Provinces and territories are working with the Canadian government to develop a low-carbon economy. The federal government’s current strategy is to let provinces develop a plan for how they will achieve individualized carbon-reduction goals. This regional approach, as opposed to a ‘one size fits all’ model helps provinces develop a tailored plan that respects industries…
With a decreasing population that is largely comprised of aging citizens, northern Ontario provides challenges for growing businesses. Due to immense migration of youth talent, either to other provinces or moving to southern Ontario, businesses in the northern part of the province are having difficulties finding quality workers – especially skilled labour. Although northern Ontario…
Canadian business owners and executives have several opportunities to learn and grow their company this month. In addition to Mentor Works’ ongoing small business funding webinars, members of our team will also be attending small business events across southern Ontario. Join us at any of the following events to discover small business grants, loans, and…
In 2015, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) merged under the IESO name to increase synergy between the two agencies and reduce administrative costs. During this merger, several saveONenergy incentives for business (formerly administered by OPA) were rebranded to reflect the new partnership. Businesses can now save on energy…
Since its inception in 2008, the Canadian government funding program Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF) has awarded over $468 million in support. This funding fuels automotive R&D projects aimed at improving fuel-efficiency and lowering the environmental impact of automobiles. Canadian businesses awarded with funding include Toyota, Ford, Linamar, and Magna International. The program was renewed in 2016…
Last week I wrote Part 1 of Downsizing: How to Optimize your Living Space, which explained trends in increasing living space per person. This trend was inconsistent with a reducing household headcount and flat-line house building costs, creating an excess in living space not seen in other countries. The solution to this issue, unfortunately, is…
Kaizen, a Japanese word for “improvement”, is often used in business environments to implement and improve standardized activities & processes. Introduced by Toyota after World War II, kaizens have now become common practice in the manufacturing industry to continuously improve methods or procedures that increase productivity, eliminate waste, and/or reduce costs. However, with the vast…
Businesses have experienced a consistent rise in utility prices, creating an increased need for energy management and energy efficiency protocols. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) offers Canadian government grants for industrial organizations implementing systems and processes that improve baseline energy performance. NRCan is offering cost-shared assistance to companies in the industrial sector wanting to execute energy…
If you are in the manufacturing sector, there are several ways your business can save money with the support of the Ontario Power Authority. From Audit Funding to incentives to upgrade capital equipment, it’s worth investigating to determine how these programs could benefit your business. SaveONenergy Audit Funding The Ontario Power Authority’s Audit Funding will…
MaRS Discovery District and the province of Ontario have invited the public to vote online for their favourite app in the Energy Apps for Ontario Challenge in a news release earlier this week. The challenge offers $50,000 in support for best new app using electricity collected by smart meters –as voted on by members of…