(Image from Grey County website).
Grey County is receiving $845,000 in federal funding to enhance business supports at the Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound.
A release notes the funding from FedDev will be used to assist with the creation of a maker space and device lab, as well as advisory and acceleration services, assisting small and medium sized businesses. This also benefits the accelerator services of Catapult Grey Bruce in providing more supports.
A not-for-profit organization at the Sydenham Campus, Catapult Grey Bruce is an organization which helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses as well as mentors and accelerates through Fast Lane Plus, a program for small and medium businesses.
The use of maker space labs will provide Sydenham Campus and Catapult the opportunity to offer entrepreneurs a site to protype, experiment and offer training on new technology.
Grey County Warden Selwyn Hicks says, “having access to the latest equipment and tools is a big advantage for our entrepreneurs and people learning new skills. This funding is outstanding news and we are delighted the Federal Government recognizes the importance of rural entrepreneurs in Grey County.”
The announcement was made on behalf of Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Melanie Joly, by Parliamentary Assistant Marie-France Lalonde.
Lalonde notes by collaborating with Grey County and its partners, they are supporting important parts of the region’s economy to stay strong. At the same time, also bringing in innovators into the market and helping commercialize their ideas, creating 50 jobs locally.
Catapult Grey Bruce Chairperson Courtney Denard notes, “this funding will allow us to engage more businesses and implement the Fast Lane Plus program to help regional businesses scale and grow in Grey and Bruce Counties.”
The funding provided to the Sydenham campus is part of an over $2.6 million project.
Any local businesses or entrepreneurs looking to make use of this service can reach out through the Catapult Grey Bruce website.