Guelph, ON (Tuesday, April 5, 2022) – Bioenterprise Canada Corporation is pleased to announce successful applicants of the third round of the SmartGrowth Program, which focused on companies with innovations in the digital agriculture sectors. Five companies have been selected to receive funding and mentorship support to accelerate their business growth and profitability while strengthening the regional economy for southern Ontario’s innovative agri-technology industries.
The Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), is supporting Bioenterprise Canada with $6.3 million to deliver the SmartGrowth Program and lead the creation of a food and agri-tech hub in southern Ontario. The program provides successful applicants with up to $100,000 in non-repayable acceleration financing (to be matched by the recipient company) as well as coaching and mentorship services.
“Growing digital agriculture is essential to a successful future for Canadians and for our farmers,” said the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada is proud to support Bioenterprise to strengthen the agriculture ecosystem across southern Ontario. The creation of an agri-food hub supports our homegrown companies and Canadian food security, leading to more good, secure jobs for Canadians and economic growth.”
As Bioenterprise Canada expands its national membership program, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, key regional projects like the SmartGrowth Program will drive connection between industry, funding and SMEs in key regions. In southern Ontario, round three SmartGrowth recipients are using the funds to develop and commercialize innovative digital agriculture technologies that will increase process efficiencies throughout the agri-food value chain. These funds will allow recipients to advance their companies’ product demonstration, intellectual property (IP) protection, regulatory compliance and marketing. These projects act as a catalyst for economic growth and advance scale-up activities to improve productivity, global competitiveness, and market expansion through the adaption and adoption of highly innovative digital agriculture technologies.
“With this third round of Bioenterprise’s SmartGrowth program, more businesses in Guelph and across southern Ontario will receive the support they need to grow and create good jobs while fueling our economy, “ said Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph. “The work being done to support digital agriculture is supporting a strong and resilient economy in southern Ontario.”
“Digital technologies have been introducing increasingly important innovations over the past 20 years, not only for efficiency but also for sustainability and global competitiveness,” says Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “We aim to increase support for the advancement of these new technologies and to improve the commercial viability of adoption and integration. Our priorities of economic and environmental growth are well represented by the third round recipients of the SmartGrowth funding.”
We would like to congratulate the following successful applicants:
Join our mailing list for updates on this program or contact Bioenterprise Canada today to explore the other commercialization support services and programs that they offer nationally.
About FedDev Ontario
For more than 12 years, FedDev Ontario has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving their productivity, growing their revenues, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the Agency’s impact in southern Ontario by exploring the Southern Ontario Spotlight, pivotal projects, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Bioenterprise Canada
Bioenterprise Canada is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and a national and international network of research institutions, academia, mentors and experts, government, and industry to help small and medium-sized businesses in the sector nationwide Connect, Innovate, and Grow. Through its experienced partner network, Bioenterprise Canada offers a wide range of expertise and support to its members, and partnerships with other industries help open doors to new technologies and platforms to help food and agri-tech businesses innovate and grow. Visit https://bioenterprise.ca/ to learn more.
Media Contacts
Alexandra Burdett, Director of Programs, Bioenterprise Canada, alexandra.burdett@bioenterprise.ca
Monica Granados, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca
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