News Round Up | June 2025
- Chris Herbert
- Jun 29
- 15 min read
Updated: Jul 1
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.
Updated: Jul 1/25
Listen to a summary of this months news with AI Amy and Ian. NOTE: They refer to me staring a new firm called Belief Capital. This is not accurate (lesson in AI). I've introduced the concept of Belief Capital and it will be infused in to AREA 81.
UN SDGs
NEW | Treating Mental Health Through Nature-Based Therapy
MyEscarpment explores how programs across Ontario are using nature therapy to support mental health, particularly for youth, veterans, and individuals facing trauma. Activities like forest walks, gardening, and wildlife interaction are proving effective in reducing anxiety and fostering resilience—especially when paired with professional support.
Actionable Insight: Health-focused entrepreneurs and community leaders should explore integrating nature-based interventions into care models to enhance accessibility and holistic mental wellness outcomes. | Read more
NEW | How to Overcome Cost Barriers in Fleet Electrification
Geotab outlines strategies to reduce the upfront and operational costs of transitioning to electric fleets, including leveraging telematics for right-sizing vehicles, optimizing charging infrastructure, and accessing government incentives. Real-world data is key to identifying high-ROI electrification opportunities and reducing total cost of ownership.
Actionable Insight: Fleet operators and logistics managers should use data-driven assessments to phase in EVs strategically, focusing first on high-usage, short-range routes to maximize savings. | Read more
NEW | Reforestation Planning: Key Steps for Long-Term Success
ArborGen outlines critical next steps for successful reforestation, including defining objectives (e.g., timber vs. conservation), assessing site conditions, selecting appropriate seedlings, and securing orders early to avoid shortages. The guide also emphasizes post-planting care and monitoring for optimal tree survival and growth.
Actionable Insight: Landowners and environmental project managers should treat reforestation as a phased, strategic process—early planning and species alignment are essential to maximize ecological and economic outcomes. | Read more
EU 2040 Climate Target Could Reignite Global Carbon Market Activity
The voluntary carbon market is eyeing the EU’s soon-to-be-released 2040 greenhouse gas reduction target as a potential catalyst for renewed momentum, particularly under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Clearer signals from the EU could legitimize international carbon trading and stimulate demand, especially if aligned with robust compliance frameworks.
Actionable Insight: Climate-focused businesses should monitor EU policy shifts closely to position themselves early in emerging cross-border carbon credit markets. | Read more
Decentralized AI: A Counter to Big Tech Dominance
Techdirt argues that centralized AI isn't inevitable, spotlighting the growing momentum behind open-source and decentralized AI models. The piece critiques concentration risks—bias, surveillance, and market control—associated with AI monopolies, and highlights grassroots efforts like open-weight models and federated learning as viable, democratizing alternatives.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and developers should explore decentralized AI frameworks to build trust, reduce dependency on major platforms, and unlock collaborative innovation. | Read more
Rethinking Big Ag: Industrial Farming Undermines a Healthy America
This Hill opinion piece argues that industrial agriculture—dominated by a few corporations—is failing to deliver on public health, sustainability, and economic resilience. It critiques heavy subsidies, poor nutrition outcomes, and environmental costs, while advocating for investment in diversified, regional food systems that support farmers and consumer well-being.
Actionable Insight: Food entrepreneurs and policymakers should shift focus from scale to sustainability by supporting local supply chains and regenerative practices. | Read more
UN Resident Coordinators Positioned as Global Financing Catalysts
UN Resident Coordinators (RCs) are increasingly seen as crucial facilitators in mobilizing financing for sustainable development. Acting as "dealmakers," they bridge governments, investors, and multilateral institutions to fund solutions aligned with the SDGs. Their local knowledge and diplomatic leverage enable them to unlock both public and private capital, particularly in underfunded regions.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and development leaders should engage with RCs as strategic partners to access localized funding channels and impact-driven investment networks. | Read more
Entrepreneurship Education: A Catalyst for University-SDG Alignment
Fernando Reimers argues that integrating entrepreneurship education across universities is essential to aligning academic missions with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Entrepreneurial universities foster interdisciplinary innovation, support community engagement, and equip students to tackle societal challenges. Moving beyond business schools, this education model promotes SDG-aligned problem-solving and relevance in research, teaching, and impact.
Actionable Insight: University leaders and educators should embed entrepreneurship education institution-wide to enhance innovation capacity and societal contribution. | Read more
Youth Charter Urges Unified Sport-for-Development Strategy for SDGs
The Youth Charter is calling for greater cohesion among stakeholders in sport-for-development to effectively support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Highlighting fragmented efforts and duplicated initiatives, the organization advocates for a coordinated framework that leverages sport’s potential to address education, health, peace, and employment. A unified approach would maximize impact and funding efficiency across Africa and globally.
Actionable Insight: NGOs and social enterprises should align with collective sport-for-development frameworks to enhance SDG impact and attract strategic partnerships. | Read more
Climate Change Threatens Ontario’s Agriculture and Food Systems
The Ontario Farmland Trust warns that climate change is endangering the province’s food systems, with rising temperatures, extreme weather, and soil degradation disrupting crop yields and farm viability. The report urges stronger farmland protection, climate-resilient practices, and policy support to sustain agricultural productivity and local food security.
Actionable Insight: Agri-entrepreneurs and policymakers must invest in adaptive infrastructure, regenerative farming, and land-use planning to future-proof food systems against climate risks. | Read more
Entrepreneurship and Venture Development
NEW | Geotab Joins Canadian Unicorn Club Amid Fleet Tech Boom
Geotab, a global fleet management firm based in Ontario, has quietly surpassed a $1B valuation, becoming Canada’s latest tech unicorn. Serving over 50,000 customers, the company credits its success to profitability, strategic global expansion, and surging demand for telematics data across logistics, insurance, and smart city applications.
Actionable Insight: B2B tech firms should prioritize scalable SaaS models and build sector-specific data tools to meet evolving enterprise needs and unlock long-term valuation growth. | Read more
NEW | Belief Capital: Fueling Rural Entrepreneurs Beyond the Pitch
Drawing from four years in Hawk’s Nest and Dragon’s Den, the Chris Herbert emphasizes that belief capital—mentorship, trust, and community—is more critical than financial capital for early-stage entrepreneurs. AREA 81 addresses this by offering regular pitch opportunities, founder support, and venture-building resources in rural ecosystems.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should prioritize ecosystems that provide continuous feedback and support, while mentors and investors should invest time, not just money, to drive founder growth. | Read more
NEW | Entrepreneurs Pitch Bold Ideas at 2025 Hawk’s Nest in Hanover
At the 2025 Hawk’s Nest pitch competition, six entrepreneurs vied for funding with standout ideas like a dog-friendly brewery, a mobile spa, and a rural creative hub. Over $36K was awarded, with top funding going to Woof ’N Brews—a pet-inclusive taproom concept from Walkerton.
Actionable Insight: Rural founders can unlock capital by tailoring lifestyle-driven ventures to niche local markets and pitching with strong community alignment and experiential appeal. | Read more & read out post on Belief Capital
NEW | Mental Models Every Agribusiness Leader Should Master
Upstream Ag presents 33 mental models tailored for modern agribusiness decision-makers, ranging from first-principles thinking to opportunity cost and inversion. These frameworks help leaders cut through complexity, improve strategic clarity, and avoid common biases in high-stakes, data-driven environments.
Actionable Insight: Agribusiness professionals should integrate these models into daily operations and strategic planning to enhance critical thinking and make more resilient, evidence-based decisions. | Read more (partial read; subscription required to access full article)
NEW | Trump Ends Canada Trade Talks, Shifts Focus to India and China
Donald Trump has halted trade negotiations with Canada, citing unfavorable terms, and is now prioritizing deals with India and China. The move signals a shift in U.S. agricultural trade strategy, with potential implications for North American exporters dependent on stable cross-border agreements.
Actionable Insight: Agribusinesses reliant on U.S.-Canada trade should diversify market strategies and monitor global trade policy shifts to mitigate supply chain and pricing risks. | Read more
Rural Roots of Resilience: Entrepreneurial Skills for Modern Farmers
Farmers are increasingly adopting entrepreneurial mindsets to thrive in unpredictable markets. This article highlights six core skills—visioning, opportunity recognition, resilience, relationship building, resource leveraging, and goal setting—as essential for today’s agri-entrepreneurs. These competencies help farmers navigate disruptions, capitalize on niche markets, and build more adaptive, innovative businesses.
Actionable Insight: Agri-entrepreneurs should regularly assess and refine these six skills to future-proof operations and uncover untapped value across their supply chains. | Read more
Tapping Renewable Energy: Chad Eggerman Urges Farmers to Act Now
On The Evan Bray Show, lawyer Chad Eggerman emphasizes the time-sensitive opportunities in renewable energy for Canadian farmers, including solar, wind, and biogas projects. With evolving policies and incentive programs, Eggerman warns that the current regulatory and economic conditions are unusually favorable—but may not last.
Actionable Insight: Farmers should explore renewable projects immediately, consulting legal and energy experts to secure long-term cost savings and revenue diversification. | Read more
Maximizing ROI: Ben Voss on Smarter Equipment Lifecycle Management
In this MetalDog Labs interview, Ben Voss breaks down the economics of farm equipment ownership, stressing the importance of lifecycle planning over upfront cost. He advocates for data-driven decisions around leasing, resale timing, and utilization rates to optimize capital efficiency—especially as machinery gets more tech-integrated and expensive.
Actionable Insight: Agribusiness owners should adopt lifecycle-based asset strategies, using real-time data to drive purchase, maintenance, and resale decisions. | Read more – Subscription Required
The $100B Disconnect: Canada’s Innovation Model Fails Its Builders
Jesse Hirsh critiques Canada’s top-down innovation funding system, arguing it favors institutions and investors over the entrepreneurs actually building solutions. Despite billions in public spending, startups often face underfunding, bureaucracy, and misaligned incentives. Hirsh calls for a shift toward decentralization and direct investment in builders and local ecosystems.
Actionable Insight: Policymakers and funders should prioritize bottom-up innovation by backing entrepreneurs directly and reducing institutional gatekeeping. | Read more
AI as a Basic Right: Canada Weighs Ethical Infrastructure for the Future
Build Canada explores the growing argument that access to AI should be considered a basic right, akin to internet access or education. With AI poised to reshape economies, education, and public services, experts argue for policies ensuring equitable access, digital literacy, and safeguards against bias. Embedding AI ethics into national infrastructure is key to inclusive innovation.
Actionable Insight: Policymakers and tech entrepreneurs should prioritize equitable AI access and ethics-by-design to future-proof products and public trust. | Read more
Bessemer’s Roadmap: AI Systems of Action Over Systems of Intelligence
Bessemer Venture Partners introduces a strategic shift from AI “systems of intelligence” to “systems of action”—AI tools that not only analyze but autonomously execute tasks. This evolution boosts productivity and decision velocity across sectors. Startups building AI-native workflows, particularly in vertical SaaS and operations-heavy industries, are poised for strong adoption and value creation.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should focus on AI products that drive direct outcomes, embedding automation into core user workflows to capture market advantage. | Read more
Lab2Market Network Appoints Director to Scale Research Commercialization Nationwide
Canada’s Lab2Market (L2M) Network has named its first National Director to unify and scale research commercialization efforts across colleges and universities. The initiative connects academia with market pathways, supporting founders through mentorship, funding, and industry partnerships. This leadership move aims to streamline commercialization pipelines and increase the national impact of academic innovation.
Actionable Insight: Academic entrepreneurs should engage with L2M programs to accelerate lab-to-market transitions and access coordinated commercialization support across Canada. | Read more
Futurpreneur Selects 2025 Canadian Delegation for G20 Young Entrepreneurs Summit
Futurpreneur has announced its 2025 Canadian delegation to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit in South Africa. The selected entrepreneurs represent diverse sectors and will collaborate globally to drive inclusive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. This summit provides a platform for young leaders to influence policy and forge international business networks.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should leverage global summits like G20 YEA to build cross-border partnerships, gain policy exposure, and scale impact-driven ventures. | Read more
Marketing, Sales and Business Development
NEW | Marketing Budgets Surge as Business Leaders Prioritize Growth
A new Gartner report shows that average marketing budgets rose to 9.1% of company revenue in 2024, up from 7.7% in 2023. CMOs are directing spend toward digital channels, martech, and performance analytics, with a focus on measurable ROI and AI integration to enhance efficiency and personalization.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should align budget increases with clear performance metrics and invest in tech that enables agile, data-driven marketing execution. | Read more
NEW | Customer-Centricity Grows, But Execution Still Lags
While 83% of marketers claim their organizations are customer-centric, only 23% say they excel at aligning strategy with customer needs, according to a recent survey. Key gaps include siloed data, poor cross-functional collaboration, and inconsistent use of customer insights in decision-making.
Actionable Insight: To truly operationalize customer-centricity, leaders must break down silos, integrate feedback loops, and embed customer data into every stage of strategic planning. | Read more
NEW | 7 Product Strategies to Reduce Churn in B2B AI Applications
Bessemer Venture Partners outlines seven tactics to retain customers in B2B AI apps, including embedding AI into core workflows, aligning with user personas, offering flexible integrations, and investing in explainability. The report stresses the importance of usage data to guide product evolution and avoid "silent churn."
Actionable Insight: AI-driven B2B companies must continuously adapt products to user needs and workflows, using telemetry and UX feedback to build sticky, high-retention experiences. | Read more
The Business of Belonging: Why Emotional Safety Drives Performance
Jen Shaw-Christie explores the concept of belonging as a fundamental human need with direct business impact. Drawing from research and personal reflection, she illustrates how environments that foster emotional safety—not just inclusion—enhance innovation, retention, and team cohesion. Belonging, she argues, is created through daily micro-moments of trust and recognition.
Actionable Insight: Leaders should intentionally design workplace cultures that prioritize psychological safety to unlock deeper employee engagement and sustained performance. | Read more
Amazon’s AI Bet and the Cost of Transformation
In his 2024 shareholder letter, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy positions generative AI as a pivotal growth driver, but acknowledges it has led to significant layoffs across divisions. Jassy frames the job cuts as necessary to reallocate talent and resources toward AI investments—particularly in AWS, AI infrastructure, and developer tools—where Amazon sees multi-decade potential.
Actionable Insight: Business leaders investing in AI must strategically realign teams and communicate clearly to manage disruption and retain trust. | Read more
B2B Tech Buyers: Trust in Vendors Drops, Peer Reviews Rise in Influence
A new report reveals a significant decline in trust toward B2B tech vendors, with only 31% of buyers viewing vendor content as trustworthy—down from 36% in 2021. In contrast, peer reviews, analyst insights, and community feedback now carry greater weight in purchase decisions. Buyers increasingly demand transparency, proof of ROI, and independent validation.
Actionable Insight: B2B marketers should prioritize third-party validation, customer testimonials, and community engagement to rebuild trust and influence tech buying decisions. | Read more
B2B Marketers Double Down on Brand Building Amid Long Sales Cycles
Amid lengthening sales cycles and buying committees, 43% of B2B marketers report increasing their focus on brand building, recognizing its role in driving long-term growth. Demand generation remains vital, but brand investments—via thought leadership, consistent messaging, and multi-channel presence—are now seen as essential to influencing early-stage buyer perceptions and trust.
Actionable Insight: B2B businesses should balance performance marketing with strategic brand initiatives to stay top-of-mind and shorten complex buying journeys. | Read more
Customer Obsession Drives Growth, Yet Execution Lags Across Organizations
While 88% of senior business leaders claim to prioritize customer obsession, only 26% say their companies consistently act on customer insights. A gap persists between intent and execution—often due to siloed data, unclear ownership, and short-term metrics. Firms that embed customer feedback into decision-making and operations see higher growth and retention.
Actionable Insight: Leaders should operationalize customer-centricity by unifying data systems, assigning accountability, and aligning KPIs with long-term customer value. | Read more
Majority of B2B Marketers Say Sales Cycles Are Getting Longer
Nearly 6 in 10 B2B marketers report that sales cycles are lengthening, with increased deal scrutiny and larger buying committees cited as key drivers. To adapt, marketers are investing more in educational content, personalized nurturing, and stakeholder-specific messaging to influence earlier in the funnel and support prolonged decision timelines.
Actionable Insight: B2B teams should map content to each stage and role in the buying process, using insights to sustain engagement throughout extended sales cycles. | Read more
Grey and Bruce Counties
NEW | YMCA Multicultural Day Celebration Grows as a Bridge for Community and Culture
Southampton’s 4th Annual Multicultural Day Celebration drew over 800 attendees with vibrant performances like the dhol-bagpipe fusion from Kamal Singh and Peter Hummel. Hosted by the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, the event showcased global music, dance, food, and art while promoting services that support newcomer integration.
Actionable Insight: Community-driven events that fuse culture and support services can be powerful platforms for brand-building, social impact, and inclusive engagement. | Read more
NEW | South Bruce Grey Health Centre Invites Public Input on 5-Year Strategic Plan
The South Bruce Grey Health Centre is developing a new five-year strategy and is actively seeking community feedback to shape priorities across its hospital sites. With ongoing challenges in staffing and healthcare access, leadership aims to align services with evolving patient and regional needs.
Actionable Insight: Organizations in public service sectors should involve end-users early in strategy development to build trust, improve relevance, and drive community-aligned innovation. | Read more
NEW | Darlene Johnston Acclaimed as Chippewas of Nawash Chief
Law professor and advocate Darlene Johnston has been acclaimed as Chief of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, bringing deep legal expertise and experience in Indigenous rights to the role. She previously served as chief in the 1990s and is expected to prioritize governance, land stewardship, and community empowerment.
Actionable Insight: Leaders with legal and policy backgrounds can drive systemic change in Indigenous governance—collaborators should approach with long-term, rights-based partnership models. | Read more
NEW | Owen Sound Launches Interactive Waste Sorting Tool to Boost Diversion
Owen Sound has introduced a digital waste-sorting tool to help residents improve recycling and reduce landfill use. The searchable platform provides clear guidance on how to dispose of over 500 items and includes a collection calendar with reminders, supporting the city's waste diversion goals.
Actionable Insight: Municipalities and service-based businesses can enhance user compliance and sustainability by adopting simple, tech-enabled tools that demystify complex processes. | Read more
NEWS | Owen Sound’s Centennial Tower Faces Structural Repairs
Centennial Tower, a landmark in Owen Sound since 1967, is in urgent need of major repairs due to structural deterioration. City staff have recommended a detailed engineering assessment and temporary closure, with future decisions hinging on public consultation and cost analysis.
Actionable Insight: Municipal asset managers should proactively assess aging infrastructure and engage the public early to balance heritage preservation with fiscal responsibility. | Read more
NEW | Georgian Bluffs Seeks Collaborative Path Over 'Strong Mayor' Powers
Georgian Bluffs council is developing a governance framework to minimize reliance on Ontario’s new “strong mayor” powers, aiming instead for consensus-based decision-making. While Mayor Sue Carleton has access to enhanced authority, council prefers preserving local democratic processes through a procedural bylaw update.
Actionable Insight: Municipal leaders can strengthen public trust and team cohesion by prioritizing transparent, collaborative governance—even when unilateral powers are available. | Read more
NEW | Facilitator Appointed to Oversee Owen Sound Tourism Tax Distribution
Owen Sound has hired consultant Tim Wilson to lead the strategy for allocating its Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) funds. The tax, which generated $456K in 2023, aims to boost local tourism. Wilson’s role includes defining governance, ensuring transparent fund distribution, and aligning investments with tourism growth goals.
Actionable Insight: Tourism-dependent communities should establish clear, stakeholder-informed governance frameworks to maximize ROI from destination marketing and MAT-driven funding. | Read more
NEW | Sauble Speedway to Host Music Festivals and Expand Event Offerings
Under new ownership, Sauble Speedway is being transformed into a multi-use entertainment venue, starting with plans for music festivals and diverse community events. The initiative aims to maximize off-season use of the racetrack and drive regional tourism beyond motorsports.
Actionable Insight: Venue owners can increase revenue and regional impact by repurposing specialized spaces for year-round, cross-industry events that tap into broader audience segments. | Read more
Third-Generation Dairy Farmer Wins Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Prize for Innovation
Logan Bauman, a third-generation dairy farmer, won the 2024 Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Prize for his innovative approach to herd management and sustainability. Bauman’s use of data-driven breeding and environmental practices highlights how agri-entrepreneurs can modernize traditional farming. His leadership underscores the potential for young farmers to drive sector innovation while preserving legacy operations.
Actionable Insight: Agri-businesses should invest in smart farming techniques and sustainable practices to boost productivity and appeal to next-gen market demands. | Read more
Youth Horticulturalists Blend Creativity and Sustainability Through Gardening
Young members of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society are learning environmental stewardship by creating fairy gardens and planting a community vegetable garden. These hands-on projects foster creativity, teamwork, and sustainable habits while strengthening intergenerational ties within the community. The initiative emphasizes education through action and local food resilience.
Actionable Insight: Community leaders and educators can replicate youth gardening programs to cultivate environmental literacy and civic engagement from an early age. | Read more
Bruce-Grey Region Maintains Second-Lowest Unemployment Rate in Ontario
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound continues to post one of Ontario’s lowest unemployment rates, reflecting strong regional economic resilience. Diverse employment across agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism has helped stabilize the job market. Local officials credit workforce development initiatives and industry partnerships for sustaining employment levels despite broader economic uncertainties.
Actionable Insight: Business owners should leverage regional workforce stability and collaborate with local training programs to attract and retain skilled talent in rural economies. | Read more
Ontario Approves Transit Funding to Boost Connectivity in Grey, Bruce, and Dufferin
Ontario has approved funding for expanded regional transit services across Grey, Bruce, and Dufferin counties. The investment aims to improve mobility for rural residents, enhance access to jobs and services, and support regional economic development. Improved transit is expected to strengthen workforce participation and reduce transportation barriers.
Actionable Insight: Rural businesses and service providers should align operations with new transit routes to tap into broader labor pools and customer access. | Read more
Owen Sound Chamber Celebrates Local Innovation at Business Excellence Awards
The Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce honored standout local businesses at its 2024 Business Excellence Awards, spotlighting achievements in innovation, community impact, and growth. Winners ranged from tech startups to longstanding family enterprises, reflecting the region’s entrepreneurial diversity and resilience.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs should pursue local recognition opportunities to build credibility, strengthen community ties, and gain visibility that can drive new partnerships and customer growth. | 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.
Comments