Honda of Canada was recently awarded with $48.1 million in Canadian government grants through the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF). This is the first time that the program has provided grants; previously the program only offered repayable funding. Through the announcement, further details were provided on the types of projects that will now qualify for automotive…
The Government of Canada is investing in agricultural technologies that increase farming productivity. As recently announced by the Canadian federal government, up to $425,000 in repayable government funding has been committed through the Western Innovation Initiative (WINN). This funding will assist a British Columbian technology developer to create a system that will help farmers reduce…
After 52 years in business, Cambridge Towel is expected to close its doors on November 30, 2016. The closure means that 120 unionized and 40 non-unionized jobs will be lost. After losing a major contract with Walmart in March 2016, the textile manufacturer faced financial pressure and has recently entered bankruptcy protection. Cambridge Towel understood the difficulties…
Developing value-added products and services is critical to Canada’s knowledge economy and competitiveness. More than ever, startups and early-stage businesses are being called on to support innovation and respond to new consumer/market preferences. Because of the rising demand for new consumer products, Canadian startups should focus on finding and establishing themselves within this market. Thankfully,…
Can industry-led research and development help Canada transition to a knowledge-based economy? The Government of Canada thinks so, and has been calling on businesses across the country to become more innovative by all means possible. Since the Liberal government took power in Canada, there has been a stark contrast in the way economic development has…
Now that summer is officially over, small businesses are returning to maximum productivity. However as Canadian companies race towards the end of the calendar year, it’s important to remember there are significant opportunities to learn and grow your company through professional and industry events. Business owners and executives can make the most of October by…
Canada’s innovation economy is transforming how the automotive industry competes with global manufacturers. Canadian automotive suppliers must work smarter and develop new technologies or processes that enable clean, efficient automobiles to be created. To incentivize this transition, the Canadian federal government created the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program (ASIP) to support investment into research and development…
On July 20, 2016, Tesla Motors’ CEO Elon Musk released a blog entitled “Master Plan, Part Deux”. The highly anticipated document identified several key changes to Tesla’s business model and also unveiled some of the newest, most innovative technologies that Tesla is working on. Among some of the most notable changes, Tesla may be modifying…
Reducing carbon emissions and creating a sustainable low-carbon economy are top priorities for provincial governments across Canada. While some provinces have taken more ambitious steps than others, all provinces and territories are beginning to shape the future of climate change legislation, and with it, a series of new incentives for businesses ‘going green’. Ontario and…
Canadian businesses must look for ways to increase exports and drive revenue from international customers. Especially in the technology industry, companies should always be looking for new ways to grow their business both domestically and on a global scale. With a high demand for Canadian products and economic conditions that support increased exports, businesses should…