The five-year, $2.5-million Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, announced as part of the 2006 provincial budget, recognizes that farmers have always been innovative in the running of their businesses and will foster even greater innovation across the province’s agri-food sector. For more information go to www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/index.html
“The Government of Ontario is committed to working with farmers, industry and local food networks to help Ontario families get local Ontario food onto their kitchen tables. The four-year Ontario Market Investment Fund was announced in the 2008 Ontario Budget and is targeted to promote consumer awareness of Ontario-produced foods and encourages Ontario to buy … Read more
“The purpose of the New Directions Research Program is to stimulate the sustainable growth and competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food sector through investment in innovative and high quality research in partnership with industry, rural communities/organizations, other levels of government and research institutions.The New Directions Research Program is a competitive research fund open to universities, research institutes, … Read more
The Growing Forward Business Development program is part of the Growing Forward Best Practices suite and agreement from 2009 to 2013. It comprises three components (1) farm businesses (2) food processors and (3) Agricultural Management Institute (AMI). The overall objective is to increase the economic viability of Ontario agriculture and food industry. The food processors … Read more
First Impressions Community Exchange is a structured process that reveals the first impression a community conveys to outsiders, including tourists, potential investors and retirees. It offers a fresh perspective on the community’s appearance, services and infrastructure and helps communities learn about their strengths and shortcomings. The knowledge gained through a First Impressions Community Exchange can … Read more
The Community Economic Analysis Tools are interactive analytical tools that use a step-by-step process to assess the economic conditions, strengths and weaknesses of communities in Ontario. These tools can help communities identify the competitive advantages or disadvantages in your municipality or region, to guide strategic decisions for local development. For more information go to www.reddi.gov.on.ca/analyze.htm
A systematic business owners visitation program to understand the needs of local businesses and thereby develop and implement actions to support the retention and growth of existing businesses. For more information go to www.reddi.gov.on.ca/bre.htm
The Business Management Program Leads design, develop, deliver and help to promote the beneficial business management practices to farm businesses through a variety of strategies including workshops, print material, resource materials, tools and contacts. For more information go to www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/agbusdev.html
Business Development Consultants develop and maintain a strategic account management program by providing business knowledge, connections, and resources to assist food processing, bio-product manufacturing and small rural manufacturers to maintain and grow their Ontario-based business or attract new business to Ontario. Export Marketing Officers provide specific advice regarding export opportunities, regulations and requirements to primary … Read more
The New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) is a 2-day program offered on site at a U.S. border point to introduce companies to the fundamentals of exporting. The program is operated by Ontario Exports Inc. in co-operation with the Canadian consulates in Buffalo and Detroit. Participants learn about export pricing, customs procedures, selecting agents and … Read more
BioEnterprise is a commercialization agent, established to help promote the creation, growth and expansion of businesses in the Agri-Food and Agri-Life Sciences and Bio-Product Industries. Bioenterprise helps emerging farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs collaborate and capitalize on promising innovations that will have long-term benefits for the agri-food sector and the economy by providing them with mentoring … Read more