A decade of winning: Mississauga is a ‘top performer’ in Canada, attracting business and investment

Mississauga has once again been recognized as one of Canada’s leading locations for business investment and expansion, earning a spot on Site Selection Magazine’s list of top-performing Canadian communities for the 10th consecutive year. 

The publication described Mississauga as a “perennial top performer,” highlighting the City’s ability to attract investment, support business growth and create jobs. In 2025, Mississauga welcomed nearly 4,000 new jobs and $1.7 billion in corporate investment, according to Site Selection’s award details. 

The recognition reflects the strength of Mississauga’s diverse economy and its continued appeal to investors in sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, technology and financial services. 

Key events and achievements contributed to the award.

Invest Mississauga

Invest Mississauga continued to attract new business opportunities through international outreach and business development initiatives, including a Global Affairs Canada-led mission to Zurich and London. The team also led sector-focused business engagement with life sciences, advanced manufacturing and technology industry leaders in Canada and key international markets.

Invest Mississauga welcomed the City’s film, television and music production office into its portfolio and helped advance the local creative economy. In addition, Council made the City’s live music grant program permanent, strengthening support for the cultural sector. 

IDEA Mississauga, Invest Mississauga’s entrepreneurship hub, continued to support innovation and business growth and job creation throughout 2024-25. Companies participating in IDEA programs raised more than $15 million in funding, generated $4 million in annual revenue and created 270 local jobs. The hub also welcomed a delegation of Japanese technology companies, strengthening international business connections and investment opportunities. 

Winning strategies 

The City continues to build on this momentum through Path to Prosperity 2030, Mississauga’s new economic development strategy. Complementing this work are a new retail strategy, which fosters and promotes vibrant communities while strengthening local economic resilience.  

Examples of recent investments contributing to Mississauga’s growth include: 

• Lee Li Holdings: A homegrown food and beverage company in the non-alcoholic drinks and milk alternatives market announced a $533-million investment to expand its current facility by 15,000 square feet, adding 85,000 square feet of new space and creating 275 jobs. 
• Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing: A Canadian homegrown initiative to support the national push to increase affordable housing by building prefab homes. Once complete, the 450,000 square-foot facility will employ 375 workers. 
•  Ash Grove Cement Co. and Carbon Upcycling Technologies: A groundbreaking took place for Carbon 1 Mississauga, a Canadian, first-of-its-kind commercial carbon capture use facility at the Ash Grove Mississauga Cement Plant. The Mississauga facility has been awarded up to $10 million in federal funding.
• Citibank: Citibank has been growing its operations in Mississauga, citing Canada’s skilled workforce and competitive business environment as factors in its investment decision. Last year, the company renovated its Mississauga site and hired 600 people. 
• Eisai Canada: A Japanese research and development pharmaceutical company specializing in neurology and oncology announced last year the expansion of its Canadian headquarters, growing its team to more than 100 employees. That’s an increase of 246 per cent since 2020.
• Pharmacosmos: A Danish family-owned pharmaceutical company that specializes in iron deficiency treatments. The company chose Mississauga as the site of its Canadian headquarters and plans to hire up to 50 new staff as they grow in the Canadian market.
• Barhale: A British civil engineering and tunneling specialist focused on water management and low-carbon infrastructure chose Mississauga as the site of its first Canadian office. The expansion is tied to Canada’s net-zero-by-2050 commitments and rising investment in the water sector.
• Schwank Canada: This German-owned company that manufactures industrial climate systems, such as infrared heating and air curtains, relocated its headquarters to a new space in Mississauga and grew its footprint by 50 per cent.
• Zuru: A global toy and consumer products company, Zuru chose Mississauga as its Canadian corporate hub and sales office location.

Why Mississauga? 

Mississauga has built one of Canada’s strongest and most diverse business communities. It is home to over 115,000 companies, including more than 670  multinational head offices and over 75 Fortune 500 firms. With strong sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, logistics and financial services, Mississauga continues to attract global investment. Companies worldwide are choosing Mississauga as their home base in Canada. 

The City’s location is also a business advantage. It’s home to Toronto Pearson International Airport, with access to a robust supply chain and global market. It features two post-secondary institutions and a skilled, diverse talent pool, making it an ideal location for growing a business. 

Invest Mississauga helps power growth and innovation 

Through Invest Mississauga, companies at every stage, from start-up to scale-up, can grow. They can access tailored data, market insights and sector-specific programs and services. They become part of a network of partners to help them make smart, timely decisions. 

IDEA Mississauga, Invest Mississauga’s team that supports entrepreneurship and small businesses, makes the city’s start-up sector stronger and more innovative. At the IDEA Entrepreneurship Hub in Square One, entrepreneurs can access mentors, partners, talent and programs designed to help their ideas become reality. 

Site Selection Magazine  

An award-winning magazine, Georgia-based Site Selection is recognized as the leading publication in corporate real estate, facility planning, location analysis and foreign direct investment.  

Read about Mississauga and other top performers in economic development in Canada. 

Quotes  

“Like Canada, Mississauga has what the world wants. As global markets shift and businesses look for stable, innovative places to invest, our city stands out as a top destination for growth. Being recognized by Site Selection Magazine for a 10th consecutive year reflects the strength of our economy, the leadership of Invest Mississauga and the confidence that companies from around the world place in our community. Mississauga’s businesses, entrepreneurs and partners are meeting global challenges and building an economy that is resilient, competitive and ready for the future.”
– Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish 

“Mississauga continues to stand out as one of Canada’s top cities for business because of our commitment to creating the conditions companies need to invest, innovate and grow. From startups and scaleups to global enterprises, Invest Mississauga works alongside businesses to help them seize opportunities and succeed. Being recognized by Site Selection Magazine for the 10th consecutive year reflects the confidence investors place in Mississauga, the strength of our business ecosystem and the dedication of the team and partners who help drive growth across our city.”
– Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Invest Mississauga 

Tags

• Economic Development
• Planning and Building