Ontario Centre for Workforce Innovation

Ontario Centre for Workforce Innovation (OCWI) Helps Narrow Labour Gap

One of the most formidable hurdles encountered by jobseekers, myself included before I found Mentor Works, is the seemingly vast disconnect between the skills we possess and the skills that prospective employers are expecting from their recruit. Reading job descriptions that require specialized skills or the dreaded “X years of experience” can be discouraging for…

Grand River Foods' Southwestern Ontario Development Fund Success

Grand River Foods Awarded $1.3M in SWODF Ontario Government Funding

Cambridge, Ontario food processor, Grand River Foods, supplies Canadian grocery stores, restaurants, and food service companies with over 200 private label food products. Their growing team, which consists of nearly 250 employees, are dedicated to providing superior quality and value for clients. With over 25 years in business, Grand River Foods has developed superior food…

Western Innovation Initiative WINN Western Canada Government Funding

Western Innovation Initiative (WINN) Canadian Tech Development Funding

Created in 2013, the five-year Western Innovation Initiative (WINN) will invest up to $100 million towards late-stage research and development projects conducted by businesses in western Canada. By commercializing new innovative products and processes, small and mid-sized businesses across western Canada will be able to expand and support employment opportunities. The Western Innovation Initiative provides…

Canadian Small Business Events and Government Funding Webinars

Attend an Ontario Small Business Event in March 2016

Canadian businesses of all sizes can attend networking, workshop, and conference opportunities throughout March 2016. As winter fades into spring, business owners and executives will want to ensure that they’re staying up to date on all industry and business funding news. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn about grants and loans from members of the…

How Can Canadian Businesses Upgrade to ISO 9001:2015?

ISO 9001:2015 Updates: Is Recertification a Worthwhile Investment?

Being able to develop a product, service, or business that can be exported to foreign markets provides a sustainable advantage for Canadian firms. Although Canadian businesses are typically known as global leaders for quality products, being certified under an international quality standard will help businesses to engage in additional trade opportunities. For many Canadian businesses,…

OCE TalentEdge Research Grants Ontario

R&D Project Hiring Grants for Interns and PhD Fellows

Funded by the Government of Ontario, the R&D Project Hiring Grants program provides a unique opportunity for businesses to hire an academic researcher for a 4-12 month period. This will enable businesses to break through innovation challenges and complete projects otherwise impossible or too costly. Ontario businesses can receive up to 50% of wages to a…

Growing Forward 2 Ontario Government Grants

Growing Forward 2 Ontario: Processors Stream Intake Period Approaching

Ontario agri-food processors will soon have another opportunity to apply for the Growing Forward 2 Ontario program. These Ontario government grants provide up to 35-50% of eligible project expenses to a maximum $350,000 to promote innovation, access new markets, and tackle key industry issues preventing long-term sustainability. As part of this funding amount, applicants can…

Greenbelt Fund Local food Investment Fund Grants Ontario

Qualify for the Greenbelt Fund: Local Food Investment Fund Ontario Grants

The Greenbelt Fund is a not-for-profit organization who advocates for the consumption of locally farmed and manufactured agricultural products. Financed by the Government of Ontario, the Greenbelt Fund administers government grants to organizations that increase the accessibility or consumption of local food. Ontario businesses and not-for-profit organizations may receive 50% of eligible project expenses. Not-for-profits…

Why Europe Should Be Your Canadian Business' Next Export Market

Why Europe Should Be Your Next Export Market

With the relative weakness of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, many Canadian small businesses have ramped up exporting activities south of the border. The lower costs of buying from a Canadian company has made it very attractive for American businesses to purchase from Canadians. This trend is even impacting consumer markets with many…

IBM Innovation Incubator Spurs Innovation In Ontario Tech Industry

IBM Innovation Incubator (i3) Fosters Tech Development in Ontario

Ontario small and mid-sized technology companies often face technical challenges when developing innovative products and services. In order to develop innovative technologies, businesses must have access to high performance computing equipment and other resources that enable creativity, productivity, and collaboration. To harness the power of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), post-secondary research institutions, and high…