June 22, 2023 · Pugwash, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Small and medium-sized businesses are key to building vibrant, resilient communities. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are contributing to the region's economy by ensuring they have the resources they need to grow their companies and increase their customer base.
Federal government helps nurture business growth
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a non-repayable contribution of $56,250 to Coastal Gardens, an Indigenous and woman-owned garden centre in Pugwash. The funding is being provided through ACOA's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) - Indigenous Business Development program.
Today's investment helped Coastal Gardens construct two additional greenouses equipped with automated irrigation, propogation and heating systems, allowing the company to triple capacity and increase its onsite production by 90 percent. The additional heated production space and irrigation system provide the opporunity to seed and plant earlier, complete more efficient watering, and over-winter plants. This will also improve quality and meet growing demand from retail and commercial clients.
Earlier this month, Minister Petitpas Taylor toured the company's retail and production facility to see its growth and hear about future plans.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting rural, women-owned and Indigenous businesses so they can scale-up and reach new markets.
