Local businesses receive thousands in grants to increase sales

NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE NORTH MPP JILL DUNLOP
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The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing over $7 million in approved projects through the Grow Ontario Market Initiative.

This initiative is a five-year, $12-million program, launched last year through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North, welcomes this announcement as it will help local agriculture and food businesses increase their sales in domestic and foreign markets.

Below are the projects in Simcoe North that have been approved to receive funding.

• Up to $49,000, for Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association, in Wyebridge, to develop and implement a marketing campaign to expand the maple syrup market in Ontario to new targeted demographics.
• Up to $38,362, for Leadbetter Foods Inc., in Orillia, for marketing products (banners, flyers, attire), booth design, construction and transportation for up to two trade shows.
• Up to $12,775, for DWN Craft Chocolatier, in Orillia, for food safety development plan, review of U.S. ingredient labels and product registration. Attend a trade show and marketing material design.

“Our government is proud to support Ontario’s agri-food organizations and creating the right conditions for businesses to grow and succeed. This initiative will help these three businesses in Simcoe North expand, supporting their growth and enhancing their competitiveness.” — Jill Dunlop MPP Simcoe North

The Grow Ontario Market Initiative supports primary producers, food processors and industry organizations with cost-share funding to help them undertake market analysis and planning, new product development and marketing. Applicants can receive up to 50 per cent cost share for eligible costs, to a maximum of $60,000 per business for producers and food and beverage processors, and up to $125,000 for sector organizations.

“Our government is steadfast in our commitment to the goals set out in our Grow Ontario Strategy — including growing the province’s agriculture and food exports by eight per cent annually,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. “In its first year, the Grow Ontario Market Initiative is already making a difference for Ontario agriculture and food businesses by helping them to reach for new market opportunities.”

“Operating two federally inspected meat plants in Orillia, Leadbetter Foods has been producing locally crafted bacon, cowboy steaks and burgers for nearly 100 years. With the support of a grant of $38,362 from the Grow Ontario Market fund we are investing in U.S. export development to bring our premium meat products to American meat lovers everywhere, aiding in securing jobs in Orillia.” — Doug Alexander, vice-president, sustainability and government relations

“The Grow Ontario grant funds will be used to introduce DWN Craft Chocolatier to the U.S. market. This support will ensure product readiness and allow the owner to take part in the largest chocolate festival in the United States this coming fall. The company is thrilled to introduce its award-winning chocolate to a new audience and takes pride in being Simcoe County’s only chocolate maker.” — DWN Craft Chocolatier

The Grow Ontario Market Initiative is delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Application information can be obtained by calling 1-877-424-1300 or visiting this website.

Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

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