Uche Okugo
Economic Development Coordinator, FDI, Africa and Caribbean Markets
The City of Brampton
Brampton, Ontario

How long have you worked in economic development?

As a member of a non-profit organization, with Economic Development as one of our Areas of Focus, I’ve been actively involved since 2015. We would conduct research and find areas of viability and need and proceed to providing the required support, usually through fundraising and matching grants. It exposed me to understanding different markets, needs and relevant measurement tools. I started at this role with the City in January 2023.

How did you enter the economic development profession?

I guess my first stint with EcDev was in 2010 during my MBA. With an exposure to Marketing and Economic Statistics & Operations, I realised that I loved the idea of Business and Economic Development. I entered the profession five years later.

What is your favorite thing about working in economic development?

The people - my immediate colleagues, staff from interfacing departments and the people (businesses) we support. It is interesting to experience how this all ties into a beautiful synergy and it feels good to see how diversity is appreciated and working to everyone’s advantage.

Tell us about the community or organization you represent.

I represent the City of Brampton, which is both a corporation and a community! We are Canada’s fastest growing big City with an average age of 36.5, immense availability of qualified and ready-to-work population, access to over 20 post-secondary institutions and a fast-growing technology hub. Brampton is recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers, with heavily subscribed impactful community programs and focused employee well being/development initiatives.

What makes your community a great place for business and people to thrive? If you don’t represent a community, how do you help economic development organizations succeed?

My role with Economic Development at the City of Brampton is Investment Attraction from the Africa and Caribbean Markets. We are the only city in Canada with a dedicated resource to drive inward investment from these markets. I support both inbound and outbound delegations to different countries to highlight Brampton’s value proposition to businesses looking to expand to Brampton. We are the closest downtown to Canada’s largest and busiest international airport, Toronto Pearson and have access to all 400 series highways. We are located at the centre of Canada’s Innovation Corridor (the largest technology cluster in North America). Our high migration rate increases diversity, with thriving sectors supported by innovation and technology. Brampton is an ideal location for businesses to grow and scale up.

Tell us about your favorite place/thing to do in your community.

I like visiting The Alderlea House – an 1869 building serving as a wedding and event center in Brampton. The building is a combination of heritage and technology! I like walking around, taking pictures and seeing those parts of the building that are still original, including a well-preserved wallpaper. The attic is quite creepy in an exciting way, as it has this age-long preserved look and feel and creaky stairs. Taking a walk around it is breathtaking, with a picturesque scenery, magnificent ancient technology, and welcoming history on the plaque at one of the entrances. It is located at 40 Elizabeth St S, Brampton, ON L6Y 1R1.

If you had a message to those considering a career in economic development, what would it be and why should they enter the field?

Economic Development is a field that touches lives with a ripple effect. You support businesses by applying tools and techniques, they flourish and expand, employ people, pay taxes to enable government initiatives/programs and support their families/give back to the community. What better way to be a professional than be an Economic Developer?

Share your favorite quote or the best piece of advice that has helped to guide your professional development.

Quote - My life-long mantra/quote since my early days in the university is that “Things Turn Out Best for Those Who Make the Best Out of The Way Things Turn Out”.

Advice - Growing up, my dad would always tell me that “A Good Name Is Better Than All the Money in The World.” Integrity is important to him, and to me too!