News Release
Sandwich Business Development Program Launches to Support Area Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Windsor, Ontario – The Gordie Howe International Bridge project will bring numerous economic development opportunities to the Windsor-Detroit region. To help Sandwich and west Windsor businesses and entrepreneurs take advantage of these opportunities, a new business development program is now available thanks to funding through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. The Sandwich Business Development Program is a $500,000 five-year initiative that will provide ongoing support to existing and new businesses in the area by offering a free series of programs and two business summits.
The Sandwich Business Development Program officially launches on October 27, 2020, at the Sandwich Business Development Summit, a free, half-day event open to businesses located in Sandwich/west Windsor and entrepreneurs considering locating to the area. The Summit will help businesses identify and leverage opportunities associated with the Gordie Howe International Bridge project during the years of construction. Speakers will focus on main-street revitalization, small business marketing, women-owned businesses and more. A second summit will occur in 2023 to focus on business opportunities relating to the operation phase of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Following the summit, ongoing program support will be offered through WindsorEssex Small Business Centre, and Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator in partnership with Baker Tilly Live. This free programming will be available through 2024 for businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sandwich/west Windsor area and includes access to one-on-one business mentorship and workshop series for business case development to marketing strategies.
Information the 2020 Sandwich Business Development Summit and Sandwich Business Development Program is available at GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
Event Details
Sandwich Business Development Summit
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free of charge
Registration is available at GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com. A link to the event will be provided following registration.
Quotes
“We are pleased to support programming that will help the Sandwich business community thrive and take advantage of opportunities stemming from the construction and operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. We have partnered with community organizations that offer expertise and knowledge to existing businesses or to entrepreneurs considering investment in the area.”
- Bryce Phillips, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“Bridging North America is happy to give back, elevate and support the development and growth of the local business community. The new bridge is critically important to the economic prosperity of the surrounding communities and businesses, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in it.”
- Aaron Epstein, CEO, Bridging North America
Quick Facts
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan is being delivered by Bridging North America with collaboration and oversight from WDBA and the State of Michigan.
- The Community Benefits Plan is comprised of two components: the Workforce Development and Participation Strategy and the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy. In partnership with WDBA and Bridging North America, more than 30 agencies and organizations will support the implementation.
- Thousands of construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities have been created in Canada and the US. As of March 31, 2020, 2,800 people have been oriented to work on the project with 50% of those hired being local.
- A Local Community Group representing the communities of Delray, Sandwich, Windsor-Essex County and the Greater Detroit Area has been formed by WDBA to act as informal partners during the implementation of the Community Benefits Plan.
Related Products
- Backgrounder: Community Benefits Overview
- Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan - Plan de beneficios para la comunidad
- Quarterly Community Benefits Report
- 9 Things to Know about the Neighbourhood Inf rastructure Strategy
About Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public-private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. For more information visit www.GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com and follow the project on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.
About Bridging North America
Bridging North America (BNA) became the private-sector partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in September 2018. BNA is comprised of some of the most recognized leaders in the construction and infrastructure industry which includes North American and international companies. BNA partners have significant experience carrying out major infrastructure projects such as the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor, Ontario; New Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, Quebec; Autoroute 30 in Montreal, Quebec; Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto, Ontario; Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, Quebec; Automated People Mover at LAX Airport, California; Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas; Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California.
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Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
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