The Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound has supported hundreds of businesses with tremendous growth in the past five years. The Sydenham Campus was purchased by Grey County in 2018 as a regional hut to support crucial workforce development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the area.
Since 2021, over 500 businesses received one-on-one support, 340 businesses have started, expanded or been purchased, and more than 250 jobs have been created.
Warden Bryan Milne said the 45,000 sq. ft. regional skills training, trades and innovation centre is an asset for the regional economy.
“The Sydenham Campus is actively realizing its vision and potential,” proclaimed Grey County Warden Brian Milne during a recent ribbon-cutting event. “This hub is bringing together the right mix of tenants, entrepreneurs and workers. It has become an ecosystem where like-minded individuals, organizations and businesses come together to innovate and grow.”
Milne explained that it is a one stop shop for entrepreneurs.
"It gives people, entrepreneurs, and others that want to be entrepreneurs, a resource use, and to try things out and talk to people that are, you know, mentors of different things," he explained. "I know it was lacking in the area, and it's also for entrepreneurs that are already established. You want to branch out or expand to try different things."
He added a pivotal component is the 8,000-sq.-ft. makerspace, equipped with eight dedicated fabrication zones catering to woodwork, metalwork, clean lab environments, digital technology, and marketing. More than 150 machines and state-of-the-art equipment are available in the space. the not for Profit Grey Bruce Makers Inc. helped design and build the makerspace before taking over operations in 2024.
In addition to County funding, the Sydenham Campus has benefited from the support of both the federal and provincial governments, and the private sector
More than $1 million was invested by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support Catapult Grey Bruce and the makerspace. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs invested more than $100,000 in the facility and equipment. Private sector investors have contributed more than $100,000 to support entrepreneurship.
"The Sydenham Campus in the County of Grey is helping SMEs and entrepreneurs as they develop STEM skills, create new technologies and commercialize products in this new state-of-the-art makerspace. The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in important projects like the Sydenham Campus as they support the growth and success of entrepreneurs in Grey County and its surrounding rural communities,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
“The completion of the Sydenham Campus with the remarkable new makerspace, is a wonderful example of an innovative project that our government is proud to support through the Rural Economic Development program,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This project will undoubtedly help drive economic development and entrepreneurship throughout Grey County.”
“We’re grateful for the support and trust both the upper levels of government have shown with their investments, and seeing private sector investors eager to support the campus confirms our belief that this hub is a true asset to the community and our regional economy,” added Warden Milne.
Grey County’s Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture, Savanna Myers, echoed the Warden’s comments and thanked County Council for their strategic vision.
“Grey County Council has shown strategic leadership by making investments in the Sydenham Campus that are driving workforce development and our economy,” said Myers. “The campus provides employees and businesses with the skills and advantages they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”
Myers also highlighted the important role partners play in the success of the campus.
“We’re fortunate to have strong partners already supporting the campus. It’s important to have tenants who share our vision and support economic growth,” said Myers.
Current partners and tenants of the Sydenham Campus include Georgian College, Grey Bruce Makers Inc., the Business Enterprise Centre, Catapult Grey Bruce, the Grey County Early Learning Hub, Viola Jean’s Daycare, STEMVOX, and Reading Rescue.