Canada’s recently-released Fall Economic Update offers many provisions that directly support business competitiveness and make it easier to invest. Most beneficial to manufacturers is the announcement that the full cost of machinery and equipment can be written off immediately. Businesses outside of the manufacturing industry will also benefit from a similar incentive that supports writing…
Entering and expanding international markets is one of the best ways that Alberta businesses can drive year-over-year growth. Yet for many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the risks associated with exporting prevent exploring markets outside of Canada. Businesses can limit this risk by participating in trade shows and trade events, which tends to be one…
exactEarth is a Satellite Automatic Identification Systems (S-AIS) technology developer that collects and transmits global maritime vessel data. Since 2009, the Cambridge, Ontario-based company has been a top innovator of AIS vessel tracking systems and now captures significantly more data than any other space-based AIS system. With global customers ranging from national governments to coast…
Ontario agricultural producers and processors can benefit greatly by staying up-to-date with industry news. Yet for many agri-businesses, it’s difficult to find resources and publications that help inform growth strategies and improve competitiveness. While there’s no one definitive source of information for Ontario businesses, there are several sites that provide access to free, high-quality information…
Canadian women often face financial barriers as they start and expand businesses. While there are many factors that have led to women owning fewer than 16% of businesses in Canada, access to financial resources is undoubtedly one of the greatest hurdles to overcome. Although there is greater gender equality in the workforce now than ever…
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that supports businesses and non-profit organizations across the country. It also offers 15 targeted funding programs specifically designed to help grow Alberta agricultural producers, processors, and organizations. These streams of funding, known as CAP Alberta, are an ideal way for the agri-sector to expand and become more…
New entrants to Ontario’s interactive digital media community must overcome steep knowledge and financial hurdles. There are many obstacles to tackle before software and game developers can launch their first product; this is often a long and complicated process where innovators must tap into several organizations and resources for support. Fortunately, the Interactive Digital Media…
The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) is a research and development funding program that incentivizes global commercialization partnerships. Through the program, Canadian businesses can find international innovators to help further develop and commercialize technologies. Funding offsets a portion of eligible costs associated with technology adaptation, validation, and co-development projects. CIIP research and development funding reduces the…
Before connected and autonomous vehicles (C/AVs) are deployed on Canadian roads, there must be significant improvements to how these systems work. Individual technologies must be improved, and their integration needs to be thoroughly tested to ensure driver safety. While innovators have historically had few opportunities to develop and test connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, a…
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is a federal government organization that administers funding programs for growing businesses. As one of Canada’s six regional development agencies (RDAs), NOHFC has the mandate of developing incentives that help businesses and municipalities alike. Its programs help attract wealth to Northern Ontario while helping businesses improve their competitiveness….