Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is a non-profit, faith-based organization working towards universal access to safe, decent, affordable housing, as well as breaking the cycle of poverty. The organization has recently received Ontario government grants to reinstate a furniture bank which helps those in need furnish their homes. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is providing Habitat for…
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a federal-provincial-territorial partnership that provides government grants and loans to agricultural producers, processors, and other organizations. One incentive included in this funding framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Ontario Processors program, is a non-repayable government grant that helps manufacturers invest and become more competitive. The CAP: Ontario Processors program provides…
High-performing organizations have leaders whose character shines. Courage, drive, accountability, integrity, and good judgement are the mainstays of what leaders bring to the table; however, great leaders also embrace humility, justice, humanity, patience, collaboration, and transcendence. These are the 11 dimensions of Leader Character. Southwestern Ontario businesses can learn about Leader Character and strategies to…
Earlier this year, PLANT Magazine and Grant Thornton LLP released their annual Manufacturers’ Outlook publication. The comprehensive source of business practices and management attitudes identified several key trends that demonstrate a fast-changing manufacturing landscape. While this year’s report is generally more optimistic than years past, it also identifies that manufacturing leaders are cautious about 2018…
UPDATE: The AgriMarketing program is now closed and not processing new applications. All applicants, even agricultural producers and processors are encouraged to use the CanExport program for all new applications. AgriMarketing is a Canadian government grant that supports international expansion projects undertaken by food and beverage businesses. Through the program, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can…
Canadian government funding programs often use terminology that is difficult for applicants to understand. These terms may be uncommon, but they are significant and important to comprehend when it comes to developing competitive government funding applications. Applicants should have a basis to understand government funding programs, including the terminology used to talk about types of…
The financial technology (fintech) sector is a growing component within Canada’s knowledge-based industries and focuses on the development of innovations and technologies for the financial services industry. By 2018, it is expected financial institutions will spend over $14 billion annually on fintech to solve internal technical challenges. Businesses like Secure Key, Phoenix, and eSentire are…
The Canadian manufacturing industry is entering a technological revolution where significant challenges and opportunities will need to be addressed. This period will benefit some while displacing the need for others. As a result, manufacturers will need to be agile and make investments so that they can leverage strategic growth opportunities as they arise. PLANT Magazine’s…
Exporting is one of the most important growth strategies used by businesses across Canada. Nearly 73,000 Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) leverage new markets and opportunities outside of the country by exporting goods or services. This, however, only accounted for 11.8% of SMEs in Canada signaling that there is reluctance among Canadian businesses to…
The Canadian manufacturing industry remains cautiously optimistic moving forward in 2016. While some sectors within the manufacturing industry are seeing rapid growth, others are stagnant or contracting due to a variety of economic and labour issues. This type of uncertainty isn’t new to manufacturing executives, but being able to plan ahead and execute growth strategies…