Our government funding experts are a dedicated team of professionals passionate about helping Canadian businesses succeed. In this blog, we spotlight Kaitlynn Barrett, our Manager of Government Grants, who brings a unique blend of experience and enthusiasm to her role. Read on to learn more about Kaitlynn’s journey, her insights into the grants industry, and her excitement for the future!
From Nutrition to Grants: Kaitlynn’s Career Journey
Kaitlynn’s career path has been anything but conventional. Originally studying nutrition at the University of Guelph and Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, she pivoted to a 10-year career in marketing, where she honed her skills working with major brands like Loblaws and Metro. Over the years, Kaitlynn experienced four acquisitions, each one contributing to her diverse skill set.
Before joining Mentor Works, Kaitlynn worked with the Canadian Cancer Society, where she deepened her passion for impact-driven work. When COVID-19 brought changes, she sought a role that could combine her love for community, business strategy, and making a difference. That’s when she discovered the grants industry, allowing her to channel her skills into helping businesses grow, innovate, and create meaningful, long-term jobs.
Passion for Grants
Working in grants has allowed Kaitlynn to leverage her marketing and business expertise to make a tangible impact. She loves supporting projects that not only drive business success but also improve the lives of Canadians. “It’s incredibly rewarding to work with companies that share a vision for sustainable, inclusive growth. I get to help clients strengthen food security, create highly skilled jobs, and foster a future where Canadian businesses thrive,” she says.
Among the projects Kaitlynn finds most fulfilling are those related to business expansion and strengthening the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of companies across multiple sectors, particularly in the agri-food sector. Visiting manufacturing facilities and seeing the real impact of these grants keeps her motivated.
“There’s something special about seeing a product on the shelf that you know you helped bring to life. It’s a perfect blend of strategy and community impact,” she notes.
A Day in the Life of a Grants Manager
Kaitlynn’s typical day involves connecting with clients, learning their stories, and understanding their long-term goals. Her favorite projects are those where clients seek to bring operations back to Canada, creating jobs and strengthening local communities. Kaitlynn also spends her time strategizing funding solutions, guiding clients through application processes, and collaborating with her team on various initiatives.
Sustainability and cleantech are key areas of interest for Kaitlynn, as she finds inspiration in helping businesses adopt innovative, eco-friendly practices. “I love working with clients who want to make a positive difference in Canada and globally. It’s rewarding to help them stay competitive, stay local, and contribute to a greener future.”
Overcoming Challenges
Navigating the grants landscape is not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Kaitlynn encounters is finding the right fit for specific grants and aligning projects with program requirements. “It can be tough when a program doesn’t initially see the vision or benefits of a project, but that’s where creativity and persistence come in,” she explains. Kaitlynn is dedicated to presenting applications that showcase the excitement and potential behind each project, helping to secure the funding needed to bring her clients’ visions to fruition.
A Cohesive and Diverse Team
One of the highlights of working here for Kaitlynn is the camaraderie among her colleagues. “Our team is incredibly diverse in age, background, and interests. Every lunch conversation is a learning experience!” she shares. Kaitlynn appreciates the broad range of perspectives within her team and enjoys the collaborative atmosphere. “We support each other and work together to solve complex problems. It’s a refreshing and supportive environment.”
Embracing New Opportunities with Ryan
The recent acquisition of Mentor Works by Ryan has opened exciting new possibilities for both our team and our clients. With Ryan’s extensive resources, including specialists in tax credits, SR&ED, and additional funding expertise, we’re now able to offer a truly comprehensive solution for Canadian businesses. “We’re part of something much bigger now, and it feels great to let clients know we can support them in new ways with this expanded range of services,” Kaitlynn shares.
One of the most meaningful changes has been the implementation of Ryan’s myRyan policy, which emphasizes flexibility and trust. This policy empowers team members like Kaitlynn to manage their schedules in ways that accommodate personal commitments, whether attending appointments or spending quality time with family. “There’s a sense of transparency here, and it’s incredible to be able to balance my work and personal life in a way that works best for me, especially as a mom of two young kids,” she explains. “It’s a great time to be part of this team, and I’m excited to see how we’ll continue to grow and support our clients together.”
Looking to the Future
As she looks ahead, Kaitlynn is excited about the potential for growth in areas like sustainability, cleantech, and women-owned businesses. She’s eager to help her clients embrace cutting-edge technologies while fostering a more inclusive business landscape.
Her advice to those entering the grants industry? “Get to know your clients, listen to their stories and ambitious business goals, and find a way to add value and achieve success. Government funding can be a game-changer for companies, and it’s rewarding to be part of that journey.”
We’re thrilled to have Kaitlynn’s expertise and passion on our team, and we know our clients benefit from her dedication every day. Interested in learning how Kaitlynn and our team can help your business thrive? Contact us today to discover the possibilities!