The Town of Caledon’s new Humber River Centre is a state-of-the-art community and business hub located at 28 Ann Street in the heart of downtown Bolton. The 10,000 sq.ft. space is a sustainable, accessible facility designed to house business support services, arts and culture events, coworking space and more.
The Humber River Centre Project has been selected by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a Bronze Winner of the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. Awarded under the Real Estate Development and Reuse category, the HRC was recognized as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth.
Business Support Services at the Humber River Centre
Experience the Small Business Growth Series hosted by the Humber River Centre, where each session is guided by industry professionals committed to delivering practical and relevant content to help support your business at any stage of growth.
Workshops and events are either held in-person at the Humber River Centre or virtually. While these events are free, pre-registration is required, and space is limited. All workshops and events can be viewed on our business event calendar.
View the calendar here.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on everything happening at the Humber River Centre!
Economic Development Office Hours
Economic Development will be onsite at HRC Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am – 2 pm to meet with local businesses. Staff are available to provide an introduction to our services and get you connected with resources to support your business growth. Send us an email to book a meeting with the team: business@caledon.ca
Renting the Humber River Centre
The facility will be actively programmed in partnership with community organizations and will not be available for private rentals.
The second floor of the building provides space and services to support entrepreneurs and the business community featuring:
- Multi-purpose room with kitchen, which may be divided (Room A/B)
- Coworking Space (Room C)
- Economic Develpoment (Room D)
Partnership Opportunities: Community organizations interested in hosting arts, cultural, or business-focused events, or booking a tour of the facility can reach out to business@caledon.ca to connect with staff.
Private Events: Looking for space to host a party? Although the HRC is not available for private parties, the Town offers rentals at most community centres with space available to meet your party needs: Community Centre Rentals
Free Coworking Memberships
Looking for space to launch your business with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs? Applications are now open for free hot desking memberships for the new coworking space.
Coworking at HRC
- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Multi-purpose Room (second floor)
This free pilot program offers workspaces for local entrepreneurs and innovators looking to start or grow their business in Caledon. Coworking at the Humber River Centre will include free access to:
- A flexible workspace (hot desk)
- Public wi-fi
Note: private meeting room space is currently not available. Devices such as laptops and tablets are not provided.
With a limited number of workstations available, access is limited to early-stage Caledon-based entrepreneurs working on a new business venture or start-up business owners. A limited number of workstations will be available for post-secondary students through a request to staff at business@caledon.ca.
Apply for a Free Coworking Membership
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions below.
- Complete the HRC Coworking Membership Application Form.
Coworking FAQ
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Who is eligible to participate in the pilot coworking space? |
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A membership is required to access coworking space at the Humber River Centre. The Town is currently accepting applications for free coworking memberships, open to Caledon-based entrepreneurs or start-up business owners. A limited number of memberships will be granted to post-secondary students for independent study and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, through a request to staff: business@caledon.ca. |
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Are all businesses eligible for a free membership? |
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With a limited number of workstations available, membership eligibility is limited and excludes the following business categories:
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How long will the free coworking pilot be offered at the Humber River Centre? |
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The free pilot will start on Thursday, February 29, 2024 for approved businesses and will continue until December 19, 2024. Coworking space demand and the feasibility of the program will be assessed to inform continued or expanded programming into 2025. |
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How do I apply for a coworking membership? |
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To apply, submit your application using the online form. Please note that your application is subject to staff review to ensure your business meets the pilot’s eligibility criteria. New applications will be reviewed within two business days of submission. Staff will reach out with more information once the review has been completed. Businesses will not be permitted to access the coworking space without an approved membership. |
| What are the costs of using the coworking space? |
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For the duration of the pilot from Thursday, February 29 to Thursday, December 19, usage of the space will be free to all approved applicants. After the pilot period, staff will evaluate demand and feasibility of the pilot with the potential for a fee model to be introduced in 2025. |
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What features and services are included in a coworking membership? |
Please note: The following is not available at this time:
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Will food and beverage options be made available on-site? |
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Coworking members will have access to a shared kitchen space with a residential-style fridge and microwave for day-use only. Please note, the storage of food and beverage items is not permitted. The Humber River Centre is in the heart of downtown Bolton, with many restaurants and cafes nearby. At this time, coffee will not be provided in the space and we encourage clients to support local businesses. Check out the Downtown Bolton BIA business directory. |
| What are the hours of operation? |
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Coworking space at the Humber River Centre is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, running from February 29 to December 19, 2024. |
| Do you have enough electrical outlets available? |
| Access to power is available at every workstation throughout the coworking space. |
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I need a fast reliable Internet connection, what do you offer? |
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Internet is available through the Town of Caledon's dedicated coworking space Wireless network. Members can connect with their laptop or other mobile device, after they agree to the service’s terms of use. Access to the internet will be filtered to protect the security of the service. There will be no time or data limits, however usage may be monitored. Please note: private internet connections will not be provided. |
| Can I use the coworking space’s address for my business mail? |
| Postal service is not supported at the Humber River Centre. Direct mail to the facility is not available. |
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Where are you located and where can I park? |
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The Humber River Centre is located at: 28 Ann Street, Bolton. Free parking is available at the public parking lot located at the corner of Ann and Sterne Street. Limited on-street parking is available on Ann Street. |
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Resources
| How to Start a Business |
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Business Basics- 10 free sessions will help you with starting and growing your business Start Your Business- Key steps to starting your own business |
| Town of Caledon's Financial Incentive Programs (CIP) |
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Our Community Improvement Plans (CIP) promote redevelopment and revitalization. Caledon has CIP areas in Bolton, Caledon East and the six villages. If you own or lease a commercial property in one of these areas and want to improve your property you may be eligible for grants. Community Improvement Plans - Town of Caledon Economic Development |
| Financing Available |
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Alterna Savings - Community Microfinance and BDC BDC - The Bank for Canadian Entrepreneurs Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) Fair Finance Fund (Fall intake October 1st to October 18th, 2024) Futurpreneur – Turning great ideas into successful businesses |
| Government Grants |
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Canada Business App (Opt in to receive notifications about new funding opportunities, grant deadlines and support relevant to businesses). Canada.ca - Business Benefits Finder Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) (Closing date is September 30th, 2024) Ontario.ca - Ontario Government Funding Ontario.ca - Starter Company Plus Ontario Centre of Innovation - Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) |
| Past HRC Small Business Growth Series Webinars |
| Check back for HRC Small Business Growth Series Webinars |
Caledon Chamber of Commerce
The Humber River Centre is home to the Caledon Chamber of Commerce, a community organization dedicated to supporting Caledon businesses through events, workshops, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 10 am - 2 pm
For more information, visit the Chamber website.
Meeting our Sustainability Goals
The renovation project was funded in-part by a $3.5 million investment from the Canada Community-Building Fund, and a $4.2 million investment from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program providing the opportunity to make the HRC the most energy efficient facility in the Town's ownership.
Sustainable improvements include installing LED lighting, air source heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators, more insulative windows and doors, increased roof insulation, on-demand electric water heaters and a building automation system. These enhancements are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29.5 tonnes per year and fuel consumption by 56.2 per cent.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.