Fruit of the Land Culinary Market and International Safety both advance to to the finals of the Ontario Made Awards.
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6 food industry leaders in York Region
These six food companies in York Region are helping to propel the local agri-food sector.
Melissa Chee, President and CEO of ventureLAB, featured on CTV News
ventureLAB’s President and CEO, Melissa Chee, was recently featured by CTV News to discuss the importance of boosting semiconductor output to remain competitive.
Richmond Hill-born Entrepreneur Anika Sawni is Making Alcohol-Free Drinks Mainstream
Grüvi has 18 full-time employees and sells its zero-proof sangria and nitro mocha stout at 3,500 North American stores. Anika, now 27, was named to Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list in its food and beverage category in 2021.
Stronach demonstrates his new micro-mobility vehicle
It’s been two years since Frank Stronach started work on his micro-mobility electric vehicle and while it will still take more time before the SARIT (‘Safe Affordable Reliable Innovative Transport’) is out of the prototype phase, that did not stop the Canadian billionaire from showing off two early models at Parliament Hill on Wednesday.
Innovative post-secondary solutions will help solve Canada’s tech-sector skills shortage
Canada is facing a digital skills shortage that, if left unaddressed, will present a major barrier to business growth across all sectors and industries. As corporate leaders continue facing difficulties recruiting and retaining tech talent, universities in Canada can play a vital role in leading the development and implementation of innovative post-secondary solutions that address existing human resources gaps.
Small Business Week
Join us in celebrating Small Business Week 2022, which takes place from October 16-22 and is a national celebration of entrepreneurs and their contribution to Canada’s economy.
York Region Agri-Food Business Spotlight: Ontario Sustainable Agriculture
We’re excited to bring you a new local agri-food business spotlight, featuring Ontario Sustainable Agriculture, from the City of Markham!
Celebrating Ontario’s Agriculture Week
October 3 to 9, 2022 is Ontario Agriculture Week, and we’re celebrating the abundance of food our farmers produce.
York Region Agri-Food Business Spotlight: Turkey Shoot Brewing Co.
There’s nothing we love more than getting into our community and talking to local business owners. We’re excited to bring you a new local agri-food business spotlight, featuring Turkey Shoot Brewing Company, from the Town of Georgina!
Always in Season – Carrot Production in the Holland Marsh
The Holland Marsh is a wetland and agricultural area that covers area in York Region and Simcoe County. It is one of two specialty crop areas in the entire province due to its incredibly fertile soil. This area produces more…
Success Story: The Little Red Bake Shop
Located in Newmarket, The Little Red Bake Shop specializes in custom gourmet baked goods and offers customers a cookie subscription box. Michelle started her business right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the right support from the York…
Succeeding as a Canadian Food Entrepreneur
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. You need courage, perseverance, and an obvious passion for what you are pursuing. And when it comes to food entrepreneurialism, achieving success demands a special ingredient — a true love for making and sharing incredible…
Success Story: Replenish General Store
Based in Aurora, Replenish General Store specializes in helping customers reduce their waste and carbon footprint. Co-founders Thai and Bianca started the store just days before the global pandemic impacted the economy, but with the right support they were able…
ventureLAB Secures $2.5 million in Provincial Funding to Expand Semiconductor Incubator
Markham, York Region-based ventureLab has received a $2.5 million investment from the Government of Ontario to establish a medical technology stream within its Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI)
Oat Canada and Roquette Receive $4.1M as Part of a Project to Improve Oat-Processing Capacity
Oat Canada received scale-up support through the York Region Food and Beverage Accelerator Program through York University’s YSpace. This investment will see the development of novel oat ingredients and nutritionally superior oat-based food and beverage products.
Richmond Hill Partners with OCAD University and eCampusOntario to Launch CLIC
CLIC brings together expertise from Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre and OCAD University to help businesses review their offerings and business models through a design-thinking lens.
Building Better Bridges to Food and Farming
Guest Contribution by Crystal Mackay, CEO of Loft32 and Keynote Speaker at York Region’s 2021 Agri-Food Forum
ventureLAB’s 2021 Annual Review
In 2021, ventureLAB enabled tech companies to create over 400 new jobs and raise more than $116 million in capital.
Celebrating Canada’s Agriculture Day
From the rich soil of the Holland Marsh to a diverse mix of food and beverage businesses, York Region’s agri-food sector is a key economic driver and grows when we all support local.
York Region Invests $1.5M Into Canada’s Only Hardware-Focused Lab and Incubator, Aims to Attract Global Tech Firms
ventureLAB and the Regional Municipality of York have partnered to expand the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies.
ventureLAB-supported company, Hyivy Health, Secures $1.1M in Pre-Seed Funding
ventureLAB-supported company is developing the first smart, holistic pelvic health rehabilitation product for the one in three women who will develop pelvic health complications in their lifetime.
Government Extends Loan Forgiveness Repayment Deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account
The repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023.
ventureLAB and York Region announce 2021 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund Recipients
Funded with the generous support of the Regional Municipality of York, the fund allows local organizations to increase innovation and elevate sustainability in York Region while expanding inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.
Two York Region Food Companies Secured Deals on CBC Dragons’ Den
Check out these local food entrepreneurs and how they secured a deal on CBC’s Dragons’ Den!
Five York Region Companies Selected as Nominees for Inaugural Ontario Made Awards
On behalf of its Ontario Made program, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is thrilled to announce nominees for the Inaugural Ontario Made Awards.
New Report Pitches Semiconductor Buyers Group
A new report from Canada’s Semiconductor Council says the country should form a government-led consortium of chip buyers by 2025 to overcome a global shortage crippling manufacturers and prevent further troubles.
York University’s YSpace is Home to Exciting Food Startups
The York Region Food and Beverage Accelerator program is run by York University’s YSpace, which is an incubator program for entrepreneurs. The five month accelerator program is focused on helping consumer packaged goods companies go from small retail stores into…
Federal Government Announces New Targeted COVID-19 Business Support
The Government of Canada has confirmed that certain existing income and business support programs will end on October 23, 2021, as previously announced. This includes the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Upcoming Small Business Webinars and Events
We have so many great webinars and group events coming up that we had to dedicate an entire blog to them! From marketing experts teaching graphic design and online marketing, to digital advertising strategies and more, our agenda is jam-packed with helpful tips…