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News release

Ravens Rest Retreat (photo: @daveyandsky)
Ravens Rest Retreat (photo: @daveyandsky)

Federal support will help four Nova Scotia companies boost productivity and reach new markets

October 24, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

From October 20th to 26th during Small Business Week, Canadians across the country are celebrating the crucial role that local companies play in strengthening our communities and economies. Small- and medium-sized businesses are powerful engines for Canada’s economy, employing 64% of Canadian workers. The Government of Canada is investing to help position four Nova Scotia companies for growth and success.

Accelerating Nova Scotia companies with diverse offerings, common goals

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced repayable contributions totalling $1,486,305 for four companies looking to accelerate their growth and reach new markets.

A $721,305 contribution to Outdoor Fit Exercise Systems will enable the company to install cutting-edge powder paint coating equipment at its Dartmouth production facility. The upgrade will streamline operations, more than double the production capacity of its outdoor fitness equipment parts, and pave the way for a new business venture called Versa Coatings, a powder coating division serving businesses across Atlantic Canada.

A $315,000 contribution to Tony’s Meats Ltd. will help it add manufacturing and shipping equipment to produce more value-added products, more efficiently. The new lineup of tools at its Antigonish site includes a smokehouse that will reduce overall electrical consumption and new technologies that will grow its product lineup to appeal to new clients.

A $300,000 contribution to Sydney’s Ethical Swag Inc., Cape Breton's only Certified B Corporation, will help it launch sales and marketing activities for its sustainable promotional products. Digital marketing, customer support improvements, and a build-out of its technology platform will help it reach new markets, empowering companies across Canada and the United States to choose eco-friendly advertising solutions.

A $150,000 contribution to Ravens Rest Retreat Limited in Moose Brook will add a new multipurpose cottage with accessible washrooms and a kitchen, as well as a health and wellness area with a gazebo, hot and cold tubs, and a sauna. The additions will support new activities like yoga retreats and Indigenous cuisine and storytelling, encouraging longer stays and attracting guests during the colder months.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping small businesses diversify, compete, and grow, creating jobs and boosting the economy. 

Additional multimedia

Outdoor Fit Exercise Systems
Outdoor Fit Exercise Systems

Quotes

“From digital marketing to facility upgrades, your federal government knows what small businesses need to grow, scale up, and thrive in Nova Scotia.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“We're incredibly grateful for ACOA's support with this expansion project. This contribution enables us to expand our capabilities, streamline production, and grow a new business line to serve businesses in the Atlantic region.”
- Dan MacMaster, Vice President of Operations, Outdoor Fit Exercise Systems

“We’re extremely grateful for ACOA’s support. They recognize the niche opportunities for our products outside of Atlantic Canada and have been a strong partner over the years in our effort to build capacity and seize those export growth opportunities.”
- Lenita Hanson, Operations Manager, Tony’s Meats Ltd.

“We’re grateful for this support, which will help us expand our reach across North America and strengthen the trust our clients have in us. By using technology, transparency, and detailed ESG reporting, we’re giving organizations the confidence to make informed, sustainable choices. This investment will allow us to bring our services to more clients, amplifying the positive impact of their purchases.”
- Tara Milburn, President and CEO, Ethical Swag Inc.

“Thanks to the ACOA contribution, we will be soon offering our guests a truly unforgettable experience at Ravens Rest Retreat. This support has truly transformed our vision into reality!“
- Heidi Penning, Owner and President, Ravens Rest Retreat 

Quick facts

  • For over 20 years Outdoor Fit Exercise Systems has designed and manufactured outdoor fitness equipment, supplying thousands of units to parks and recreation departments, universities, military bases, and correctional facilities throughout North America and globally. All equipment is made and shipped from its Dartmouth facility.

  • Established in 1963, Tony's Meats Ltd. produces roughly 75 different products. The company packages under the Tony's Meats, Mr. DonairTM, and a number of other private label brands.

  • Founded in 2010 and launched in 2017, Ethical Swag Inc. curates branded merchandise for companies after carefully testing them against environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Ravens Rest Retreat Limited was incorporated in 2021 and offers cabin and barrier-free cottage accommodations, farm activities, and nature exploration.

  • BDC Small Business WeekTM is an annual entrepreneurship event that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for 45 years.

  • The repayable funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program and the Tourism Growth Program.

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lori Selig
A/Communications Director
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Dan MacMaster
Business Development Manager
Vice President of Operations
Outdoor Fit Exercise Systems
902-444-3447 ext. 2319
dmacmaster@outdoor-fit.com

Lenita Hanson
Operations Manager
Tony’s Meats Ltd.
902-863-1545
lenita@tonys-meats.com

Tara Millburn
President and CEO
Ethical Swag Inc.
902-549-3773
tara@ethicalswag.com

Henderika (Heidi) Penning
Owner and President
Ravens Rest Retreat Limited
902-350-6488
recharge@ravensrestretreat.com

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