FedDev Ontario provides nearly $29 million in support of 11 projects in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding regions in 2023, supporting over 400 jobs
The Government of Canada is committed to investing in people, their potential and all the possibilities they create across southern Ontario. As part of this commitment, in 2023, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) invested more than $190 million to support more than 70 businesses and organizations, protecting an estimated 4,000 jobs. This year, in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding regions, FedDev Ontario invested nearly $29 million in 11 projects, creating and maintaining an estimated 400 jobs in the region.
For example, FedDev Ontario, provided a $3-million investment to Kitchener-based Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI) to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, create 45 new jobs in the automotive and EV industry and support the growing green economy. This project is helping this family-owned company to fulfil larger volume orders, and serve new clients by offering more environmentally sustainable solutions, including in the EV sector.
A FedDev Ontario investment of $1.3 million in Simpson Print, a family-owned leader in sustainable print manufacturing, is helping this Bloomingdale-based company future-proof its facility by adding new digital technologies, including new greening features and processes that will allow the company to reduce its environmental footprint. This investment will help the company improve its carbon footprint and support the recycling of 100 percent of its waste.
FedDev Ontario also supported A Friendlier Company Inc. (Friendlier), a women-led sustainable food packaging solution provider, with an investment of $500,000 to standardize its reusable takeout packaging system, accelerating its growth and supporting a circular economy. The work this company is doing will go a long way towards reducing plastic waste and building a strong economy for Ontario and all of Canada.
In 2023, FedDev Ontario invested nearly $16 million in 8 clean growth and EV projects. Through investments like these, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to net-zero emissions and supporting local businesses as they adopt more sustainable processes and technologies and create good jobs for Canadians.
FedDev Ontario continues to work with industry and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations across the region to help them grow and thrive. This year, FedDev Ontario launched a new, easy-to-use application process that makes applying for funding easier and more predictable for clients. Understanding the important role Indigenous businesses and communities play in strengthening our economy, the Agency also announced a dedicated team and resources to help guide Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations in southern Ontario on programming and services available to them.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations can now apply for funding under the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario to develop local tourism products and experiences to attract visitors to the region. The first round of applications is now open until February 29, 2024. A second round will open in the summer.
The Agency continues to support inclusive economic growth for the region, investing over $60 million in 35 projects led by underrepresented groups, estimated to create and maintain over 1,400 jobs in 2023. Helping our underrepresented groups achieve their goals will unlock unlimited potential for Canada's economy and Canadians as a whole. A strong, diverse economy and a better future for all Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.
