Projects Underway to Support the Growth of SimplyCast Interactive Marketing and Dash Hudson
November 10, 2014 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Information Technology (IT) sector is rapidly becoming a focal point of entrepreneurial activity in Nova Scotia. The Government of Canada recognizes the significance of this growing industry and the positive impact it has on jobs, growth and prosperity.
Through ACOA’s Business Development Program, the Government of Canada is providing support totaling $635,625 for two Nova Scotia IT companies.
SimplyCast Interactive Marketing has simplified the growing number of communication channels into a single easy-to-use marketing platform for customers. Businesses in 175 countries worldwide trust SimplyCast to help them keep their marketing communications manageable—and effective.
With a $500,000 repayable contribution from the Government of Canada, SimplyCast is planning to mount a global expansion strategy, while maintaining and growing its customer base from right here in Nova Scotia.
Dash Hudson is an IT industry player that serves the retail fashion consumer—both men and women. The company offers a mobile 'storefront' for personalized fashion styles. Customers can explore products, get recommendations and make purchases from their mobile device.
No longer do fashionistas have to be content with pointing at what a celebrity or model is wearing in a magazine ad and say, “I want that.” Instead, with Dash Hudson’s Instagram app, they can point at what their favorite star is wearing on their mobile device and say, “I’m ordering that.”
With a $135,625 repayable contribution from the Government of Canada, Dash Hudson will further develop its proprietary technology, while adding additional expertise in marketing management and analysis.
Quick Facts:
- The IT industry is the fastest growing sector in Nova Scotia, with the highest number of IT graduates per capita in Canada. (Source: Digital Nova Scotia)
- Nova Scotia has the most widely deployed province-wide broadband fiber optic network in Canada. (Source: NSBI)
- Nova Scotia has one of the highest digital media tax credits offered in Canada – a company’s total potential tax credit is up to 40%. (Source: NSBI)
Quotes:
“The digital world enables companies to gain direct access to markets right down to the level of mobile device users. Whether it is customized product marketing like Dash Hudson, or the development of sophisticated tools to automate a multi-channel marketing platform, like SimplyCast Interactive, Nova Scotia IT companies are reinventing how we do business and how we shop. Our Government is pleased to stand behind Nova Scotia’s burgeoning IT sector.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“Dash Hudson features the best celebrity, model and amateur images from Instagram, each day. With an inventory of over 1,400 brands, we make every look and product on Dash Hudson instantly purchasable directly through the app. This funding will enable us to build out our technology platform and invest in key growth marketing initiatives.”
- Thomas Rankin, Co-founder and CEO, Dash Hudson
"With the growing number of communication channels, SimplyCast has built the most innovative and comprehensive multi-channel marketing platform available. Businesses in 175 countries worldwide use our single easy-to-use platform to communicate with customers and grow their businesses. In order to maintain and grow our customer base from here in Nova Scotia, it is essential to stay ahead of the competition. That’s where this project to support a global expansion strategy comes in."
- Saeed El-Darahali, Founder and CEO, SimplyCast Interactive Marketing
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Heather MacFarlane
Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-5330 / 902-440-7258 (cell)
Email: Heather.MacFarlane@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Veronica Taylor
Assistant Marketing Manager
SimplyCast
866-323-6572 ext. 1403
Email: veronica.taylor@simplycast.com
Thomas Rankin
Co-founder and CEO
Dash Hudson
902-717-4723
Email: thomas@dashhudson.com
