For immediate release
March 13, 2013
Collingwood, Ontario — A new Government of Canada investment of up to $500,000 will help WordJack Media Ltd. accelerate development of its online marketing and sales management software, in southern Ontario's Georgian region. The investment was announced today by Kellie Leitch, Member of Parliament for Simcoe-Grey, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
"Our government is investing in the ideas and the people of southern Ontario to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said MP Leitch. "By investing in the innovations of entrepreneurs in our region, we are strengthening relationships between start-up companies, investors and our government, and equipping businesses with the tools they need to succeed."
The investment is being provided through FedDev Ontario's Investing in Business Innovation initiative for up to $500,000 for WordJack Media Ltd., a Collingwood software company. The contribution will allow WordJack to speed up the development of software that helps small- and medium-sized businesses better manage online marketing and sales management.
"WordJack returned our business to Central Ontario from the U.S. in early 2012, to take advantage of the favourable business environment and easy access to talented staff," said Matt Jackson, President, WordJack Media Ltd. "This funding will help us to establish our head office in Collingwood. We believe the Town will serve as an excellent home base, from which we can deliver our affordable digital marketing services and technology to small businesses across North America."
The success of the Investing in Business Innovation initiative relies on leveraging capital from venture capital and angel investors. FedDev Ontario funding for this project has allowed the company to attract up to $1 million from a syndicate of angel investors from the Angel One Network and the Georgian Angel Network.
Investing in Business Innovation is designed to boost private sector investment in start-up businesses to accelerate the development of new products, processes and practices and help bring them to market. Funding under the initiative is also available for angel investor networks and their associations to attract new investment and support the growth of angel investment funds.
Our government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
Follow us on Twitter @FedDevOntario
– 30 –
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Thomas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-960-7728
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
