Government of Canada investing nearly $500,000 in the agri-food industry of Northwestern Ontario
News release
FedNor funds will help enable the creation of a regional food hub in Kenora
July 22, 2026 – Kenora, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Enhancing food sovereignty is critical to strengthening Canada and building a more resilient economy. To support this goal, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in domestic agri-food business, to help ensure the needs of Canadians are being met while also creating conditions for economic growth.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a FedNor investment of $499,780 in the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) to support the development of the Food Enterprises Advancement and SME Transformation (FEAST) program.
FEAST supports the establishment of a regional food hub that will serve the region by providing targeted financial assistance, advisory services, access to equipment, and educational opportunities to agri-food entrepreneurs and businesses. This project is intended to help start-up and small scale manufacturers graduate to the next level of production.
The regional food hub’s services will help users access new retail channels and food service contracts, while increasing readiness to access new export markets. Participating entrepreneurs will have access to a manufacturing space, including a commercial kitchen, refrigerators, and packing and storage areas. In addition, participants will have access to skill development opportunities and business advisory support delivered by NOIC staff and industry experts. FEAST’s supports are designed to reduce barriers to scale and compliance, helping food manufacturers across the region bring products to market more efficiently. The regional food hub project will be delivered over three years and will be located at the Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI). SGEI’s partnership in this project ensures a strong focus on supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and providing culturally relevant support.
This project is expected to directly support nearly 20 small and medium-sized enterprises, resulting in business growth, increased exports, and enhanced food sovereignty in the region. By helping to fill co-packing service and storage infrastructure gaps, the regional food hub will remove growth obstacles for agri-food entrepreneurs and businesses in Northwestern Ontario.
Quotes
“When we support projects like the regional food hub, we are backing local entrepreneurs and building a stronger, more self-reliant food economy in Northwestern Ontario. Through this project, we are empowering Canadians businesses as they grow and adapt, because strong local economies are the building blocks of a more resilient Canada, one that can support its people and create lasting benefits.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
“The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre is very excited to launch the Food Enterprises Advancement and SME Transformation (FEAST) program with support from FEDNOR and our delivery partner, Seven Generations Education Institute. There are many great businesses in Northwestern Ontario tied to the Food and Agri-Tech sectors that just need a little support or access to a commercial kitchen space to get them to the next level. This program will provide that support and in turn help our communities and the sector as a whole across Northwestern Ontario grow and prosper.”
- Richard Gemmill, Executive Director, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
“We are proud to support lifelong learning for everyone across the Treaty 3 area. As a FEAST program partner, SGEI will empower local entrepreneurs as they seek to grow their businesses. We’re excited for the valuable opportunities this partnership will bring to our region.”
- Brent Tookenay, CEO, Seven Generations Education Institute
Quick facts
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The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) works to help the innovative companies of Northwestern Ontario to start, grow, and succeed. They provide a support system for innovation and strongly believe in collaboration and helping.
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Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) is an Indigenous-led educational organization that provides high school, post-secondary, training for employment, and cultural programming to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the Treaty 3 area and beyond.
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The funding announced today was provided through FedNor’s Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
Associated links
Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations