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November 2019 Food and Beverage Industry Information Discover something new this November. Brand new funding opportunities, including the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s Cost Share Program (for processors), are available now! Register for the Eastern Ontario Local Food conference to learn about this year’s theme, “Growing Communities Together”. The Guelph Food Seminar Series is back for another month and will be hosted by OMAFRA. Prepare yourself for an action-packed November! INDUSTRY NEWS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES EVENTS RESOURCES FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @RegionalEcDevON and FACEBOOK to stay up-to-date on the latest news, events and more! INDUSTRY NEWSGrocery Innovations Canada, A SuccessGrocery Innovations Canada on October 22-23, 2019 was a success. The Ontario Pavilion generated a strong buzz on the show floor and had a surprise special guest, Premier Doug Ford. Grocery Innovations Canada showcases Ontario’s best and most innovative manufacturers to a national audience of retail decision makers and buyers. This event has created countless opportunity for small business within Ontario. If you are interested in registering for a booth for 2020, please contact Rolster Taylor. Cannabis Innovation Business Accelerator Program for Early Stage Start-ups Leaf Forward is a global launchpad for cannabis innovation and through its business accelerator program and venture fund it can invest up to $75 000, time and expertise into promising early stage cannabis startups. Over a 16-week period their team works closely with you to help build your business. Leaf Forward’s in-house resources are bolstered by an industry wide network of leaders and subject matter experts. If you think you have what it takes to be the next great cannabis startup apply HERE. Canadian Grocer Introduces ‘New on Shelf’ Newsletter Canadian Grocer has launched “New on Shelf”, a twice-monthly roundup of products launching in Canada. The newsletter editors will carefully select four products to feature in each newsletter, which will hit inboxes every second Tuesday. From snacks and sweets to drinks and dairy, they will give you a glimpse of the products ready to hit grocery store shelves. If you aren’t yet receiving New on Shelf, visit the subscriber page to sign up HERE for free. If you’re launching a product, send information and high-resolution photos to online editor klaird@ensembleiq.com. Ontario Announces Next Steps to Improve Recycling and Tackle Plastic Waste Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced the next steps to transition the costs of the Blue Box Program away from municipal taxpayers and make the producers of products and packaging fully responsible by 2023. Over the coming year, Ontario will develop and consult on regulations to support the new producer responsibility framework for the Blue Box Program. Once producer responsibility is fully in place, recycling across the province will be more consistent, with a standard list of materials that can be recycled. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIESCanadian Agricultural Partnership – Cost Share Funding for Processors Processors and Other Agri-businesses can now apply for cost-share funding to support projects within development and commercialization of technology or equipment to increase labour productivity for farmers and processors, economic development in the agri-food and agri-based products sectors and protection and assurance in food safety and plant and animal health. The application intake window for Processor and Other Business cost-share funding assistance is from November 4th – 26th, 2019 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. If you are interested, please review the Program and Application Guides. Applications can be submitted at www.ontarioprograms.net. Regional Development ProgramThe Regional Development Program takes a coordinated approach to supporting business growth in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. The program supports eligible small- and medium-sized businesses investing in new equipment and training to expand operations in these regions. The program also provides support to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations investing in economic development projects. Eligible applicants may receive financial support and advisory services to help navigate other government programs, such as guidance on compliance approvals, assistance with skills and talent, and information regarding Ontario’s corporate tax credits. The intake period will be starting on December 2nd, 2019 and ending on January 20th, 2020. For more information, click HERE. Can Export: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) ProgramThis program provides direct financial assistance to SMEs registered in Canada to help them develop new export opportunities and markets, especially high-growth emerging markets. Applications are accepted year-round through an online platform. In order to apply, companies must be for-profit, an incorporated legal entity or a limited liability partnership (LLP), have a Canada Revenue Agency business number (unless Indigenous-owned or led), employ no more than 500 full-time equivalent employees and must have declared between $100K and $100M in annual revenue in Canada during the last 12 months. The CanExport SMEs program requires applicants to submit a project for which expenses total between $20 000 – $100 000. The program reimburses up to 75% of eligible costs to offer between $15 000 and $75 000 in funding per project. For more information, click HERE. Ontario Job GrantThe Ontario Job Grant provides direct financial support for employers who wish to purchase training for their workforce. Employers choose the individuals they would like to have trained and the training that meets their workforce development needs. The grant covers up to 50% of direct training costs for large employers and around 80% for small employers (less than 100 employees). However, small employers may qualify for 100% funding and up to $15,000 per trainee if the employer is hiring and training unemployed individuals. For more information and to apply, click HERE. MITACS AccelerateThe purpose of this internship program is to connect companies with over 50 research-based universities, where graduate students and post-doctoral fellows are given the chance to apply their specialized expertise to your business projects. The project evaluation proportion of this program will take approximately 6-8 weeks. The project can be as long as desired, however, there is a minimum length of 4 months. For every $7 500 invested in the project, another $15 000 of research funds are attributed to the project. Contact accelerate@mitacs.ca to confirm your start-up’s eligibility. For more information, click HERE. Agri-Innovate ProgramThis program aims to accelerate commercialization, adoption and/or demonstration of innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes or services that increase sector competitiveness and sustainability. In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must clearly illustrate how proposed projects will commercialize/adopt/demonstrate an innovation new to the sector or country. The funding will be repayable and may cover up to 50% of eligible costs, up to $10M. Applications will be accepted until March 21st 2023. NSERC ENGAGEEngage Grants are designed to give innovative companies access to the knowledge, expertise and capabilities available at Canadian colleges. These grants are intended to foster the development of new research partnerships by supporting short-term research and development projects aimed at addressing a company-specific problem. A 2-page letter of support from the company involved in the project must be provided and must outline the company’s support for, contribution to, and agreement with the research project plan, by responding to a list of points. A maximum grant of $25,000 over a period of normally six months will be awarded to support the project costs. For more information, click HERE. Market Access InitiativeThe Market Access Initiative is a targeted cost-share intake available to help businesses and organizations across the Ontario supply value-chain that are directly involved in, or support the production, processing and/or sales of agri-products for domestic or export markets. Funding is available for 75 per cent of eligible costs. Please refer to the project category description for further details on what cost-share dollar amount is available. Applicants may only apply to one project category per application. Applicants who have been notified of application decisions may then apply again for funding consideration. For more information, click HERE. EVENTSInformation Day on Intellectual PropertyNovember 12th, 2019 from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) invites you to an information day on intellectual property (IP) for the food processing sector. Speakers from federal departments and Niagara College, as well as private sector stakeholders, will explain patents, trade secrets, designations and other IP assets, opportunities for cooperative research, and various funding programs. The event will take place concurrently with the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) 31st Annual Suppliers’ Tabletop Exhibition on November 12th, 2019 from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario. Please register by November 8th, 2019. To register, please contact Anik Boivin directly at 450-768-9679 or by email at anik.boivin@canada.ca with the following information: your name, title and name of your company or organization, contact information (phone number and email address). Eastern Ontario Local FoodThe Eastern Ontario Local Food conference is only a few days away! This two day event focuses on the development of local food economic development. The conference begins on November 13 with three half-day tours to choose from. The three routes are: Mohawks of Akwesasne, Cornwall and SDG and the Highlands; and Cornwall and SDG and the Seaway. All tours will offer stops featuring local food and beverage tastings, and inspiring projects led by visionary community leaders. Register HERE before Monday, November 11th to reserve your spot. Canadian Bioeconomy Cooperative R&D Partnering Mission to GermanyThe bioeconomy sector is a key priority in both Canada and Germany. This mission will focus on introducing Canadian companies that have strong R&D expertise and capacity in this sector to potential leading German partners for the purpose of R&D collaboration. Areas of focus for the Canadian Bioeconomy Cooperative R&D Partnering Mission to Germany could include:
Global Summit Plant-Powered MenusThe Global Plant-Powered Summit is an exclusive gathering of up to 250 food service leaders (mostly multi-unit operators), innovative plant-powered suppliers and global experts from Europe and across North America. Some of the world’s biggest food service, restaurant and food brands are signed up! Who is attending? Senior executives, food & beverage directors, culinary directors, executive & corporate chefs, buyers, menu and product developers, marketers, dietitians, nutritionists, CSR managers, supply chain experts as well as food entrepreneurs, farm organizations, trade media and other invited guests. The summit kicks-off November 12th at 4:30 PM with a trends and global supply chain discussion at the Scotiabank Theatre, followed by a VIP reception at The Fifth Social Club. The conversation continues November 13th at The Globe and Mail Centre for a full-day of additional learning, connecting and tasting innovative new products! Full agenda with 22+ speakers is HERE. Guelph Food Seminar Series (GFSS)Various dates, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM The speaker name and title of presentation is announced one week prior to the seminar. All Monthly Seminars are available in-person and through webinar on Adobe Connect November 13th, 2019, Hosted by OMAFRA Participate with the Ontario Pavilion at the Restaurants Canada Show 2020The Restaurants Canada Show is a three-day event in March of 2020, featuring over 1100 exhibits including the Ontario Pavilion, where local food and drink will be put on display. By participating in the Ontario Pavilion, you will join the experience of showcasing your product alongside 84% of Canada’s top 100 food service companies representing over 700 unique brands. If growing your business is a priority, then take the time and register an exhibit with the Ontario Pavilion and receive benefits such as access to OMAFRA business lounge, material handling from loading dock, listing in the official RC Show Guide and promotion on the show website. While exhibiting in the Pavilion, you will be able connect with Canadian and international industry buyers as well as chefs, caterers, restaurateurs and food service operators. Networking opportunities, workshops/seminars, and industry competition make the RC show one of the most engaging events of the year. RESOURCESBrewing Technician Program at the Canadian Career College This diploma program prepares the graduate for work in various breweries, including large-scale breweries or craft breweries. The classroom instruction will primarily be done through an online distance learning model, enabling students to remain within their respective communities and not have to relocate for an extended period to take their theoretical training. Upon completion of the 3-4-month virtual classroom portion, students will be assigned to various breweries for the practical aspect of the training in a 360-hour internship. For more information visit Canadian Career College. Tech for Food at IFPT-Conestoga CollegeThe applied research program at Conestoga College’s Institute of Food Processing Technology (IFPT) offers food and beverage manufacturers the opportunity to address their technical challenges through research collaborations. From 2017, IFPT has been awarded 15 grants for funded research and is currently working in collaboration with 26 industry partners. IFPT has capabilities in several research areas such as, new product development, optimization of processes and formulations, development of new/effective packaging systems, food safety and shelf life, and process automation. They are well-equipped with labs for food and packaging testing; and a pilot plant with a test kitchen, UHT, retort, and three main production lines i.e., bakery, fresh vegetables, and beverages. At this one-of-a-kind facility, Conestoga offers expertise and innovation in the areas of food safety, food science, packaging technology, and food process engineering. Please contact Luis Garcia at lgarcia@conestogac.on.ca for more information. |
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