BRAMPTON, ON — Brampton has strengthened its position on the international economic stage after receiving prestigious global recognition for the quality and effectiveness of its economic development programs, placing the city among a select group of communities worldwide recognized for excellence in attracting investment, supporting businesses and creating jobs.
The City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office has earned accreditation for a second consecutive term from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), reaffirming that the city’s economic development practices meet internationally recognized standards.
Brampton is now one of only six organizations in Canada and 98 worldwide holding the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) designation, an achievement that gives the rapidly growing city another important credential as it competes nationally and internationally for new investment.
The City first received the accreditation in 2022 and successfully retained it following an extensive year-long review of its economic development operations, strategies, partnerships and results. The renewed accreditation will remain valid through 2029.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, Vice-Chair of Brampton’s Economic Development Committee, said the recognition sends an important message to companies considering Brampton as a destination for investment and expansion.
“This reaccreditation sends a strong message to businesses and investors that Brampton has the expertise, partnerships and services in place to support their success,” Santos said.
“By maintaining internationally recognized standards in economic development, we are strengthening confidence in Brampton as a place where businesses can invest, grow and create jobs.”
The international recognition goes well beyond simply adding another designation to the City’s credentials. The AEDO accreditation evaluates how effectively an economic development organization creates the conditions necessary to attract investment, encourage business expansion and generate employment opportunities.
During the latest assessment, Brampton achieved full compliance in all six areas reviewed by the IEDC: leadership, strategic direction, community support, resources, technology and adaptability.
Reviewers also identified several strengths that distinguish Brampton’s economic development efforts, including its highly skilled team and strong working relationships with City departments, elected officials, post-secondary institutions, innovation organizations and the local business community.
Another strength highlighted during the review was Brampton’s ability to respond quickly to changing economic circumstances and challenges facing local businesses.
One example was the City’s Tariff Action Plan, which brought industry representatives and government partners together to support Brampton manufacturers facing tariff-related pressures while helping secure additional federal resources for businesses.
The reaccreditation involved an intensive two-phase process extending over approximately one year. The first phase examined the work and performance of Brampton’s Economic Development Office during the previous three years. The second phase included an on-site review involving City leadership, Council members, staff and community partners.
Organizations holding the AEDO designation must successfully undergo reaccreditation every three years, ensuring that internationally recognized standards continue to be maintained.
The International Economic Development Council is the world’s largest membership organization serving economic and community development professionals, representing more than 5,000 members globally.
For Brampton, the renewed accreditation provides another powerful tool to promote the city to Canadian and international companies searching for locations to invest, establish operations, expand existing businesses and create employment.
As one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing cities, Brampton has been working to strengthen and diversify its economy while positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for business investment.
The latest international recognition reinforces that message. Brampton is not only growing in population and economic importance, but its approach to economic development is now being measured against—and recognized alongside—leading organizations around the world.
For businesses and investors considering their next move, Brampton can now point to an internationally recognized standard of economic development expertise, partnerships and business support, giving the city another competitive advantage in the global race for investment, innovation and jobs.