City of St. Catharines economic development team recognized with pair of national marketing awards

The Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) has shone the spotlight on two of the City’s economic development initiatives at its annual Marketing Awards.

During the EDAC 2025 conference last week, held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the City of St. Catharines earned two awards, including the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre winning best Single Publication (5 or More Pages) for its Small Business Starter Kit that supports new entrepreneurs, and the Community Collaboration award for The St. Catharines Lincoln Destination Partnership, a coordinated marketing, development, and placemaking strategy in partnership with the Town of Lincoln that has advanced regional tourism.

“These awards reflect the strength of our team and the power of collaboration,” said Brian York, Director of Economic Development and Government Relations for the City of St. Catharines. “Our Small Business Starter Kit has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, while our partnership with the Town of Lincoln has united our marketing and tourism efforts; creating memorable experiences and driving economic growth across both communities.”

St. Catharines Lincoln Destination Partnership (STCLDP)

Launched in 2023 and formally approved by both City of St. Catharines and Town of Lincoln councils a year later, the STCLDP is a unified destination marketing approach highlighting both St. Catharines’ dynamic cultural scene and Lincoln’s rich agricultural heritage that balances its wine and culinary identity. It has generated over 40 million media impressions across digital and traditional platforms in under a year.

A cornerstone of the partnership’s sustainability is the implementation of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in both municipalities. This dedicated revenue stream has enabled long-term investment in tourism marketing, product development, and visitor services, significantly reducing reliance on grants while expanding impact. The STCLDP has engaged deeply with the local tourism sector, including accommodation providers, craft beverage producers, culinary leaders, and arts and heritage organizations, to co-create initiatives that reflect community priorities.

Small Business Starter Kit

With thousands of inquiries each year from community members looking to start or grow a business, the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre developed the Small Business Starter Kit to help provide a foundation for entrepreneurs with guidance and resources as they started their journey. A concise, user-friendly guide, it answers some of the most frequently asked questions about starting a business, with topics including business registration, licensing, and accessing local resources.

Since its launch, nearly 600 copies of the Starter Kit have been distributed or viewed through various channels, with an additional 100 distributed in support of training sessions. The result has not just been positive feedback – the centre has also seen more follow-up meetings and higher-quality client interactions. Since July 2024, the launch of the Starter Kit, the centre has supported the start of 78 new businesses and the creation of 126 jobs across Niagara. 

Additional Quotes:

“This partnership demonstrates that collective action, when backed by data, shared resources, and community vision, can drive transformative change. We are proud to be leading the way in rural-urban cooperation and creating a model that others across Ontario and Canada can look to,” said St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. This partnership demonstrates how municipalities can align their strengths to deliver greater value for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Together, we’re showcasing the best of both communities and building a stronger, more connected Niagara.”

~ Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln

“Our success has resulted from working as one team across municipal boundaries. By combining our expertise, resources, and creativity, we’ve been able to elevate our tourism economy and tell a compelling story that reflects the diversity and vitality of Lincoln and the Niagara Benchlands.”

~ Paul Di Ianni, Director of Economic Development and Communications