Southern Ontario Spotlight

Southern Ontario Spotlight

FEDDEV ONTARIO'S FOCUS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Southern Ontario Spotlight will be on hiatus for the summer and will resume in September. Thank you to our readers for your continued patronage and support.

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FedDev Ontario launches new, dedicated resource for southern Ontario Indigenous businesses and organizations

FedDev Ontario launches new, dedicated resource for southern Ontario Indigenous businesses and organizations

In June, Canada recognizes National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate and honour the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. On June 21, we recognize the historical and spiritual significance of the summer solstice in Indigenous culture for National Indigenous People’s Day.

FedDev Ontario is here to help Indigenous-owned businesses, organizations and not-for-profits achieve their goals and support the increased participation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples in the southern Ontario economy. Our dedicated team can help guide Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations in southern Ontario on programming and services available. Indigenous-led businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit FedDev Ontario’s new webpage for more information, and contact us at 1-877-553-5507 or email us to learn more about government funding and support available.

“Diversity is our strength. The Government of Canada knows that when we invest in Indigenous business owners, everybody wins. This dedicated  approach will help connect Indigenous entrepreneurs in southern Ontario with the resources, skills training, mentorship, and access to funding needed to reach their full potential. We are here to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders to achieve their goals and help increase the participation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples in the southern Ontario economy.”

– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

New support highlights government priorities during Canada’s Economic Development Week

New support highlights government priorities during Canada’s Economic Development Week

Minister Tassi made several new funding announcements as part of Canada’s Economic Development Week to celebrate the important work businesses and the federal government are doing to invest in and build a strong, growing economy that will create jobs. Visiting businesses from a variety of sectors, Minister Tassi highlighted government priorities such as the move to a net-zero economy, the development of green technologies, clean energy projects and sustainable practices, advanced digital technologies, as well as investing to build made-in-Canada supply and value chains, increasing Canadian research and development spending, and leveraging free trade deals that represent access to two-thirds of the global economy.

Minister Tassi announced a $5-million FedDev Ontario investment for ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Americas Limited (AMTB), a leading steel manufacturer of lightweight parts used in cars, electric vehicles, appliances and buildings, made with innovative processes that use less energy, and reduce carbon footprint and cost. The investment will help AMTB modernize its equipment and technologies to fully transition from manufacturing fuel powered components to Electric Vehicle (EV) components for the automotive industry, while also creating 65 new jobs in Concord.

In Mississauga, Minister Tassi announced a $4.8-million investment for Stromcore Energy Inc. to add new advanced manufacturing equipment and launch two new products. With this support, Stromcore, a manufacturer of intelligent lithium-ion batteries for forklifts, will launch new highly innovative energy-efficient products: Turbo Bank, an advanced AI-powered charger with improved efficiency, and Electric Cart, a zero-emission e-forklift developed in collaboration with Amazon to lift goods. These new products have a fast-charging capability and the ability to operate in colder environments, helping improve productivity.

Tourism Relief Fund investments position Ontario’s tourism sector for future growth and success

Tourism Relief Fund investments position Ontario’s tourism sector for future growth and success

Canada’s tourism sector is an integral part of our country’s economy, cultural identity and heritage. The diverse, rugged landscapes and natural beauty of southern Ontario draws visitors from around the world, and the Government of Canada is committed to supporting communities and tourism operators throughout the region. Launched in 2021 in response to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism operators across the country, the $500-million Tourism Relief Fund provided support to the tourism sector to help welcome back domestic travelers and reposition Canada as a world-class destination.

FedDev Ontario highlighted several important investments that have been made across Ontario to support the tourism industry. In the GTA, the Beaches International Jazz Festival received $100,000 to enhance the visitor experience at its popular two-week music festival in Toronto. In Mississauga, the Muslim Womenpreneurs Network received more than $95,000 to deliver the Ramadan Expo 2023 featuring over 200 businesses, various products and services, live performances, a kids’ zone and virtual reality experiences.

Caldwell First Nation received a contribution of $500,000 to revitalize its Indigenous-owned marina on Lake Erie, 3 kms from Point Pelee National Park. The marina is a hub for sport fishing, community events, canoe excursions into Sturgeon Creek and adventures onto the adjacent conservation boardwalk. The project supported the expansion of the marina, creating an enhanced fishing and tourism destination for visitors looking to connect with nature and learn about the cultural significance of local flora and fauna.

The Guelph Black Heritage Society received $45,000 to develop and produce accessible educational resources and promote its Heritage Hall as a culturally and historically significant, inclusive and dynamic tourist destination. As part of this project, the Guelph Black Heritage Society developed educational videos, interactive guides and programming and events that share and celebrate untold stories of Guelph-Wellington's Black community. TRF support also made a difference in St. Jacobs, where the Town of Woolwich and St. Jacobs Business Improvement Area received more than $100,000 to add seasonal outdoor recreational facilities in St. Jacobs Village, to enhance the experience for visitors during the winter months.

In Bruce, Grey and Simcoe, more than $11.2 million was delivered to 118 tourism businesses and organizations across the region, providing memorable experiences for visitors and positioning the region for success.

Between 2022 and 2023, FedDev Ontario delivered nearly $140 million through the Tourism Relief Fund  to help tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the impacts of the pandemic and safely welcome back visitors.

Minister Tassi provides remarks at Women in Business Summit and Canada SynBio Conference

Minister Tassi provides remarks at Women in Business Summit and Canada SynBio Conference

On June 14, Minister Tassi and representatives from FedDev Ontario attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Summit, an event bringing together business leaders, thought leaders and entrepreneurs from across Canada to discuss and share insights on current challenges women in business face. Panel discussion topics included the representation of women in senior management roles in high-growth sectors, gender parity in the financial services and retail industries, and strategies to disrupt the status quo in male-dominated sectors. Minister Tassi provided remarks highlighting the importance of events that bring together women leaders to ensure equal access and opportunity in the economy, and for a future that is inclusive and thriving. She also highlighted Government of Canada support for women entrepreneurs such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy that has provided support to 19 women-led not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario, and has benefited more than 27,000 women entrepreneurs across the country, including 2,600 Indigenous women-led businesses.

Minister Tassi also attended the Canada SynBio Conference, a three-day event bringing together leaders in the field of engineering biology to facilitate discussions and partnerships around biomanufacturing, ethics, the circular economy and health innovations. Minister Tassi delivered opening remarks for the conference, where she highlighted FedDev Ontario’s recent $5.6 million in support for Ontario Genomics, a not-for-profit organization leading the application of genomics-based solutions in the health, agri-food and cleantech sectors, and congratulated the first eight companies supported through Ontario Genomics’ BioCreate program, an $11.6-million initiative providing financial and business support to Ontario start-ups in the health, food and agriculture and clean-tech sectors.

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Feddev Ontario recipient news and updates

Indigenous organizations celebrate summer solstice
Indigenous organizations celebrate summer solstice

Indigenous organizations celebrate summer solstice

June 21 marks the summer solstice, a time that holds spiritual significance to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Indigenous communities celebrate their culture and heritage on or near this day because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. In Canada, we dedicate the longest day of the year to showing our appreciation of Indigenous peoples and the ways they enrich our culture.

In Ottawa’s greenbelt region, Mādahòkì Farm, Canada’s only Indigenous agri-tourism destination and working farm, hosted its 2023 Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, a five-day multi-disciplinary arts festival featuring Indigenous artists, performers, educators and community members in a celebration of Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures. Festivities included a competition Pow Wow, traditional and contemporary music, dance, and artisan and culinary experiences.

In late-May, Hiawatha First Nation celebrated its 27th annual traditional Pow Wow, featuring craft vendors, traditional cuisine, and traditional intertribal dancing, singing and drumming.

Both Mādahòkì Farm and Hiawatha First Nation are past recipients of FedDev Ontario funding through the Tourism Relief Fund. In 2022, Mādahòkì Farm received a $750,000-investment to revitalize, modernize and renovate the farm and gardens. Hiawatha First Nation received $100,000 to upgrade its facilities and amenities, improving accessibility and signage.

Three women-led startups benefit from OBIO® Women’s Entrepreneurship Program support
Three women-led startups benefit from OBIO® Women’s Entrepreneurship Program support

Three women-led startups benefit from OBIO® Women’s Entrepreneurship Program support

The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) Women in Health Initiative (WiHI), in partnership with the Institute for Biomedical Entrepreneurship (IBE), held its week-long Women’s Entrepreneurship Program in Toronto. Queen’s University, a member of OBIO®, facilitated the involvement of three women-led health science companies, LenSense™Dynamiris™, and mDETECT™, that are licenced by Queen’s to commercialize technology developed by the university’s researchers. All three companies were selected to participate in the program, which provided access to mentors and investors, and collaboration opportunities with other startups in the health science sector.

Queen’s Partnerships and Innovation has provided programs and services to Dynamiris, LenSense, and mDETECT with support from the Federal Agency of Economic Development for Southern Ontario via the TIAP Venture Builder Program, the ScaleUp Platform Project, the WE-CAN Project, and the Health Innovation Kingston (HI YGK) Project mDETECT™ has developed a novel liquid biopsy test, that is a more sensitive method of detecting and monitoring the presence of cancer. Dynamiris™ is developing a low-cost eye-tracking tool that can lead to earlier detection and treatment and better outcomes for patients, and LenSense™ is commercializing a contact lens technology with an embedded AI microchannel that can help in earlier glaucoma diagnosis while also improving treatment efficacy for patients.

For more information, read the full story on Queen’s University’s website.

In 2022, FedDev Ontario provided support to OBIO® to launch the Women in Health Initiative (WiHI), a program designed to help women with on-the-job learning, financial support for training costs, and preparation for leadership positions.

Minister Tassi visits First Nations Technical Institute
Minister Tassi visits First Nations Technical Institute

Minister Tassi visits First Nations Technical Institute

First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), an Indigenous-owned and governed post-secondary institution, recently hosted Minister Tassi for a tour of the campus and its airport. A 2022 fire in the aviation training facility resulted in devastating damage to the school’s hangar, including its entire fleet of training aircraft. In the ensuing year, FNTI continued its full programming with industry support from across Canada, and work continues on a new hangar and replacement aircraft. Minister Tassi toured the temporary hangar and viewed the progress made on the institute’s new solar panel array, part of a greening initiative at the campus.

Earlier this year, FedDev Ontario provided FNTI with $3.5 million to install a 500kw renewable energy solar power system in the airfield. This investment will provide clean power to FNTI’s existing and proposed new net-zero campus building and allow FNTI to continue prioritizing the contracting of Indigenous staff and suppliers.

Pfizer Canada announces new initiative to support Canadian healthcare startups
Pfizer Canada announces new initiative to support Canadian healthcare startups

Pfizer Canada announces new initiative to support Canadian healthcare startups

Healthcare giant Pfizer Canada recently announced a new initiative developed in partnership with Kitchener’s Communitech, to accelerate the Canadian healthcare and healthtech startup ecosystem. The Pfizer Canada Healthcare Hub will leverage Pfizer’s clinical development expertise in combination with Communitech’s proven track record of launching successful startups, to help healthcare technology companies quickly scale to meet industry challenges around drug shortages and access, vaccination tracking, women’s health and more. An open call for applications was held in May, and selections will be announced in July 2023, with successful applicants receiving the full support of the Healthcare Hub to bring their innovative solutions to market.

For more information on the Healthcare Hub, read Pfizer Canada’s news release.

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Social media highlights

CANSEC is Canada’s largest defence trade show, a two-day event showcasing leading-edge technology, equipment and services, attended by domestic and international industry, academia, military and government. While at the show, Nancy Gardiner and Chris Padfield had the opportunity to meet with representatives of innovative southern Ontario companies and larger defence contractors. FedDev Ontario has enjoyed a strong relationship with not-for-profit Women in Defence and Security (WiDS). Our President took the opportunity while at CANSEC to meet with new WiDS president Julia Scouten and members of the WiDS executive to discuss their priorities for the coming year. Thank you, Christyn Cianfarani and the CADSI team, for your hard work in putting on a great event. #CANSEC2023 #Defence #Security #CdnInnovation #ProudToSupport

MP Dzerowicz spoke about this support, the strength in our diversity & the GoC’s commitment to the region at LatAM Startups’ annual conference.

 

to sit in the drivers seat and meet with representatives from @APMACanada, students and collaborators on the Hill. #ProjectArrow

a chance to celebrate the ecosystem’s organizations & their accomplishments, supported by FedDev Ontario, & continue the dialogue to create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

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Upcoming Events

Event September 12

July 13

Canada Start Up Visa Summit 2023 (Online)

This event will connect select 20+ early-stage, international startups with Angel Investors, industry partners, government stakeholders, and service providers. Keiretsu Forum Canada is a designated Startup Visa program. Its members have supported and funded over 90 new-to-Canada companies with high growth potential, making it the most active Startup Visa program.

Event September 12

July 13

3rd Annual Brampton Venture Expo 2023 (Brampton)

This tech event brings together startup founders, executives, investors and creatives across Brampton’s biggest industries. the event will feature impactful tech, entrepreneurship, and industry content, one-on-one and group networking opportunities. What to expect: panel discussions with established founders and notable Brampton leaders, spotlights on successful Canadian startups, closing musical performance from a notable local artist, food from local vendors.

Event September 12

July 18

Connecting Industry & Innovators (CII) Series: Part 1 - Advanced Mobility (Toronto)

Innovative mobility modes can help address congestion in Toronto. This event look to how critical technologies can be deployed in new mobility applications, and how such applications can be used to enhance the livability and economic prosperity of the region. Examples include: drones, delivery robots, distributed mobility networks, autonomous mobility systems (e.g., autonomous cars), self-driving cars, and mobility devices in general.

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