Posts by Gizem Uysal
2026 Ontario Budget: What It Means for Your Business
Last week, the Ontario Government released its 2026 Budget. I want to share a clear, practical overview of what it may mean for your business here in Whitby. This summary is intended to highlight key measures, potential opportunities, and ongoing challenges—so you can make informed decisions. Key Measures Impacting Business Small Business Tax Reduction The Read More
Read MoreCall for 2026-27 Board of Director Nominations
Dear Members of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, On behalf of the Policy & Governance Committee and the Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce that the 2026–2027 Board of Directors Nomination Process is now officially open. Each year, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce welcomes new leaders to join our Board—individuals who are committed to strengthening Whitby’s business Read More
Read MorePeter Perry Winner Announced 2025
Whitby, ON – October 2025 — The Town of Whitby and the Whitby Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce Leo Plue as the recipient of the 2025 Peter Perry Award, the town’s most prestigious honour recognizing outstanding community service and leadership. Each year, the Peter Perry Award celebrates those who strengthen Whitby not through Read More
Read MoreCelebrating Small Business Week
This week, we proudly celebrate Small Business Week — a time to recognize the entrepreneurs, family businesses, innovators, and local employers who are the heartbeat of our community. Small businesses are more than economic contributors — they are the people who sponsor our youth teams, donate to local causes, hire our neighbours, and shape the Read More
Read MoreWhy Disability Pride Month Matters to Your Business
By Matisse Hamel-Nelis Every July, Disability Pride Month rolls around, and if your first thought is, “That’s not really about business,” I want to gently challenge that. Disability Pride Month is a celebration of identity, resilience, and community. It’s about embracing disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity, not something to be Read More
Read MoreCelebrating the First World Franchise Day
Franchises: An Engine of Local Business and Economic Growth When we think of franchises, global names like McDonald’s or Tim Hortons may come to mind. But the real story of franchising is happening much closer to home. Franchises are an integral part of our local economy—offering jobs, services, and stability in communities like Whitby and Read More
Read MoreHow to honour multiple days of significance without missing the mark
By Matisse Hamel-Nelis, ADS, CPACC As business owners, there are times when you open your calendar and feel overwhelmed. As you scroll, you realize the upcoming month is filled with various days of significance, including overlapping week and month-long events. Days of significance are moments throughout the year that hold meaning personally, culturally, historically, or Read More
Read MoreFinding Balance: 5 Practical Strategies for Business Owners to Manage Stress and Overcome Burnout
As a business owner, you’re no stranger to the relentless demands of entrepreneurship. You wear multiple hats, juggle competing priorities, and often feel like there’s never enough time in the day. But while building a thriving business is rewarding, it can also take a toll on your well-being—leading to stress, overwhelm, and eventually, burnout. Here’s Read More
Read MoreEntrepreneur Panel Inspires Durham College Business Students at Landmark Theatre
On April 4, 2025, business students from Durham College gathered at the Landmark Cinema in Whitby, Ontario, for an inspiring and insightful panel discussion. The event, tailored to provide guidance and foster networking opportunities for future business leaders, featured a diverse group of accomplished entrepreneurs. These experts shared their journeys, challenges and success stories, offering Read More
Read MoreTARIFF RESPONSE-April 2
TARIFF RESPONSE-April 2 On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the implementation of new “reciprocal tariffs,” aiming to address trade imbalances by imposing a baseline 10% tariff on all imports into the United States, effective April 5, 2025. Additionally, higher tariffs will be applied to specific countries with which the U.S. has significant Read More
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