Canadian Fintechs Poised for Continued Growth in 2025

Canadian Fintechs Poised for Continued Growth in 2025

Canada's fintech industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with innovative startups and established players transforming the financial landscape through the use of cutting-edge technologies. As the sector continues to evolve, the top 10 biggest fintech companies in Canada are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and drive further expansion in the coming years. These firms have already made significant strides in their respective niches, boasting impressive market share, profitability, and revenue figures, while also maintaining a strong presence through extensive office networks and a talented workforce led by visionary executives. By offering a diverse range of services and products tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses alike, these Canadian fintech giants are poised to maintain their dominance and potentially reach new heights by 2025, as evidenced by their impressive historical growth trajectories and future projections.

1. Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple, a leading digital wealth management platform, has established itself as one of the largest and most successful fintech companies in Canada. Founded in 2014, the company has quickly grown to manage over $15 billion in assets, serving more than 2 million clients across its various products, which include automated investing, commission-free trading, and tax filing services. Wealthsimple's success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, low fees, and innovative approach to financial services, which has resonated with a wide range of investors, from millennials to retirees. With a strong focus on financial education and a commitment to making investing accessible to everyone, Wealthsimple is poised to continue its rapid growth in the coming years, potentially reaching $25 billion in assets under management by 2025.

2. Shopify

Shopify, a global e-commerce platform, has emerged as a significant player in the Canadian fintech space through its suite of financial services, including Shopify Payments, Shopify Capital, and Shopify Balance. The company has leveraged its extensive merchant base to offer integrated financial solutions that streamline operations and enable businesses to grow. With over 1.7 million merchants worldwide and a market capitalization of over $100 billion, Shopify has become one of the most valuable companies in Canada. As e-commerce continues to thrive, Shopify is expected to maintain its momentum, potentially reaching $150 billion in market value by 2025 as it expands its fintech offerings and taps into new markets globally.

3. Clearco

Clearco, formerly known as Clearbanc, is a fintech company that provides non-dilutive capital to online businesses. Founded in 2015, Clearco has since invested over $3.2 billion in more than 7,000 companies across 5 countries. The company's innovative revenue-share model, which allows businesses to access growth capital without giving up equity, has resonated with entrepreneurs, particularly in the e-commerce and SaaS sectors. With a focus on data-driven decision making and a commitment to supporting underrepresented founders, Clearco has become a leading player in the alternative lending space. As it continues to expand its product offerings and geographic reach, Clearco is poised to become one of the largest fintech companies in Canada, potentially reaching a valuation of $5 billion by 2025.

4. Borrowell

Borrowell, a fintech company that provides credit monitoring, financial education, and AI-powered financial advice, has become a trusted name in the Canadian personal finance space. Founded in 2014, Borrowell has since helped over 2 million Canadians improve their financial well-being through its free credit score monitoring, personalized recommendations, and credit building tools. The company's focus on financial literacy and its commitment to empowering consumers have made it a popular choice among Canadians looking to take control of their finances. As it continues to innovate and expand its product suite, Borrowell is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory, potentially reaching 3 million users by 2025.

5. Koho

Koho, a digital banking platform that offers fee-free banking, cashback rewards, and budgeting tools, has quickly gained traction among Canadians seeking an alternative to traditional banks. Founded in 2014, Koho has since attracted over 500,000 users and has raised over $100 million in funding from investors who believe in its mission to make financial services more accessible and transparent. The company's focus on user experience and its commitment to helping Canadians save money have made it a popular choice among millennials and Gen Z. As it continues to expand its product offerings and geographic reach, Koho is expected to become one of the largest neobanks in Canada, potentially reaching 1 million users by 2025.

Canadian Fintech Quiz

6. Nuvei

Nuvei, a global payment technology company, has become a significant player in the Canadian fintech space through its innovative payment solutions and global reach. Founded in 2003, Nuvei has since grown to serve over 50,000 merchants in more than 200 markets worldwide, processing over $34 billion in transaction volume annually. The company's focus on cross-border payments, alternative payment methods, and risk management has made it a popular choice among merchants looking to expand their global footprint. With a strong presence in high-growth sectors such as e-commerce, online gaming, and crypto, Nuvei is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory, potentially reaching a market capitalization of $20 billion by 2025.

7. Mogo

Mogo, a financial technology company that provides digital solutions for personal finance, has become a leader in the Canadian fintech space through its innovative products and commitment to financial wellness. Founded in 2003, Mogo has since grown to serve over 1.8 million members and has expanded its product suite to include credit monitoring, identity fraud protection, and cryptocurrency investing. The company's focus on financial education and its commitment to helping Canadians achieve their financial goals have made it a popular choice among consumers looking for a more engaging and rewarding banking experience. As it continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, Mogo is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory, potentially reaching 3 million members by 2025.

8. Brim Financial

Brim Financial, a fintech company that provides credit cards, rewards programs, and financial management tools, has become a significant player in the Canadian fintech space through its innovative products and focus on customer experience. Founded in 2016, Brim has since grown to serve over 200,000 members and has partnered with leading brands such as Air Canada and Expedia to offer exclusive rewards and benefits. The company's focus on personalization and its commitment to helping Canadians maximize their rewards have made it a popular choice among frequent travelers and avid shoppers. As it continues to expand its product offerings and geographic reach, Brim is expected to become one of the largest credit card issuers in Canada, potentially reaching 500,000 members by 2025.

9. Thinking Capital

Thinking Capital, a fintech company that provides small business loans and financial solutions, has become a leader in the Canadian alternative lending space through its innovative products and focus on customer service. Founded in 2006, Thinking Capital has since provided over $1 billion in financing to more than 30,000 small businesses across Canada. The company's focus on speed, flexibility, and personalization has made it a popular choice among entrepreneurs looking for a more accessible and supportive lending experience. As it continues to expand its product offerings and geographic reach, Thinking Capital is expected to become one of the largest small business lenders in Canada, potentially reaching $2 billion in total financing by 2025.

10. Wealthica

Wealthica, a fintech company that provides a personal finance management platform, has become a trusted name in the Canadian wealth management space through its innovative products and focus on data integration. Founded in 2015, Wealthica has since grown to serve over 100,000 users and has integrated with over 200 financial institutions to provide a comprehensive view of users' financial portfolios. The company's focus on data visualization and its commitment to helping Canadians make more informed financial decisions have made it a popular choice among investors looking for a more efficient and engaging way to manage their wealth. As it continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, Wealthica is expected to become one of the largest personal finance management platforms in Canada, potentially reaching 250,000 users by 2025.

Conclusion

The top 10 biggest fintech companies in Canada have demonstrated remarkable growth and innovation in recent years, transforming the financial landscape through the use of cutting-edge technologies. These firms have already made significant strides in their respective niches, boasting impressive market share, profitability, and revenue figures, while also maintaining a strong presence through extensive office networks and a talented workforce led by visionary executives. By offering a diverse range of services and products tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses alike, these Canadian fintech giants are poised to maintain their dominance and potentially reach new heights by 2025, as evidenced by their impressive historical growth trajectories and future projections. As the fintech industry continues to evolve, these companies are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and drive further expansion in the coming years, solidifying Canada's reputation as a global hub for financial innovation.

Growing Momentum of Crowdsourced Testing

growing momentum of crowdsourced testing

The global software testing market is on the brink of a substantial surge, with projections indicating an increase of approximately USD 16 billion between the years 2024 and 2027. This remarkable growth trajectory is primarily fueled by the escalating adoption of digital technologies and the ever-present need for rigorous software quality assurance. As businesses worldwide continue to integrate digital solutions into their operations, the demand for reliable and efficient software testing practices has become more critical than ever.

Innovation Fuels Market Expansion

The software testing industry is witnessing rapid evolution, with crowdsourced testing emerging as one of the most influential trends shaping the future of this sector. Crowdsourced testing harnesses the collective power of a global community of temporary workers, who are engaged to validate and verify software applications across diverse platforms. This approach offers several distinct advantages, including output-based pricing models, extensive device and geographical coverage, and the ability to perform real-time testing on a wide array of applications. The adoption of Agile testing methodologies, DevOps practices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and security testing is also gaining momentum, further driving the expansion of the market. The availability of free tools and the growing popularity of test automation services are pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of software testing processes. These developments underscore the importance of security and the prevalent practice of outsourcing testing tasks, which remain critical to ensuring that software applications are both secure and functional.

Overcoming Challenges in Software Testing

The software testing market encompasses a broad spectrum of testing types, each essential to maintaining the quality and reliability of software systems and applications. Functional testing, compatibility testing, usability testing, security testing, and load testing are just a few examples of the various testing methodologies employed to ensure software performs as intended. These tests are indispensable in guaranteeing that software applications are not only functional but also compatible with different platforms and user environments. Moreover, as the adoption of Agile and DevOps methodologies continues to rise, the demand for mobile-based testing has surged, necessitating continuous updates and adaptations to testing strategies. The proliferation of cloud-based testing solutions has also brought security threats to the forefront, highlighting the need for robust testing frameworks and ongoing training programs for testing professionals. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates cutting-edge technologies, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of the evolving software landscape.

Global Software Testing Market Growth

$0billion
Year:2024

Insights from Industry Analysts

In the rapidly changing landscape of the Software Testing Market, various testing methodologies play a vital role in ensuring the seamless functionality, compatibility, usability, security, and load-handling capabilities of software applications, platforms, and systems. Agile and DevOps methodologies have revolutionized the testing process by promoting continuous application updates and fostering a culture of collaboration between development and operations teams. This shift has also emphasized the importance of mobile-based testing, particularly in an era where mobile applications are becoming increasingly central to business operations. Among the key testing services that have gained prominence are test automation, crowdsourced testing, and Agile testing. These services leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of testing processes, making them indispensable tools for modern software development.

Overview of the Software Testing Market

The Software Testing Market stands as a significant pillar within the broader technology industry, encompassing a wide range of testing techniques, tools, and methodologies. The market is characterized by the presence of various companies that specialize in providing testing services tailored to the specific needs of their clients. Among these companies are Funational, Compability, Secury, Testing, Usability, and Performance Forms, each offering a unique set of testing services that include crowdsourced testing, DevOps testing, robust testing, automated testing, and mobile testing. These services are designed to ensure that software applications not only function correctly but also meet stringent security requirements and user expectations. Additionally, companies like Applicatio and Online testing solutions provide a variety of app and website testing services, catering to the diverse needs of businesses in different sectors. The growth of the software testing market is being driven by the increasing demand for high-quality software, the widespread adoption of Agile and DevOps methodologies, and the ongoing digital transformation that is reshaping industries across the globe.

Key Players in the Software Testing Market

The Software Testing Market is highly fragmented, with numerous companies vying for a share of the market. The major players in this space have established strong economies of scale and a significant market presence, which they leverage to maintain their competitive edge. These companies often rely on technological advancements and strategic pricing to differentiate themselves from their competitors. The market is populated by several leading vendors, including Atos SE, Capgemini Service SAS, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., DeviQA Solutions, Expleo Group SAS, Hexaware Technologies Ltd., Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Kualitatem Inc., Oxagile, QA Mentor Inc., QA TestLab Solutions Ltd., QASource, QualiTest Group, QualityLogic Inc., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Testfort, Wipro Ltd., and LogiGear Corp. These companies are at the forefront of innovation in the software testing industry, continuously introducing new products and services to meet the evolving needs of their clients. Reports on the Software Testing Market often include detailed information on product launches, sustainability initiatives, and the future prospects of these leading vendors, providing valuable insights for businesses looking to optimize their market position.

Insights from Technavio

Technavio, a leading global technology research and advisory company, plays a crucial role in providing actionable insights that help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to enhance their market positions. With a team of over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio offers an extensive report library that includes more than 17,000 reports covering 800 technologies across 50 countries. The company’s client base is diverse, encompassing enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. Technavio’s insights are instrumental in helping businesses navigate the complexities of the software testing market and capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities.

The software testing market is a critical component of the technology industry, driven by the growing need for robust software quality assurance and the rapid adoption of digital technologies. As the market continues to evolve, companies must remain agile and innovative, leveraging cutting-edge testing techniques and tools such as crowdsourced testing and AI-driven testing to ensure the quality and reliability of their software applications. By staying ahead of the curve, businesses can not only meet the demands of the present but also position themselves for success in the future.

Swiss Financial Sector Giants

Swiss Financial Sector Giants

Switzerland, renowned for its robust financial sector, has emerged as a prominent hub for fintech innovation, attracting a plethora of startups and established companies alike. The Swiss fintech landscape is characterized by a diverse range of services, including digital banking, payment solutions, investment management, and blockchain technology. Today we investigate some of the top fintech companies in Switzerland, examining their market share, expected profits and revenues for 2024, employee counts, leadership structures, product offerings, historical context, and future growth projections for 2025.

1. Yokoy

Yokoy, a Zurich-based fintech company, specializes in automating expense management and invoicing processes for businesses. Founded in 2020, Yokoy has quickly gained traction, securing over CHF 108 million in funding during its Series B round. The company employs around 250 staff members and is led by a team of experienced professionals from the finance and technology sectors. In 2024, Yokoy is expected to achieve revenues of approximately CHF 30 million, reflecting its growing customer base and the increasing demand for automated financial solutions. Looking ahead to 2025, Yokoy aims to expand its services to include more comprehensive financial management tools, positioning itself as a leader in the fintech automation space.

2. Revolut

Founded in 2015, Revolut has rapidly become one of the leading fintech companies in Switzerland, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services that includes currency exchange, stock trading, and cryptocurrency transactions. With over 20 million users globally, Revolut's Swiss operations have contributed significantly to its growth. In 2024, the company is projected to generate revenues exceeding CHF 1 billion, driven by its innovative banking solutions and expanding user base. The Head Office is in London however the company employs approximately 500 individuals in Switzerland, with a leadership team focused on enhancing customer experience and expanding product offerings. Revolut's future growth projections for 2025 indicate a continued emphasis on technological advancements and market expansion, particularly in the areas of cryptocurrency and international payments.

3. SEBA Bank is now called AMINA

SEBA Bank made history in 2019 by becoming one of the first FINMA-regulated institutions to provide crypto banking services. This rebrand marks a new chapter for the company, which has proudly been in operation for more than four years. AMINA Bank is inspired by the same trailblazing ambition to lead the way for its clients and to write its own future as a Swiss-regulated crypto bank offering services to its traditional and crypto savvy clients around the globe. Their HQ is in Zug.

4. Sygnum

Sygnum, another leading digital asset bank, was founded in 2017 and has quickly established itself as a key player in the Swiss fintech ecosystem. The company offers a range of services, including digital asset custody, trading, and tokenization. With a current employee count of around 250, Sygnum is expected to generate revenues of CHF 60 million in 2024. The bank's leadership team is composed of industry veterans with extensive experience in finance and technology. Sygnum's growth strategy for 2025 focuses on expanding its product offerings and enhancing its global presence, particularly in Asia and Europe.

Yokoy

Founded: 2020

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 30 million

Employees: ~250

Revolut

Founded: 2015

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 1+ billion

Employees in Switzerland: ~500

AMINA Bank (formerly SEBA)

Founded: 2019

Specializes in crypto banking services

HQ: Zug

Sygnum

Founded: 2017

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 60 million

Employees: ~250

Swissquote

Founded: 1996

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 300 million

Employees: 1000+

Lykke

Founded: 2015

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 20 million

Employees: ~100

WeCan

Founded: 2020

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 10 million

Employees: ~50

Payrexx

Founded: 2014

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 15 million

Employees: ~100

Divizend

Founded: 2017

Expected Revenue 2024: CHF 5 million

Employees: ~30

5. Swissquote

As one of Switzerland's oldest online banks, Swissquote has been at the forefront of fintech innovation since its inception in 1996. The bank offers a wide array of services, including online trading, forex, and cryptocurrency services. With over 1,000 employees, Swissquote is projected to achieve revenues of CHF 300 million in 2024. The leadership team, led by CEO Marc Bürki, is committed to enhancing the customer experience through technological advancements and innovative product offerings. Swissquote's future growth projections for 2025 include expanding its services to cater to a broader audience, particularly in the realm of sustainable investments.

6. Lykke

Lykke is a global fintech company founded in 2015, specializing in blockchain-based trading and investment solutions. The company has developed a platform that allows users to trade a wide range of assets, including cryptocurrencies and traditional financial instruments. With approximately 100 employees, Lykke is projected to achieve revenues of CHF 20 million in 2024. The leadership team, led by CEO Richard Olsen, is dedicated to driving innovation in the trading space. Lykke's growth projections for 2025 include expanding its product offerings and increasing its market presence, particularly in Asia and North America.

7. WeCan

WeCan is a blockchain-based solution provider that focuses on data management and secure communication for businesses. Established in 2020, the company has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to data security. With a workforce of around 50 employees, WeCan is expected to generate revenues of CHF 10 million in 2024. The leadership team is committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that address the growing concerns around data privacy and security. As the demand for blockchain solutions continues to rise, WeCan's growth projections for 2025 indicate a significant increase in customer acquisition and service diversification.

8. Payrexx

Payrexx is a payment service provider that offers a comprehensive platform for businesses to manage their online payment processes. Founded in 2014, the company has established itself as a key player in the Swiss fintech landscape, with a workforce of approximately 100 employees. In 2024, Payrexx is projected to generate revenues of CHF 15 million, driven by its innovative payment solutions and expanding customer base. The leadership team is focused on enhancing the platform's functionalities and integrating new payment methods. Looking ahead to 2025, Payrexx aims to further expand its services and strengthen its position in the competitive payment processing market.

9. Divizend

Divizend is a fintech company that specializes in automating the process of reclaiming foreign withholding taxes for investors. Founded in 2017, the company has quickly gained traction in the market, employing around 30 individuals. In 2024, Divizend is expected to achieve revenues of CHF 5 million, supported by its innovative solutions that simplify tax reclaim processes for investors. The leadership team is dedicated to expanding the company's market presence and enhancing its service offerings. As the demand for tax reclaim solutions continues to grow, Divizend's growth projections for 2025 indicate a significant increase in customer acquisition and revenue generation.

Wrapping Up

The Swiss fintech landscape is characterized by a dynamic and innovative ecosystem, with companies continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses alike. The top ten fintech companies highlighted in this article not only demonstrate the strength and diversity of the sector but also underscore Switzerland's position as a leading global fintech hub. As these companies continue to grow and adapt, they are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of finance, both in Switzerland and beyond. The expected profits, revenues, and growth projections for 2025 indicate a promising outlook for the fintech sector, driven by technological advancements and an increasing demand for innovative financial solutions.

Digital Asset Service Hub for Banks

digital asset service hub for banks

Aegis Trust & Custody a regarded virtual asset custody that provides regulated custody services for Real World Asset Tokenization and cryptocurrency in the United States and Hong Kong, announced that the establishment of the Digital Asset Service Hub (DASH) and Consortium with the support of Syndicate Capital Group ("Syndicate Group"). Being part of the DASH & Consortium projects, Aegis Custody is co-creating the Reference Operation Demo Labs ("Custody+ Lab") in Cyberport as a show-case for the banking and financial sector.

Aegis Custody also announced a strategic partnership with Forms Syntron Information Ltd., and Hi Sun Technology Limited. From the technical side, Aegis Custody, in collaboration with FORMS HK and Infocast, built the Custody+ Lab with their technical know-how and clients in both the traditional banking and Web3 spaces. This groundbreaking project aims to support banks in becoming "Virtual Asset Ready" by providing a foundational step. The collaboration covers technology, business operating readiness, and integration with the evolving landscape of tokenized securities, stablecoins, and Central Bank Digital Currency ("CBDC") within the territory.

The Custody+ Lab focuses on virtual asset custody for cryptocurrencies, tokenized securities, stablecoins, and CBDC. The project's goal is to enhance the technological and operational preparedness of businesses navigating the complex realm of digital assets in Hong Kong. Aegis Custody brings extensive expertise in custody, operational and compliance frameworks, and core technology, while FORMS HK and Infocast contribute its experience in local development, integration with banking systems, and delivering a superior digital experience.

The collaboration is set to revolutionize the approach to custody opportunities, compliance, and core technology in the banking sector. By strategically combining Aegis Custody's robust digital asset custody and compliance infrastructure with FORMS HK and Infocast's innovative local development and user-centric digital solutions, the partnership aims to create a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly platform. The executives express confidence in the role of CBDC in shaping the future-ready platform. This collaboration goes beyond technological integration, envisioning a secure, efficient, and forward-thinking ecosystem for all stakeholders in Hong Kong's financial landscape. This emphasizes the transformative potential of the partnership, expressing dedication to delivering innovative solutions, driving ecosystem engagement, and fostering a new standard of excellence for banks in the city. Together we believe this Web3 proof of concept will have a positive impact on the Hong Kong financial market and beyond.

Digital Asset Service Hub (DASH) and Consortium

Serra Wei, Founder and CEO of Aegis Trust and Custody said, "Today, we stand on the threshold of a new era as our vision of traditional financial institutions adopting virtual assets powered by Aegis infrastructure transforms into reality through our strategic partnership with 3 leading banking solution providers. We are excited about the potential of our collaboration and are dedicated to ensuring that these partnerships will deliver innovative solutions and foster the Hong Kong Fintech industry. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with FORMS HK, Hi Sun Tech and Infocast and the positive impact it will have on the Hong Kong financial market and beyond."

Albert Yip, Co-Chair of Aegis Hong Kong, and Chairman of Syndicate Capital Group, commented, "The recent joint circular by HKMA and SFC marks a significant milestone in the development of Hong Kong's regulation of VA-related products amidst Aegis' strategic plan of DASH project. Syndicate Capital Group is the Investor Champion and Corporate Champion of Global Fast Track that was initiated by InvestHK, promoting fintech and CBDC. We are delighted to support Aegis to establish the Custody+ Lab at Cyberport and collaborate with reputable market leaders such as FORMS HK, Infocast and Hi Sun Tech, fostering the digital asset sector in Hong Kong as the Web3 Hub in Asia."

Alex Chan, CEO of FORMS HK, commented, "As we forge ahead into 2024, we are excited to announce FORMS HK's collaboration with Aegis Trust & Custody. This partnership is set to redefine the digital and virtual asset landscape as we come together to establish the DASH and a Consortium for Banks in Hong Kong. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Aegis Trust & Custody for placing their trust in us. At FORMS HK, we firmly believe that trust and safety are paramount when it comes to virtual assets. That's why we have branded our Web 3.0 finance technology offerings under the name FINNOSafe. With our expertise and dedication, we are fully committed to supporting the financial sector in navigating the ever-changing FinTech landscape, as we strive to position Hong Kong as the premier hub for regulated virtual assets."

Cecily Ho, President of Infocast, said, "Reflecting on the transformative year of 2023 in the fintech industry, our journey ahead will be marked by continuous adaptation and innovation. The collaboration is not just a business milestone, but also our major leap in integrating digital assets into traditional financial systems. I am proud to see Infocast's expertise in financial technologies and enterprise solutions become the technological backbone for this ambitious project. Our joint efforts with Aegis Custody and other partners show-case our dedication to driving innovation in the fintech space, particularly in the realm of digital asset management."

Jack Qu, COO of Hi Sun FinTech Global Limited, a subsidiary of Hi Sun Tech commented, "At Hi Sun, our contribution to this initiative is fuelled by our extensive expertise in information technology and banking solutions. We will play a key role in ensuring the seamless integration of financial transactions within banks and the digital asset ecosystem. Under the supervision of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and in collaboration with Aegis Trust & Custody, we are co-creating a holistic system and working together to promote the virtual currency business, aiming to bring new opportunities for economic development."