February 15, 2018

Businesses get innovation grants

Two Erin businesses are among 24 in southern Ontario to receive seed funding last year to expand their operations, access new markets, attract investment and create jobs in the region.
Heartwood Farm and Cidery in Ospringe and Fanjoy Restaurant in Hillsburgh each received $30,000 grants, in the third round of funding from the Bioenterprise Corporation and its partner, Innovation Guelph.  Erin pet food company Bold Canine received a first-round grant in 2016.
Recipients use the money, along with their matching funds, for branding and marketing; prototyping and product piloting; business-to-business (B2B) sales, business development, process optimization, and to help advance market opportunities. 
“Seed funding and mentorship can play a crucial role in assisting early-stage businesses,” said Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise Corporation President and CEO.
Bioenterprise is a national, non-profit agency designed to boost the agricultural technology sector. The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) has provided Bioenterprise with up to $4.84 million for the program.
Funding is delivered through Innovation Guelph’s Fuel Injection program, assisting start-ups and promoting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. Support services including mentoring/coaching, market and competitive analysis, financial and marketing strategy, investment preparation, and introductions to strategic partners.
At a recent Innovation Showcase, Bioenterprise and Innovation Guelph announced that the 32 recipient companies from the first round of seed funding have raised more than $21 million in follow-up private investment, generated more than $6 million in revenues, created more than 45 jobs, and launched more than 50 products, processes, and technologies.
The funding program supports innovative southern Ontario businesses in the agriculture and agri-food, sustainable and environmental technology, advanced manufacturing and social innovation sectors.
Brent Klassen and Val Steinmann started making hard cider at Heartwood Farm last year, selling three varieties at farmers’ markets and at their retail farm store, just north of Ospringe on Second Line.
It’s a business model promoted by Wellington County’s Economic Development Department through the Taste Real program, encouraging organic farmers and other businesses to welcome day-tripping city dwellers.
Chef Pam Fanjoy (a 2015 Chopped Canada winner) is also tapping into the trend, using seasonal local ingredients for “farm-to-table” cuisine. The Fanjoy restaurant and bar (formerly Friendly Chef Adventures), just across from the Hillsburgh Community Centre, offers special activities such as PD day camps for kids, and cooking classes for kids and adults.
Her experience as a social worker has led to a Mindfullness Eating course as a support group for women, and in January and February, a common table Community Luncheon, Tuesdays, noon to 2 p.m. She also offers a catering service and operates a retail kitchen store, with fully prepared meals to take home.
“The partnership between Bioenterprise and Innovation Guelph has been successful in assisting innovative businesses with early-stage support to help them grow,” said Anne Toner Fung, Innovation Guelph’s Executive Director. 
“We believe it is to everyone’s benefit when innovative Canadian businesses are able to grow and create quality jobs,” said Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.