Southern Ontario Spotlight - October 2022

Southern Ontario Spotlight

FEDDEV ONTARIO’S FOCUS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SUBSCRIBE

decoration

Making Headlines

FedDev Ontario celebrates Small Business Week

FedDev Ontario celebrates Small Business Week

Every year, close to 10,000 entrepreneurs from across the country gather to learn, network and celebrate the talent, drive and passion of Canada’s small business community by taking part in the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Small Business Week. With over 1.2 million small- and medium-sized businesses in Canada, these entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy. They make important contributions to the communities they serve. Since November 2015, and throughout the pandemic, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $450 million to directly support over 1,500 small businesses across southern Ontario, helping to create or maintain more than 20,000 jobs. Click here to watch FedDev Ontario Minister Filomena Tassi’s statement on Small Business Week.

In Mississauga, FedDev Ontario Minister Filomena Tassi provided the keynote address at RPA Canada’s Women Entrepreneur Awards. Launched in 2018, the ceremony celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of women and recognizes Canada’s leading female entrepreneurs who have made noteworthy contributions to their local communities. Minister Tassi spoke about the importance of supporting women, including those from marginalized communities, in starting their own businesses and becoming community leaders. She also emphasized the Government of Canada’s commitment to breaking down barriers for women entrepreneurs through programs like the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), along with targeted support programs for Francophone and Indigenous businesses. FedDev Ontario has provided a combined $85 million in funding for the BEP and WES, supporting more than 20 Black-led and 19 women-focused not-for-profit organizations.

In Ottawa, Minister Tassi provided remarks at the Startup Day Conference, a one-day event that gathers entrepreneurs, innovators, industry executives and government representatives to raise the bar for Canada as a globally competitive and innovative nation. The theme of this year’s conference was centered around empowering Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and Minister Tassi delivered closing remarks for a panel focused on the challenges SMEs faced during the pandemic. Minister Tassi spoke about FedDev Ontario’s commitment to helping small businesses rebuild and recover from the pandemic through programs such as the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund and My Main Street. In addition, she spoke about the Agency’s focus on creating good sustainable jobs, and working with small businesses and the not-for-profit organizations that support them, to drive clean and inclusive economic growth in southern Ontario.

 
Support for southern Ontario’s technology sector

Support for southern Ontario’s technology sector

Southern Ontario is home to many of Canada’s most innovative technology companies, and the Toronto-Waterloo Region Corridor is the largest North American technology cluster outside of Silicon Valley. Government of Canada support for tech companies and start-ups in the region ensures they have the support to provide made-in-Canada technologies that will create high-quality jobs, grow our economy and allow us to compete on a global scale.

On October 7, FedDev Ontario announced a $7.5-million investment for three Kitchener-Waterloo-based tech companies: Shinydocs Corp., Encircle Inc. and Proto Research Inc. This support will allow the companies to further develop their technologies and increase sales, and will lead to the creation of 75 skilled jobs, further establishing the region’s status as a world-leading technology and innovation hub.

“The Government of Canada is providing critical support to companies that are developing new, cutting-edge technologies here in southern Ontario and across Canada. Today’s investment will ensure the innovation sector in Kitchener-Waterloo continues to be a global leader by providing support to local companies and ensuring they have the tools they need to produce made-in-Canada technologies that will grow our economy and create high-quality jobs.”

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

CHAR Technologies Thorold Inc. is also receiving $1.5 million to scale up its business. Specializing in converting wood-based residuals into renewable gases and biocarbon to offset fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the company will use this funding to acquire new equipment that will support the development and adoption of its made-in-Canada clean technology production process. As a result, CHAR will be positioned to support Canada’s targets of a net-zero economy by 2050 by increasing the supply of clean fuels generated from sustainable resources and contributing to a circular economy. The project expects to create and maintain 14 jobs in Thorold and the surrounding region.

 
FedDev Ontario Tourism Relief Fund support available

FedDev Ontario Tourism Relief Fund support available

FedDev Ontario continues to provide support for tourism operators across southern Ontario through the Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund. On November 2, the Agency opened an intake for the Tourism Relief Fund to support eligible tourism operators and organizations with activities and events from November to March. Applications are being accepted until November 28, and all projects must be completed by March 31, 2023. For more information visit FedDev Ontario’s website or register for a technical briefing on November 8, November 9 (in French), or November 16.

FedDev Ontario Minister Filomena Tassi recently announced a $2.4 million investment to support the return of K-W Oktoberfest and three tourism projects in Waterloo Region. K-W Oktoberfest received a non-repayable contribution of $1 million to expand the festival to a full month and add new youth, inclusive and culinary events, as well as to support a new stage, accessible bleachers, new vendor huts and improved signage. An additional three tourism businesses and organizations in the Waterloo Region are receiving over $1.4 million to safely welcome back visitors and prepare for future growth.

“On behalf of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest board of directors, I would like to thank the Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario for their contribution to the festival and community through the Tourism Relief Fund. Oktoberfest is a community festival and we strive to contribute to the economic well-being of the community through job creation and tourism. We look forward to helping revitalize the tourism sector in Waterloo Region!”

– Allan Cayenne, President, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

In the Niagara region, Minister Tassi announced over $8.2 million in support for 34 tourism and community infrastructure projects through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF). As one of Canada's top tourist destinations, the Niagara region attracts more than 13 million visitors each year to enjoy the area's renowned tourist attractions, wineries, shops, restaurants and the natural beauty of local parks and Niagara Falls. These investments will create and revitalize community spaces and enhance tourism attractions to welcome more visitors. Recipients include the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, which will receive a non-repayable contribution of more than $175,000 to renovate the centre, install new museum exhibits and make the entrance more accessible. Plenty Canada, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization, received $180,000 to establish an Indigenous cultural park that will be a gathering space for community members and visitors, celebrating Indigenous art and culture in the region. Watch the funding announcement on FedDev Ontario’s Facebook page.

 
Support for new genomics accelerator program BioCreate

Support for new genomics accelerator program BioCreate

Genomics is the science of understanding and harnessing DNA code to apply to real-world solutions, and Ontario is recognized as a world-leader in genomics research. Research in this field has led to innovations in the agri-tech, healthtech and cleantech sectors, but companies still face challenges in securing capital to scale-up and commercialize their products.

That is why FedDev Ontario announced an investment of more than $5.6 million for Ontario Genomics to launch the BioCreate program, a project that will provide seed funding and support to help genomics SMEs bring new products and technologies to market. Successful applicants will receive access to critical lab space, business support tools, mentoring, and tech development guidance. The BioCreate program, delivered in partnership with Velocity (Waterloo), McMaster Innovation Park/Synapse Life Sciences Consortium (Hamilton), Toronto Metropolitan University Science Discovery Zone (Toronto), and Cleantech Commons (Peterborough), is expected to create eight new products, services, or processes and more than 30 new patents. Approximately 25 percent of the firms participating in the program will also be directed to an investment fund (the Firehood) that focuses on connecting women founders with mentors, partners and/or customers to help develop their business.

“Ontario Genomics is helping to further develop a network in leading-edge innovation. This project will support the development of a healthy pipeline of high-potential start-up companies in health, agri-food and cleantech sectors, and create and maintain up to 160 highly skilled jobs across southern Ontario.”

- Bettina Hamelin, President and CEO Ontario Genomics

 
FedDev Ontario provides funding to Cambridge aerospace manufacturer

FedDev Ontario provides funding to Cambridge aerospace manufacturer

Established in 1990, Racer Machinery International Inc. (RACER) is a family-owned aerospace manufacturer based in Cambridge, Ontario. It specializes in large CNC machine tools and additive manufacturing solutions for aerospace parts manufacturers. These machines are capable of producing lightweight parts with fewer materials, reducing the carbon footprint of the aerospace sector.

RACER received nearly $1.4 million to improve the company’s productivity and competitiveness. With this repayable investment, the company will further develop and manufacture machinery for complex aerospace parts used on helicopters and gas turbine engines and will create and maintain up to 31 jobs, as well as grow its annual domestic and international sales by up to $7 million.

Southern Ontario is home to many key manufacturers in the global aerospace supply chain. The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative is part of a Government of Canada strategy to boost the country’s aerospace industry, and with a national budget of $250 million over three years, FedDev Ontario is delivering $67.5 million in support in southern Ontario.

 
decoration

FEDDEV ONTARIO RECIPIENT NEWS AND UPDATES

RBC names finalists for 2022 Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards
RBC names finalists for 2022 Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards

RBC names finalists for 2022 Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards

In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history. FedDev Ontario proudly supports women entrepreneurs and business leaders who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

Recently, RBC released its 2022 Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards finalists, highlighting women who are leaders in their industry, driving positive change and growth in their communities and inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Among the finalists is Karen Lai, President and Founder of KPM Power Inc., a Toronto-based manufacturer specializing in lithium battery solutions. KPM Power received seed funding from agri-tech accelerator Bioenterprise through its delivery partner Innovation Guelph. The Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, provided Bioenterprise with up to $4.84 million to deliver the Bioenterprise Seed Fund and Innovation Guelph’s Fuel Injection program.

Best of luck to all the finalists! Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on November 23.

 

First Nations Technical Institute receives $500,000 in support for flight training program

First Nations Technical Institute receives $500,000 in support for flight training program

First Nations Technical Institute receives $500,000 in support for flight training program

The First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) is an Indigenous-owned and governed post-secondary institute with programming rooted in culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, and offers graduates certificate, diploma and degree credentials issued in partnership with recognized Ontario colleges and universities. A February 2022 fire in the aviation training facility resulted in devastating damage to the school’s hangar, including its entire fleet of training aircraft.

Last month, Bell Textron Canada Ltd, a Fort Worth Texas-based company specializing in aviation technology, provided FNTI with a $500,000 contribution to support the continued skills development and training resources for FNTI’s Indigenous flight students while the institute rebuilds its facilities. Training will be continued at offsite locations, and the contribution will help cover transportation, accommodations and student support expenses.

In 2019, FNTI received a $4.9-million FedDev Ontario investment to strengthen its aviation training program through the purchase of new training aircraft and the hiring of additional aircraft maintenance engineers, flight instructors, dispatch staff, academic faculty and student support facilitators.

 

Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor strengthened with launch of IoT company Enlighted

Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor strengthened with launch of IoT company Enlighted

Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor strengthened with launch of IoT company Enlighted

Enlighted, a Kitchener-Waterloo based Internet of Things (IoT) company, recently celebrated its grand opening in Kitchener with representatives from FedDev Ontario as well as Enlighted’s parent company Siemens in attendance.

With support from FedDev Ontario through the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation (Waterloo EDC), Enlighted is a leading proptech (or property technology) provider of IoT solutions such as building sensors and lighting controls that connect to intelligent workplace apps. These smart automation solutions provide the ability to monitor and address a range of building, space, and productivity needs to maximize efficiency and sustainability. Enlighted is part of Building Robotics, Inc., a Siemens company, and currently employs 32 full-time employees, 13 interns. Since the company’s inception, it has worked with more than 80 University of Waterloo co-op students (eventually hiring six as full-time staff). The launch of the new R&D facility in Kitchener will bring an additional 20 new jobs to the region.

In 2019, FedDev Ontario provided Waterloo EDC with a $3-million contribution to attract global investors from a wide range of sectors to Waterloo Region, and to work with up to 80 local companies (including Enlighted) to facilitate introductions and enhance export opportunities and new supply chain relationships both globally and within the Innovation Corridor.

 

Grand River Hospital trials innovative new technology developed by Intellijoint Surgical

Grand River Hospital trials innovative new technology developed by Intellijoint Surgical

Grand River Hospital trials innovative new technology developed by Intellijoint Surgical

Kitchener’s Grand River Hospital is preparing to launch a study evaluating an innovative new method to perform hip surgery using technology developed by Kitchener’s Intellijoint Surgical. Formed by a team of Grand River Hospital researchers in partnership with McMaster University, the study will involve the use of Intellijoint HIP, an intraoperative navigation tool that provides accurate real-time measurements during surgery to aid in the precise placement of hip implants, increasing the accuracy and potentially decreasing revision surgeries. Adoption of this new technology could also decrease the chance of post-operative complications such as hip dislocations, and has the potential to change how healthtech innovations are adopted and funded in Ontario hospitals.

In 2020, FedDev Ontario provided Intellijoint Surgical with a $4.8-million investment to expand the commercialization of its Intellijoint HIP and KNEE products to new markets in Canada, the U.S., Australia and Japan. For more information on Intellijoint, watch FedDev Ontario’s profile video Medical Innovation with Intellijoint here.

 
decoration

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

...who, with an over $2 million #GoC investment, is helping women entrepreneurs expand their businesses and reach new international markets. #SmallBusinessWeek #WomensHistoryMonth

Yes, you’ve read that right: 30 years of celebrating Canadian women who paved the way for future generations!

Join us to celebrate this year’s theme: She Did, So Now I Can.

Throughout the month of October, we will highlight Canadian women who made an impact on advancing gender equality and paving the way for future generations of women, girls, and people who identify as women.

 

They are owned and operated by our neighbours, and they benefit local communities.

FedDev Ontario is proud to have 36 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) as trusted partners to help small businesses in southern Ontario emerge from the pandemic stronger while making their communities more resilient. By working together, CFDCs are helping drive economic stability, growth, and job creation, especially in rural communities. This leads to a more resilient and competitive Canadian economy. Read more about this important partnership here: http://ow.ly/QYPW50Lev2h

decoration

Upcoming Events

Event September 12

November 16-17

Best Defence Conference (London)

Organized by a group of public-private partners, the Best Defence Conference discusses trends in manufacturing innovations, supply chains, and procurement in the Canadian defence marketplace. Speakers are specialists from government and private sectors, and the event will feature exhibitors and offer B2B and B2G networking opportunities.

Event September 12

November 22-23

Ontario Economic Summit (Toronto)

This year’s summit will focus on building Ontario’s growth agenda, exploring innovative policy solutions to the most pressing challenges, and discussing strategies to make the province resilient and competitive.

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have created an unstable environment for Ontario businesses. Meanwhile, existing vulnerabilities, such as inflation, labour shortages, and supply chain weaknesses, have been exacerbated by the global state of emergency. The event will discuss how Ontario can balance short-term demands with the need for strategic, long-term investments in economic growth to emerge competitive on the global stage.

This event is open to the public.

Event September 12

November 22-23

TIAC Tourism Congress (Ottawa)

Through a series of strategic sessions, tactical advice, and networking opportunities, this event will provide insight into the economic recovery of Canada’s tourism industry, particularly the labour shortage, supply chain disruptions, and inflation.

Approximately 400 delegates attend this annual event.

Sign up for regular economic
development updates in your inbox

Search

 

Links to websites not under the control of the Government of Canada are provided solely for the convenience of users.
The Government of Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, currency, language or the reliability of the content nor does it endorse the sites.