Big Brands You’ll Find in Waterloo

With so many big brands operating in the same vicinity, the collaborative spirit of our community is unique. Peers, partners, customers and suppliers come together to form a booming business ecosystem like no other.

To demonstrate the size and strength of our business community, we’ve compiled a list of big brands that have either started or expanded in Waterloo Region across the technology, manufacturing, automotive sectors and beyond.

Note: When we say big brands, we’re talking about brands that are highly recognizable to the general public or known to be key players in their industry.

While some may surprise you, they all deserve a nod for the positive impact they’ve made on our region’s economy throughout the years.

Will your company be next to join the list?

That’s not even all of them. Explore our Business Directory to see even more brands and top employers that call Waterloo home.

Why do big brands choose Waterloo?

As the second largest tech center in North America with Canada’s fourth largest manufacturing workforce and the country’s third-fastest growing community, it’s no surprise so many established and growing businesses put down roots in our region.

To bolster these stats – which often land Waterloo on the shortlist – there are many other compelling reasons for companies to consider Waterloo as their next expansion destination.

1. Strategic Location: Situated in the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, North America’s second largest tech cluster, Waterloo is strategically located near major markets like Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, as well as the US border. Its proximity to these key locations allows businesses to easily access supply chains and reach customers across North America.

2. Talent: Recognized as the #1 small tech talent market in North America, Waterloo has a strong talent pool that includes a diverse mix of experienced professionals and recent graduates from the region’s top-ranked universities. This is a significant draw for businesses looking to expand their teams with skilled workers. The workforce in Waterloo is highly educated in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and autonomous vehicles.

3. Academic and Research Institutions: The community is buzzing with big thinkers and the next generation of talent. Waterloo is home to three internationally recognized post-secondary institutions with 86,000+ students enrolled. For companies looking to collaborate with leading experts, the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics – the world’s largest hub for theoretical physics research, training and educational outreach – and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) are right here.

4. Industry Support Organizations: Waterloo has a robust network of industry support organizations and commercialization hubs that provide businesses with resources and expertise needed to succeed. These organizations include Communitech, Velocity and the Accelerator Centre, among others.

5. Other Brands & Businesses: Waterloo’s reputation as a hub for successful tech companies like Google, BlackBerry and OpenText is another significant draw for businesses. This ecosystem for innovation and growth attracts and retains talent and creates a vibrant community of businesses that can collaborate and thrive together.

6. Immigration: Canada has a welcoming immigration policy that encourages skilled workers and entrepreneurs to immigrate to the country. The government offers several programs, such as the Express Entry program, which can fast-track permanent residency for skilled workers. This can help businesses in Waterloo attract top global talent who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to their teams.

7. Cost Savings: Waterloo offers a cost-effective business environment compared to other major North American cities, such as Toronto and San Francisco. The cost of living and doing business in Waterloo is generally lower, which can lead to significant cost savings for companies.

8. Tax Incentives: Canada offers several tax incentives and credits that can benefit businesses operating in Waterloo. These include the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, which provides refunds or tax credits to companies that conduct research and development in Canada, and the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), which offers funding and advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises.

9. Government Support: The Canadian government provides support to businesses through various programs and initiatives, such as the Strategic Innovation Fund. These programs can provide financial support for research and development, labour, expansion and infrastructure projects.

10. Quality of Life: Waterloo offers a high quality of life with a strong sense of community, family-friendly amenities and excellent healthcare and education systems. This can be a draw for both employees and their families, as well as potential customers and clients.