FedNor is contributing $1,488,972 for three initiatives at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre that will assist businesses in the fields of agriculture and information communications technology (ICT).
“We would like to thank the Government of Canada for its ongoing commitment to our region, businesses and entrepreneurs,” Don MacLennan, the centre’s acting executive director, said in a release.
“We remain committed to fostering a culture of innovation that will help attract investment and keep the region at the forefront of the digital economy.”
Of the funds, $921,300 will go to the Sustainable Northern Agri-Food Products and Productivity Program (SNAPP). The program provides individual eligible applicants with up to $5,000 to purchase equipment or materials to extend their production season, enhance productivity, or create new primary or processed food and fibre products.
Another $400,000 will go toward the Information Communications Technology Network, which builds on a two-year pilot project, working with communities, stakeholders and partners to address gaps in ICT infrastructure; facilitate business support and related training; and promote the benefits of ICT utilization.
Finally, the Rural Agri-Food Innovation Network (RAIN) will receive $167,672 to enhance the agri-food innovation ecosystem in Algoma District through research and innovation, market and infrastructure development, and business management and innovation capacity building activities. RAIN is working to create a culture of business innovation through promotion and training; advisory services to support individual business efforts; demonstration and incubation of innovative practices and products; and financial support.
The funding comes from FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
