Support for Volta: A Boost for Atlantic Canada’s Technology Sector
News Release
$1.5 million Government of Canada investment will encourage innovation, and help contribute to a vibrant economy
Growth strategist Katelyn Bourgoin, founder of Vendeve, speaks at a lunch and learn at Volta Labs Inc.
Photo right: A hackathon at Volta Labs.
September 12, 2017 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
As the country’s fifth largest tech hub, Halifax is home to a growing group of innovators. That is why the Government of Canada is investing $1.5 million in Halifax’s Volta Labs Inc. to help create groundbreaking businesses with global reach. Startup, early-stage and high-growth technology companies will benefit from the increasingly in-demand programming and support services provided by the four-year-old, non-profit firm.
The contribution was announced by Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The support will be used to deliver three years of educational programs, mentorship, and community networking events as well as for human resources. This will enable Volta Labs to better help the region’s tech sector seize new opportunities in emerging industries and develop new businesses that will contribute to a vibrant economy and create good-paying jobs. The funding is being allocated through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small- and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profit organizations that provide support to Atlantic businesses.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce.
The Nova Scotia Department of Business (English only) is also contributing $500,000 to Volta through Innovacorp (English only). The Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business, today announced the province’s support, which will help Volta expand its programming.
Quotes
“Today’s support for Volta Labs is an example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to economic development through innovation. Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, our government will invest a total of $1.5 billion to strengthen innovation capacity in every region. This will ensure that the jobs, opportunities and prosperity that come with innovation benefit all Canadians.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Volta is a key contributor to building a high tech, startup community where founders come together, learn from each other, grow their companies and build global markets. Volta’s vision, engagement and results are well aligned with the Atlantic Growth Strategy goals of creating new jobs, developing a skilled workforce and injecting a new vibrancy into the region’s economy.”
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“Expanding Volta’s programming is an investment in entrepreneurship and in this province's future. This funding will help more technology entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to turn good business ideas into successful companies, and that means more jobs and opportunity for young Nova Scotians.”
- The Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister for the Nova Scotia Department of Business
“Support from the federal and provincial governments, combined with our private partners, allows Volta to offer critical programming and mentorship to our community of innovators. Volta is expanding the home base inside Halifax's emerging Innovation District – a cluster of technology companies in the heart of downtown that signal Halifax is a leading technology hub in Canada.”
- Jesse Rodgers, CEO, Volta Labs Inc.
Quick Facts
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Volta companies employ more than 270 full-time staff.
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Volta has welcomed 49 resident tech start-ups since its inception in 2013.
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Approximately seven out of every ten companies assisted by Volta are still in business.
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Volta companies have collectively raised more than $50 million in equity financing.
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Contacts
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Kelly Bennett
Communications Advisor – Business
Communications Nova Scotia
Phone: 902-717-0952 (cell)
Email: Kelly.Bennett@novascotia.ca
Jenn Earle
PR Manager
Volta Labs Inc.
Phone: 902-430-9275 (cell)
Email: Jenn@voltaeffect.com
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