BioAmber Inc. is a Montreal-based manufacturer of renewable biochemicals including bio-succinic acid, a building block chemical made from corn syrup. The company uses naturally-occurring sugars found in plant matter and transforms them into clean, green chemicals. Some of the products made from biochemical compounds include food flavour and additives, personal care products, adhesives, paints, and…
The Western Innovation Initiative (WINN) is a research and development funding program for small businesses located in western Canada. Companies operating in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba may apply for up to 50% of their project’s expenses to a maximum $3.5 million in repayable funding contributions. Innovative businesses use this fund to lead their…
Most Canadians share an inaccurate, out-of-date view of how businesses grow and succeed in international markets. Gone are the days where businesses manufactured products in Canada and shipped them internationally; now companies must extend beyond borders and become part of an integrated international value chain. Traditional trade measurements fail to recognize is the effect that…
Jet planes were always something that amazed me growing up. Taking a giant metal ship and make it soar through the sky at 1,000 km/h by burning dinosaur remains was undeniably cool. I was far from alone in this method of thinking; in Ontario aerospace is a big deal. The Ontario aerospace sector, despite what…
Dajcor Aluminum Ltd. engineers and manufacturers extruded and fabricated metal components. Their products are used for a range of industries, including the automotive, construction, marine, and indoor plumbing sectors. The Chatham-Kent, Ontario-based business has been in operations since 2010 and now maintains 140 employees. The aluminum manufacturer was recently announced as recipients of over $1…
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…
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) is a small business grant providing businesses with grants to train their employees. Companies can offset third-party training costs by up to 66%, enabling employers to develop a more skilled workforce. As of June 2016, more than $29 million in funding has been claimed by Canada-Alberta Job Grant applicants. Over…
Wind power is in the midst of extreme market growth. The advancement of technologies, in addition to rapidly changing legislation from governments, are helping to fuel strong growth rates year-over-year in North America and around the world. Wind technologies present a significant opportunity for businesses across the world. Technology development companies are rapidly researching ways…
I have worked for businesses of varying sizes in numerous industries, and have often found myself wondering how innovators generate breakthrough ideas. For example, how did Kiichiro Toyoda come up with the Toyota Production System? How do innovators discover great new opportunities that others fail to see? How did the greatest innovators in the world…
Sodecia Canada, a globally leading automotive manufacturer, is in the process of expanding their operations in London Ontario. As part of the organization’s growth strategy, Sodecia is investing in a new production facility that will greatly expand their capabilities and ability to support the global automotive market. Sodecia Canada recently partnered with Mentor Works to…