FedDev Ontario invests in and highlights projects led by women
March 8, 2024 – Stratford, Ontario
International Women’s Day is a globally recognized day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Honorable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs across the region.
Today, Minister Tassi and Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South-Hespeler, announced a $525,000 investment from the Government of Canada into women-owned and operated Spa Dent Inc. This investment will help the company expand the production of its organic products. oral care products, reach new markets and create 10 jobs. In 2023, Spa Dent was named one of the 100 “Game Changers: Leading Companies”. Powered by women”, in the Game changing report.
Minister Tassi also spoke at the 2024 International Women’s Day Symposium, organized by Middlesex Community Futures. She spoke about the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs through the Government of Canada’s partnership with the region’s 36 Community Futures Development Corporations, which provide targeted services and financial support for businesses in rural communities across Southern Ontario .
In the center of Stratford, the Minister together with representatives of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Association We visited high street businesses run by women: Wills and background, Ande and Tacos El Cactus, which received funding through the My Main Street program. With a $15 million investment by FedDev Ontario in the Canadian Urban Institute, additional support through my main street is now available to eligible businesses and organizations in Southern Ontario. The deadline for applications for the My Main Street program is March 31, 2024.
Yesterday, Minister Tassi and the Honorable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Oakville, visited dough room, a women-run natural playdough maker. Minister Tassi and the Honorable Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Burlington, then visited. Invoice, a direct-to-consumer plant delivery service run by women. During the visits they learned about the experiences of local women entrepreneurs and celebrated the recent growth of both companies.
Minister Tassi also visited the Haltech Regional Innovation Center to meet with young entrepreneurs. They shared their unique experiences, as well as the advantages and challenges they face as women entrepreneurs. The Minister also celebrated the achievements of women in the region at the Hamilton YWCA Women of Distinction event.
The Government of Canada knows that by supporting and empowering women to pursue entrepreneurship, we can unlock their full potential and create a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous world for all.