Bioenterprise Allotted $2M for FoodShift Program to Improve Food Industry with Clean Technology

Bioenterprise Canada will receive nearly $2 million in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) to deliver the FoodShift program to companies in the area. Food processing companies in southern Ontario will benefit from FoodShift’s green, net-zero initiative.

“Today’s investment in Bioenterprise will provide food processors and agri-businesses with the financial support and resources to accelerate their adoption of net-zero technologies. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring businesses have the opportunity to increase their competitiveness and contribute to a resilient, clean economy while creating good jobs for Canadians.”

The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

As the only national accelerator in Canada dedicated to building and growing agricultural technology companies, Bioenterprise Canada was founded in 2003 and has now implemented this FoodShift program to increase their efforts. Applicants for the FoodShift program must collaborate with eligible clean technology providers for the project.

“This investment in Bioenterprise supports Canada’s food ecosystem through innovation and will foster economic growth that will strengthen our local economy. Today’s announcement will support 60 companies and 200 jobs right here in Guelph and across southern Ontario.”

Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph

Funding Amount

Successful applicants for the FoodShift program may be eligible for up to $50,000 in funding support from Bioenterprise if they are able to match the match the $50,000 investment for a total minimum project allotment of $100,000.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Bioenterprise FoodShift program. All applicants must be incorporated in Ontario, Canada, and:

• Are a processor in the food and beverage sector;
• Are a for-profit private sector enterprise or not-for-profit corporation willing to adopt clean technologies; and
• Generate at least $1 million in annual revenues.

Eligible Activities

Eligible Projects must be related to adopting new and innovative clean technologies for operations with the intent of becoming a net-zero facility. Projects may be eligible if they meet or are similar to the following initiatives:

• Clean technology advisory;
• The acquisition of new clean technology; or
• Costs related to commissioning the new technology.

It is important to note that all projects must be conducted in collaboration with an eligible clean technology provider. To learn more about what qualifies as a clean technology provider, visit the FoodShift Program page.

Program Timelines

The FoodShift program is opening a call for applications which will begin on July 27, 2022. Funding will be available until fully committed.

Government Funding Opportunities for Food and Beverage Companies

To learn more about government funding opportunities that are available for businesses in the food and beverage industry, such as the Sustainable Development Technology Canada program, please visit our Canadian Farming, Food, and Beverage Funding Programs Directory. Businesses would also benefit from registering for our upcoming Funding Business Events & Webinarswhich frequently highlight top funding opportunities for Canadian businesses.

Also, make sure to sign up for our government funding newsletter to get weekly updates on new and exciting funding opportunities.

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