Local Grit

Alex Hobcraft
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Alex Hobcraft Hamilton local businesses share their stories about starting, running and growing (or not growing) their business. Learn about small business, marketing, copywriting, social media, growing and maintaining a small business in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

  1. Oct 22

    Nrinder Nann - Ward 3 Councillor

    Nrinder Nana's website Social Feeds https://www.instagram.com/ward3hamilton Nrinder Nann on small business red tape, commercial rent pressure, and designing the LRT to support Main Streets Hamilton Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann joins Alex Hobcraft to discuss what City Hall can do for small businesses, especially those trying to survive in brick-and-mortar spaces. They discuss inspections, permits, commercial rent pressure, and how big infrastructure projects like the LRT can affect neighbourhood business corridors. Nann brings firsthand perspective as a former small business owner and community organizer. She explains where the city can streamline processes, where systems need to change, and what a successful LRT rollout should look like for the streets it touches. Key topics In this episode: Nann explains the difference between running a business from home or online and taking on the costs and risks of a brick-and-mortar location.She shares: How owning a wellness center on James Street taught her about rent, overhead, and the pressure to keep a storefront financially stable.We discuss: Why commercial renters in Hamilton may need stronger protections, including the idea of a commercial renter’s bill of rights.The conversation covers: How successful businesses can become targets for rent increases once they prove they can draw customers to a neighborhood.Nann breaks down: The red tape involved in opening a business, especially when inspections and clearances happen one after another instead of in parallel.She points to: The city’s One Stop Shop model for residential applications as a possible template for speeding up commercial approvals.We discuss: Why advocating for individual businesses isn’t enough without broader changes that make approvals coordinated and predictable.The LRT conversation focuses on: How construction can disrupt businesses, and why the city needs strong communication, advance notice, and stakeholder planning.Nann says: The LRT corridor should be treated as a partnership zone involving businesses, residents, schools, and community spaces.She describes: A post-LRT vision with wider sidewalks, trees, active transportation, mixed uses, and more street life.Timestamps 00:00 — Why this conversation matters for Hamilton’s small businesses 01:13 — What owning a brick-and-mortar business teaches a councillor 02:16 — Rent, overhead, and why storefront success can still be unsustainable 03:41 — Why closing the storefront improved business viability 04:36 — The case for a commercial renter’s bill of rights 06:30 — Why opening a business can stall on inspections and clearances 07:53 — The One Stop Shop model as a fix for commercial red tape 08:50 — Why predictability matters more than advocacy alone 10:06 — How LRT construction could affect businesses and neighborhoods 11:03 — Treating everyone on the corridor as a stakeholder 12:00 — Using Main Street conversion as a test case for LRT planning 12:58 — Where the LRT project stands 15:08 — The long-term vision: a thriving, walkable corridor “What I know for a lot of Hamilton business owners who rent, not only are rents super expensive these days to try and open up a business, the other thing is like as renters, as commercial renters, there's not a lot of protection built in.” “We need to get the approvals on the bricks and mortar lined up with the approvals on the inspections required for the license and the business to function so that those businesses can open their doors with confidence and predictability.” “I really see it as an artery of possibility.”

  2. Oct 22

    Tammy Hwang - Ward 4 City Councillor

    In this episode, Hamilton City Councillor Tammy Hwang shares insights on balancing small business needs with city regulations, improving traffic safety, and attracting investment to Hamilton. She discusses her experience as a small business owner, her approach to city governance, and her perspectives on data centers and urban development. Hamilton, small business, city council, traffic safety, investment, urban development, procurement, data centers, Hamilton economy, Hamilton growth. Small business support and challenges in Hamilton Traffic safety and urban planning strategies Hamilton's economic development and investment attraction City regulations and procurement processes Perspectives on data centers and infrastructure Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tammy Hwang and Hamilton's Ward 4 02:05 Highlighting a Local Small Business: Island Queens 03:06 Tammy's Experience as a Small Business Owner and City Councillor 04:42 Entrepreneurial Mindset in City Governance 05:37 Challenges of Permitting and Regulations for Small Businesses 08:17 Transparency and Customer Service in City Processes 10:56 Balancing Safety and Business Needs in Traffic Management 12:15 City's Role in Supporting Small Business Growth 14:54 Property Taxes and Business Sustainability 18:27 Hamilton's Competitive Edge and Investment Opportunities 26:44 Traffic Calming and Driver Behavior Challenges 34:57 Data Centers in Hamilton and Economic Impacts 36:26 Hamilton's Future and Investment Readiness 44:37 Procurement Challenges and Innovation Opportunities 45:07 Building a Better City: Customer Service and Transparency 46:25 Election and Future Goals for Hamilton

  3. Sep 30

    $2 million in free lessons - Astrid Hepner Hamilton Music Collective

    Astrid Hepner on building the Hamilton Music Collective and getting music into kids’ handsAstrid Hepner shares how her career took her from Blue Note Records in New York to founding the Hamilton Music Collective in Hamilton. The conversation covers how the organization grew from a small idea into a citywide music education hub, why jazz and improvisation matter for young people, and how the collective sustains accessible programs without losing sight of equity.We discuss how the Hamilton Music Collective started, how it secured early support, and why it now focuses on sustainability, partnerships, and expanding music production opportunities for kids and youth. Key topicsAstrid explains why she left New York after 9/11 and moved to Hamilton to build a calmer life for her family.She shares how her early work at Blue Note Records shaped her leadership, marketing instincts, and professional standards.Astrid describes the organic beginnings of the Hamilton Music Collective, including early fundraising relationships and the first major funding pledge of $150,000 over five years.She talks about Jazz in the Hubs, an early school-based initiative that brought live jazz and instrument stations into inner-city classrooms.She explains why the program is not jazz-only or classical-only, but intentionally genre-inclusive so children can connect through many styles of music.She describes the move into the Gasworks building and how the renovation created rehearsal spaces, a recording studio, and a performance center.We discuss how the organization works with schools, rec centres, the library, the Boys and Girls Club, and local festivals like Supercrawl.Astrid shares the shift from expansion at all costs to sustainability, arguing that growth should mean deeper access and fairness, not just more programs.She talks about new music production and DJ programming, including teaching Ableton and giving students hands-on experience in recording and live sound.She reflects on why music education matters beyond music itself, saying creativity helps kids become better scientists, business people, and problem-solvers too.Timestamps00:00 - From Blue Note Records to Hamilton: Astrid’s path to the city 05:22 - Why Hamilton became home after New York felt unsafe 08:13 - The fundraising network that helped spark the collective 16:00 - Jazz in the Hubs and bringing live music into schools 18:19 - The first major pledge and the idea of an instrument for every child 21:13 - Why the program is genre-inclusive, not jazz-only 26:40 - Finding a home at the Gasworks and building a performance space 30:48 - Renovations, rehearsal rooms, and the recording studio 32:11 - Partnerships with schools, rec centres, the library, and festivals 34:05 - Hiring teachers, admin staff, and building a professional organization 36:57 - How marketing and visibility helped the program grow 40:00 - Lessons Astrid brought from Blue Note and Bruce Lundvall 47:09 - Why the next phase is about sustainability, not just expansion 48:35 - Music production, DJ classes, and Ableton training 54:29 - Why sponsors and supporters come to them now 56:18 - Why creativity matters for kids, not just musicians Notable quotesCopy “Blue Note was my university, which was paid.” Copy “We’re not begging for money. We provide people with an opportunity to support the community and do something worthwhile with their marketing money.” Copy “It’s incredibly important for kids to be creative.”

  4. Sep 24

    City Councillor Ward 3 - Chris De Melo

    Where to Find Chris NO VIDEO. Chris was unable to be on camera, but his message is still there! https://demeloforcouncil.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/demelo4councillor https://x.com/Demelo_ward3 Chris De Mello on Ward 3, small business, and fixing Hamilton’s slowest systemsChris De Mello, a custodian and maintenance worker with the Peel District School Board and longtime union leader, lays out his run for Hamilton City Council in Ward 3. He argues Hamilton needs faster, fairer city processes for small businesses, stronger enforcement against negligent landlords, and a more practical approach to growth that helps people on the ground. We discuss how his labour background shapes his politics, why he thinks Hamilton’s bureaucracy is holding back business, and why he believes the city should focus less on slogans and more on accountability, licensing, and usable support. Key topicsChris explains why he’s running now, saying Hamilton is getting more expensive while services feel stagnant or worse.He argues the city already knows who the repeat-offending landlords are and should enforce existing property standards instead of treating everyone the same.In the episode, storefront vacancies, boarded-up buildings, and residential conversions of commercial space come up as signs of poor stewardship.He makes the case for a dedicated city liaison to help small businesses move through permits, departments, and paperwork faster.Chris says his union experience taught him to think in terms of costs, risks, and incentives, which he believes applies directly to small business and housing policy.He wants incentives that reward good actors, including grants and targeted support, rather than blanket red tape or constant tax hikes.The conversation covers vacant property taxes, the idea of charging owners more for leaving space empty, and examples from other cities that may be worth adapting carefully.Chris stresses that city hall should cut bureaucratic bloat and consultants before raising taxes further.He says he’s willing to be the person who delivers hard truths, not just good news, if public service requires it.The interview closes on his broader goal: making Ward 3 more livable for residents, businesses, and future growth without turning every issue into a culture war.Timestamps00:00 - Chris De Mello’s background and Ward 3 candidacy 01:19 - Why he moved from Mississauga to Hamilton 03:10 - What Hamilton already knows about problem properties 05:23 - Storefront conversions, boarded-up buildings, and maintenance failures 07:38 - Why proactive enforcement should not burden good landlords 10:43 - How Hamilton’s bureaucracy compares to other municipalities 11:36 - A city liaison to help small businesses cut through red tape 13:47 - Why one point of contact could reduce, not add, friction 16:41 - How union work shapes his view of economics and accountability 21:10 - Vacant properties, grants, and incentives for business use 23:04 - Why he prefers grants over city loans 25:50 - Hamilton’s spending problem versus a revenue problem 30:32 - Being willing to tell voters the hard truth 33:54 - Working across political differences without losing effectiveness 37:41 - How Chris wants voters to reach him 39:46 - Why Hamilton’s rents are squeezing good businesses 46:08 - Journalism instincts, FOIs, and city hall scrutiny 47:53 - Staffing growth, consultants, and whether residents are seeing results 50:24 - LRT skepticism, transit priorities, and downtown development 51:20 - Why Hamilton may need a new economic engine beyond steel 53:26 - Negotiation, compromise, and why online outrage is not governance

  5. Sep 14

    Magazines Aren't Dead - Meredith MacLeod

    Meredith MacLeod, the director and publisher of Hamilton City Magazine, shares the story of the magazine's inception, the challenges of print media in the digital age, the content and distribution strategy, the role of the magazine in the community, and the business challenges related to advertising and sustainability. The conversation covers the urbanization of Hamilton, the impact of urban development, the importance of downtown Hamilton, addressing homelessness and mental health, local community support and sustainability, and the value of supporting local businesses. Takeaways The importance of preserving print media in the digital ageThe value of local, independent media in celebrating and improving the community Urbanization has had a significant impact on Hamilton's development.Supporting local businesses is crucial for community sustainability. Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Hamilton City Magazine06:11 The Print vs. Online Debate09:01 Content and Distribution12:03 The Role of the Magazine28:57 Advertising and Business Challenges33:47 The Urbanization of Hamilton34:25 The Impact of Urban Development35:21 The Importance of Downtown Hamilton36:49 Addressing Homelessness and Mental Health44:20 Local Community Support and Sustainability59:08 The Value of Supporting Local Businesses

  6. Sep 7

    Architecture inside Hamilton - Bill Curran

    Summary In this episode, architect Bill Curran shares his journey from early career to founding CAI, emphasizing the importance of design, relationship building, and continuous learning in architecture and real estate development. Keywords architecture, real estate, design, Hamilton, community development, entrepreneurship, creativity, travel, education, sustainability key topics Bill Curran's career path from employee to founder of CAI The importance of relationship building over social media The role of drawing and design in architecture The influence of travel and diverse influences on creativity Balancing architectural quality with client needs and budget The integration of real estate development and architecture Community engagement and social responsibility in design The impact of education and mentorship in architecture sound bites "Our landscape looks as s****y as it does because of culture" "Architectural skills are completely different from business skills" "Authenticity and due diligence are key in architecture" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bill Curran and his work in Hamilton 02:15 Bill's early career and decision to start his own firm 04:12 Experience working in Toronto and international travel sabbatical 07:04 Return to Hamilton and key projects like Mohawk College and Good Shepherd Square 12:24 Community engagement and overcoming neighborhood opposition 19:24 The importance of design quality and artistic integrity 23:29 The role of drawing and sketching in architectural design 26:49 The value of travel and diverse influences on creativity 44:56 Giving back to the community through donations and service 50:54 Favorite buildings designed and admired in Hamilton 52:10 Reflections on Hamilton's architectural landscape and future 53:36 Closing thoughts and appreciation for the conversation

  7. Aug 26

    A Better Space Means a Better Results - Sara Auld

    Gather Canada website Summary: Season two of Local Grit kicks off with a conversation with Sara Auld from gathercanada.com, an event space. Sara shares her journey from a career in bond insurance to becoming a lawyer and eventually starting Gather Canada. The space is designed to bring nature indoors and foster real conversations and relationships. The business model, pricing, and the importance of referrals are discussed, along with the impact of the pandemic on the business. The conversation delves into the emotional and experiential aspects of the space, the importance of location, and the challenges and rewards of starting a business. Takeaways Nature-Inspired SpacesExclusive Use ModelImportance of ReferralsEmotional Connection in BusinessChallenges of Starting a Business Chapters 00:00 Introducing Gather Canada01:05 Sarah's Journey and Background02:27 Creating a Nature-Inspired Space04:46 Challenges of Finding the Right Location07:35 Pricing and Business Model13:39 The Impact of Lockdown on the Business15:36 Marketing and Community Building19:23 The Emotional and Experiential Aspect of the Space26:13 Location and Expansion27:24 Reflections on Starting a Business

  8. May 19

    When Your Business Needs To Change - Jodi Laking

    Title: Navigating Entrepreneurial Disruptions: From Burnout to Support with Jody LakingIn this episode, Jody Laking shares her personal and professional journey through life-disrupting events and how they shaped her latest business pivot to focus on supporting entrepreneurs in crisis. Discover practical tools, unique frameworks, and AI solutions for entrepreneurs managing overload, burnout, or major life upheavals. Key Topics:Jody’s transition from business coaching to a "business triage" approachThe impact of personal crises, like separation and loss, on entrepreneurial capacityThe concept of "steady" as a sign of recovery post-disruptionThe importance of mental health and lifecycle support for solopreneursPractical AI tools for automating communication, boundary setting, and process simplificationThe "Not to Do" list as a strategy for reducing overwhelm and reclaiming capacityThe role of emergency-style business support in crisis versus long-term coachingHow to encourage entrepreneurs to ask for help without shameThe significance of timing, self-awareness, and choosing the right moment for supportPersonal stories of resilience, pivoting, and redefining success amidst adversityTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Jody's personal story of pivoting during crises 02:21 - Overview of Jody’s long-standing work helping entrepreneurs scale and sell businesses 03:44 - Recognition of life disruptors impacting entrepreneurs during COVID and beyond 06:29 - The need for support during life crises and the emergence of "business triage" 09:46 - Personal experience with separation and the realization that entrepreneurs are unprepared for such times 12:40 - The gap in support systems for entrepreneurs facing trauma and life-disrupting events 15:33 - Transition from traditional coaching to crisis-focused support and Jody’s own evolution 20:18 - The importance of understanding capacity, boundaries, and prioritization during heavy

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Alex Hobcraft Hamilton local businesses share their stories about starting, running and growing (or not growing) their business. Learn about small business, marketing, copywriting, social media, growing and maintaining a small business in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Hobcraft
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Alex Hobcraft
  • Show Website
    Local Grit