Grimsby Business Ambassador Program (GBAP)

The Grimsby Business Ambassador Program (GBAP), an initiative of the Town of Grimsby's Economic Development Advisory Committee (GEDAC), is a volunteer program that leverages the expertise, networks, and leadership of local business professionals to advance the Town's economic development objectives.

Business Ambassadors champion Grimsby as a premier destination for business investment, expansion, and innovation. Working in partnership with Town staff and GEDAC, ambassadors support business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts that strengthen the local economy, diversify the commercial tax base, create employment opportunities, and enhance the community's long-term prosperity.

Launched in June of 2025, the program consists of approximately 12 ambassadors serving four-year terms. Ambassadors meet semi-annually and participate in strategic outreach, networking, and investment promotion initiatives.

Ambassador Responsibilities

Promote Grimsby as a competitive location for business investment and growth.
Leverage professional networks to identify and attract investment opportunities.
Support business retention and expansion by connecting local businesses with resources and opportunities.
Represent the Town and GEDAC at business, industry, and community events.
Provide market intelligence, industry insights, and strategic advice to support economic development initiatives.

Candidate Profile

Business Ambassadors should be respected business or community leaders who:

Live in Grimsby or own, operate, or represent a local business or commercial property.
Possess strong regional, national, or international business networks.
Have executive-level leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to economic development.
Act in a professional, non-partisan manner while representing the Town and GEDAC.
Are willing to participate in networking and investment attraction activities at the local, regional, and provincial levels.

By serving as a Grimsby Business Ambassador, members play an important role in attracting investment, supporting business growth, and positioning Grimsby as one of Niagara's premier communities for business success.

Contact Information

For more information, contact:

Frank Miele

Economic Development Manager for the Town of Grimsby

fmiele@grimsby.ca

289-244-8054

An ambassador will act as a liaison, nationally and globally, between the Town and potential investors. These essential GBA individuals will work to improve the current business environment, support local enterprises, enhance new business experiences, and represent Grimsby at key economic business events which is within their sphere of influence. There is also a strong element of CONFIDENTIALITY as many projects may require a “non-disclosure agreement” (NDA) and/or a degree of business discretion.

The program was launched in June 2025, with 12 ambassadors selected to serve four-year terms. Ambassadors will convene semi-annually. Additional strategy updates, communication sessions, and workshops with Town staff and GEDAC will be held periodically, particularly when potential new investment opportunities are imminent.

Grimsby Business Ambassadors are expected to engage in outreach within their respective industries to position Grimsby as a desirable destination for business investment. They will also collaborate with Town staff and the Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee (GEDAC) to promote, advise on, and help develop or refine strategies that attract, support, and enable external investment while fostering the retention and expansion of existing businesses.

The role reports to Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee.

In February 2029, the Town will begin recruiting an additional cohort of 12 Business Ambassadors. At that time, further information about the program and the application process, including candidate resume submissions, will be made available.

For additional questions, please contact Frank Miele, Economic Development Manager at the Town of Grimsby at 289-244-8054.