards can provide valuable public validation, boost brand credibility, and attract new customers. It also emphasizes the value of continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and innovative practices in achieving business success. These awards serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of local businesses, offering inspiration and setting benchmarks for others striving for excellence in their respective fields. Engaging with your local Chamber of Commerce can also open doors to networking opportunities and community support.

Date: June 6, 2025 | Source: Owen Sound Sun Times

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.