Southwestern Ontario Development Fund Awards $400k to Niagara Brewery
Silversmith Brewing Company is an independently owned craft brewery in Niagara, Ontario situated among fruit farms, vineyards, and wineries. The brewery and beer hall operate out of a rustic and charming 1890s church, providing a unique space for visitors to enjoy brewery tours, food, entertainment, and high-quality beers, including the award-winning Black Lager.
Silversmith Brewing Company was recently awarded $400,000 in Ontario small business grants from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund to support its 11,000-square-foot facility expansion.
The contribution of business expansion grants through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) is allowing the company to expand its operations and increase production capacity. The investment is also helping offset the costs of purchasing new equipment, supporting the opportunity to access different markets, and creating and retaining jobs within the province.
Silversmith Brewing Company Receives $400k in Ontario Small Business Grants
In 2011, owner Chris Pontsioen created Silversmith Brewing Company with a goal to redefine and grow the beer sector in Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for being Canada’s largest wine region.
Over the seven years since, the company has been working hard to establish itself as a place for locals and travelers to enjoy tours, craft beer, food, and entertainment. To support this vision, Silversmith is embarking on an 11,000-square-foot facility expansion to its existing building, allowing the business to compete on a larger scale.
Silversmith Brewing Company received $400k in capital investment grants from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund for its strategic growth projects.
During the expansion project, the brewery is investing in new capital equipment for improved operations processing, providing the ability to make and sell new products. The company is also adding a new retail space, brewing space, tasting room, events space, and additional restaurant seating to accommodate more local and out-of-town visitors. In addition, the project is creating 10 new jobs and retaining 15 other positions.
About the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund offers funding for economic development and the expansion of SMEs located in the southwestern Ontario region. Funding can be used to support projects that involve investing in new capital equipment, developing skills, enhancing productivity, developing new infrastructure, and creating new jobs within the province.
Eligible industries include advanced manufacturing, tourism, information and communications technology (ICT), cultural industries, life sciences, and processing.
By applying for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, businesses may leverage up to 10-15% of project expenses to a maximum $1.5M in business expansion grants.
To access SWODF funding, companies must develop a competitive application that details the project’s purpose, budget, timelines, and expected outcomes. The Ontario government funding program is open year-round and is currently accepting submissions.
To learn more about project qualifications for capital investment grants such as SWODF, and to access key tips to support your strategic growth projects, please download Mentor Works’ Expanding Production in Canada slide deck.
Posted: May 29, 2018 by Myra Bredin. Updated: May 29, 2018 by Myra Bredin.