Government of Canada investments create jobs and grow businesses in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding regions

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

FedDev Ontario provides nearly $29 million in support of 11 projects in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding regions in 2023, supporting over 400 jobs

December 19, 2023 - Waterloo, Ontario

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in people, their potential and all the possibilities they create across southern Ontario. As part of this commitment, in 2023, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) invested more than $190 million to support more than 70 businesses and organizations, protecting an estimated 4,000 jobs. This year, in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding regions, FedDev Ontario invested nearly $29 million in 11 projects, creating and maintaining an estimated 400 jobs in the region.

For example, FedDev Ontario, provided a $3-million investment to Kitchener-based Kuntz Electroplating Inc. (KEI) to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, create 45 new jobs in the automotive and EV industry and support the growing green economy. This project is helping this family-owned company to fulfil larger volume orders, and serve new clients by offering more environmentally sustainable solutions, including in the EV sector.

A FedDev Ontario investment of $1.3 million in Simpson Print, a family-owned leader in sustainable print manufacturing, is helping this Bloomingdale-based company future-proof its facility by adding new digital technologies, including new greening features and processes that will allow the company to reduce its environmental footprint. This investment will help the company improve its carbon footprint and support the recycling of 100 percent of its waste.

FedDev Ontario also supported A Friendlier Company Inc. (Friendlier), a women-led sustainable food packaging solution provider, with an investment of $500,000 to standardize its reusable takeout packaging system, accelerating its growth and supporting a circular economy. The work this company is doing will go a long way towards reducing plastic waste and building a strong economy for Ontario and all of Canada.

In 2023, FedDev Ontario invested nearly $16 million in 8 clean growth and EV projects. Through investments like these, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to net-zero emissions and supporting local businesses as they adopt more sustainable processes and technologies and create good jobs for Canadians.

FedDev Ontario continues to work with industry and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations across the region to help them grow and thrive. This year, FedDev Ontario launched a new, easy-to-use application process that makes applying for funding easier and more predictable for clients. Understanding the important role Indigenous businesses and communities play in strengthening our economy, the Agency also announced a dedicated team and resources to help guide Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations in southern Ontario on programming and services available to them.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations can now apply for funding under the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario to develop local tourism products and experiences to attract visitors to the region. The first round of applications is now open until February 29, 2024. A second round will open in the summer.

The Agency continues to support inclusive economic growth for the region, investing over $60 million in 35 projects led by underrepresented groups, estimated to create and maintain over 1,400 jobs in 2023. Helping our underrepresented groups achieve their goals will unlock unlimited potential for Canada's economy and Canadians as a whole. A strong, diverse economy and a better future for all Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.

Quotes

“Over the past year, our government has made it a priority to support businesses and workers in southern Ontario so they can grow and succeed. This year, nearly $29 million in FedDev Ontario investments have been made in support of 11 projects, creating and maintaining an estimated 400+ jobs in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding regions. We know that people are our strength. We will continue to make strategic investments that will lead to economic growth by supporting our great entrepreneurs.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“This past year, FedDev Ontario has showcased the talent, innovation and potential that southern Ontario has to offer. With the critical support that has been delivered to many businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations in the many towns and cities in this region, we have helped to create jobs, grow businesses and helped companies thrive, while strengthening our economy for Canadians.”
- Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario 

Quick facts

  • The Agency will continue to support businesses and organizations as they drive innovation, create good jobs and develop new possibilities for our economy. For more information, visit our funding opportunities page.

  • In 2023, Minister Tassi took the opportunity to meet with business owners, workers and stakeholders during visits to over 40 cities and towns in southern Ontario, including Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and St. Jacobs.

  • In 2023, FedDev Ontario invested over $55 million in more than 30 manufacturing projects, estimated to create and maintain over 750 jobs. 

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $300 million in more than 200 projects in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford and surrounding areas, estimated to create and maintain more than 44,000 jobs.  

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $2.5 billion in more than 3,000 projects across southern Ontario, leveraging an additional $3.7 billion in investment in the economy, and estimated to create and maintain more than 190,000 jobs.  

Associated links

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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