Our Partners

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)

We are BDC, the Business Development Bank of Canada and the financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs.

Whether you are looking to apply online for a small business loan, or need additional financing for a larger project, our financing solutions are designed to protect cash flow and help grow your business.

You can also access our network of experienced business consultants, who can provide you with practical advice to help you accelerate your company’s growth.

We also encourage you to check out our articles and tools section, where you can find Business articles and advice, including an entrepreneur’s toolkit filled with free tools such as eBooks and guides, templates, calculators, webinars, online courses and much more ! Our most popular tools are our free business plan template kit, our free business loan calculator and our free marketing plan template.

Visit us at BDC.ca to learn how to make the most of today’s opportunities and maximize the potential of your business.

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Freightcom

Get World-Class Shipping Management for Less with Freightcom

Get discounted rates on LTL and parcel shipping services from the leading carriers in North America, streamlined booking, invoicing, and more on the most advanced shipping management platform on the market.

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Ontario Wood

How it works

Ontario Wood is a program that helps raise awareness of locally grown, locally made wood products, and encourages Ontarians to buy local.

Using the Ontario Wood logo on your products, website and marketing materials is the best way to help consumers identify and buy local wood products.

Benefits

Whether you are a promoter, producer, distributor or supporter, you can benefit from our free partnership program.

As a partner in the Ontario Wood network, you join a diverse group that includes manufacturers, retailers, builders and designers who make and use Ontario Wood products.

You can also:

connect with consumers interested in what you have to offer through a listing on our website and promotion on our social media channels
participate in our marketing and promotional efforts that help to spotlight the brand and our partners
get free marketing material

Eligibility

You are eligible to become an Ontario Wood partner if you:

make at least one product that meets the definition of Ontario Wood (for example, manufacturers and artisans)
distribute products that would meet the definition of an Ontario Wood product
build, renovate or design using Ontario wood in your projects
support Ontario Wood (for example, a municipality providing public infrastructure and workforce for the forest industry, a forestry services company providing assistance, an industry association supporting its members, a group or organization interested in promoting local wood products)

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Foodland Ontario

How It Works

Since 1977, Foodland Ontario has helped shoppers easily identify Ontario-grown and made foods with its iconic green and white logo. Whether shopping at a grocery store, farmers’ market, on farm market, consumers are encouraged to look for the logo and choose local. Businesses that use the Foodland Ontario logo on their packaging, website, and marketing materials help to raise awareness of Ontario-grown or made goods and connect with shoppers who want to buy and support local.

Benefits

Whether you're a producer, processor, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, in foodservice, or a public institution, you can join the Foodland Ontario program for free.

As a partner, you’ll gain access to:

The trusted and widely recognized Foodland Ontario logo
Free marketing and merchandising materials
Opportunities to be featured in promotional efforts to spotlight the brand and its partners
A listing on the Finding Local map and directory
Increased visibility on the shelf—over 60% of Ontarians decide what to buy while shopping in-store.

Eligibility

You may be eligible to join if you:

Grow or make food products that meet the program’s approved definitions of Ontario food
Sell or distribute products that qualify as Ontario food
Operate a grocery store, on-farm market, farmers’ market, restaurant, or foodservice operator that sources Ontario ingredients
Support Ontario food through public sector initiatives, associations, or promotional efforts

Get Started

Visit foodlandontario.ca to apply online. The process is simple, and once approved, you’ll receive the logo and resources to help promote your Ontario food products.

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Masonry Council of Ontario

Masonry Council of Ontario represents industry professionals who create durable structures that increase in value, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and add beauty to neighbourhoods. Our members include product manufacturers, suppliers and skilled professionals from across Ontario, who are committed to providing home buyers, homeowners, architects, engineers, builders and government leaders with current information about the use and benefits of brick, block and stone masonry products.

Masonry Council of Ontario is proud of our members’ contribution to communities. Look around you. The benefits of masonry are everywhere. It looks beautiful. It lasts. It’s safe. It’s environmentally friendly. It costs less to maintain and earns more in resale. That’s why smart communities are choosing—and using—masonry building products.

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Ontario Craft Wineries

Ontario Craft Wineries is a non-profit trade association that represents over 120 VQA wineries from Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore, as well as emerging wine-producing regions such as Ontario’s South Coast and Georgian Bay/Grey County. Ontario's wine sector supports 23,000 jobs in hospitality, tourism, transportation, manufacturing and retail and contributes $5.5 billion annually to the province’s economy.

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Ontario Craft Cider Association

Ontario Craft Cider Association is the voice of Ontario’s vibrant craft cider industry. Founded in 2012, the OCCA is dedicated to promoting and advocating for authentic, locally crafted ciders made from 100% Ontario-grown apples. Representing a diverse community of passionate cider makers, the association works to elevate the craft cider experience through education, innovation, and collaboration.

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Ontario Craft Brewers

Ontario Craft Brewers is the voice of craft beer in Ontario and represents local craft breweries in communities across the province. We advocate for the 300+ locally-owned craft breweries in Ontario and work with government, regulators, and partners to help breweries grow and advance Ontario’s craft beer industry. We believe craft beer should be sustainably produced, readily available, clearly understood, and consistently chosen, and our focus everyday is to make that vision a reality.

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InvestInSTC - St. Catharines Economic Development

InvestInSTC is committed to fostering economic growth and prosperity throughout the city of St. Catharines. As the largest city in the Niagara region, St. Catharines offers a prime location, competitive business environment, and an exceptional quality of life.

Our team works closely with businesses, government, and industry partners to provide access to key resources, funding, and opportunities. Our focus includes the priority economic sectors of agriculture, food and beverage, creative industries, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and tourism.

With a rapidly developing downtown, affordable housing, and strong transportation links, St. Catharines is a hub for innovation and sustainable business growth. Our experienced team, led by local community leaders, is ready to assist you in navigating government funding opportunities, economic incentives, and financing programs that can help your business grow and succeed.

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Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for Sarnia-Lambton, Ontario, Canada. We have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.

Located in Southwestern Ontario, Sarnia-Lambton offers businesses a strategic location with direct access to major North American markets, a skilled workforce, and a lower cost of doing business compared to larger urban centres. The region is home to a diverse economy with strengths in advanced manufacturing, hybrid chemistry, energy, chemicals, and agriculture. Businesses benefit from a strong transportation network, including highway, rail, deep-water port access, and proximity to the U.S. border via the Blue Water Bridge.

SLEP provides hands-on support for companies looking to establish or expand in the region. Our services include site selection assistance, investment attraction, workforce development, and guidance on available funding and incentives. We work closely with businesses, government partners, and research institutions to foster innovation, support businesses, and drive economic growth.

Our vision is that Sarnia-Lambton will be one of Canada’s premier locations to live, work, and invest - where economic prosperity is driven by innovation, growth and diversification. For more information, visit https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca.

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Shot One Studio

At Shot One Studio, we don't just create videos and animations - we craft stories that resonate with your audience. Our team of skilled videographers and animators understand the power of storytelling to engage, inspire, and move people. We bring our creativity and technical expertise to every project, creating visuals that capture the essence of your message and connect with your audience on a human level.

We know that every brand has its own unique story to tell, and that's why we take a personalized approach to every project. From corporate promos to animated explainers, we work closely with you to ensure that every frame reflects your brand identity and messaging. We believe that the best videos and animations are those that reflect the heart and soul of the brand, and we strive to bring that to life in every project we undertake.

At Shot One Studio, we believe that great video production is a collaboration between our team and our clients. We work closely with you throughout the process, from initial concept to post-production, to ensure that every aspect of the project meets your expectations. Together, we create exceptional videos and animations that inspire, engage, and motivate your audience to action.

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Acorn Studio Marketing & Co.

Helping entrepreneurs build their brand and business in a digital-first economy.

We work collaboratively with entrepreneurs and business owners to help bring their ideas to life. We work with value-driven business leaders and marketing teams to help them develop their brand identity, tell their brand story, and manage a growing business's ongoing marketing and communication needs. Our team of experts offer a unique mix of style and skills, providing our clients with innovative and strategic solutions that get results.

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London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)

The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is the lead economic development agency for London, Canada. Established in 1998, LEDC is a not-for-profit organization that is funded by the City of London through a Purchase of Service Agreement.

Working with business, government, academic institutions, and industry partners, LEDC supports the growth of existing businesses, attracts new businesses to London, and strives to ensure companies have the talent, resources, and business conditions they need to continue scaling.

LEDC focuses on growing London’s primary economic sectors – Agri-Food, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Media and Tech, Health, and Professional Services. Growth in these sectors creates additional jobs through supply chains, service, retail industries, and more

We believe every local employer should have the talent, resources, and support they need to continue growing and investing in London, and that jobseekers should have access to a vast and diverse selection of exciting job opportunities. We do what we do every day to ensure we’re helping to create an environment in London where this is possible.

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Invest WindsorEssex

Invest WindsorEssex is a not-for-profit organization supported by the City of Windsor and County of Essex. We are responsible for advancing economic development to grow and sustain prosperity in the region.

As the lead economic development organization in the region, we provide confidential and expert assistance to companies and entrepreneurs in all sectors. Our focus is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help start up new businesses in the Windsor-Essex region.

Our organization is led by a board of community leaders. Behind Invest WindsorEssex is a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about the Windsor-Essex region. The team is ready to assist you with your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with you, to facilitate the process of locating or growing in Windsor-Essex.

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Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG)

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1962 which continues to be a collaborative community, equipping and enabling independent, franchised and specialty grocers for sustainable success. We act as a strong and united voice for over 6900 independent grocery retailers, across Canada, providing programs for operational excellence and fostering solid relationships among retailers and suppliers.

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Grape Growers in Ontario

Grape Growers in Ontario are a dedicated bunch. They have to be, because growing grapes takes time – sometimes generations! We are Grape Growers of Ontario, representing all of the province’s Grape Growers and wineries since 1947. Back then, growers and wineries alike were still recovering from the Great Depression. The Farm Products Marketing Act opened a way for farmers to form a united, legislated, group to restore some stability with one voice for all growers. An overwhelming 90% of Grape Growers voted in favour of forming what is today called Grape Growers of Ontario. More than 70 years and still going strong, we are your neighbours – local families that Grow the Wines You Love!

Without grapes, there would be no wine. Without passionate and skilled growers, there would be no grapes. Behind every glass of VQA (100% Ontario wine) is a team of 500 avid grape enthusiasts who meticulously cultivate more than 17,000 acres of vineyards across Ontario.

There are countless reasons to choose local wines! Interested in supporting local growers? Want to grow the Ontario economy? How about buying local for the environment? Or maybe you are simply a fan of quality wines made with 100% Ontario-grown grapes?

Look for VQA or Product of Canada on the label to know that you are choosing wine made from 100% locally-grown grapes. Find local Ontario VQA and 100% Ontario wines here Localgrapes.ca

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Ontario Convenience Stores Association

The OCSA has represented the economic interests of the entire convenience store industry in Ontario for 36 years. The convenience store industry is made up of 8,500 convenience/gas sites located in every community in Ontario and 65% are independent family run businesses.

We are proud to support local businesses and products who have access to over 3 million customers stopping in a convenience store every day.

We advocate for small business issues at both the provincial and federal levels of government and promote 'responsible community retailing'.

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Wine Growers Ontario

Wine Growers Ontario is working to ensure the entire Ontario wine industry is robust, sustainable and profitable today, tomorrow and for many years to come.

We are generations of winemakers as well as new entrepreneurs. We are farmers, vintners, manufacturers, marketers and tourism operators. Together, we are proud of our international acclaim for award winning wines produced from the beautiful, rich and diverse Wine Country of Ontario.

Most of all, we are passionate about the grape and wine industry and truly committed to its continued success at home, in Canada and around the globe.

Our members are the largest producers of VQA in Ontario, committed to offering wine drinkers a wide range of quality wines to enjoy at any occasion. Our award-winning wines span the taste preference and value appreciated by our customers.

Our members represent more than 80% of all Ontario wines that are produced and sold in Ontario, including the majority of wine made from 100% Ontario grapes. We are all farmers but our members also purchase the vast majority of grapes grown by independent Grape Growers in the Province.

We are proud to be leading the growth and evolution of the Ontario wine industry into a world class wine region.

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Ontario Corn Fed Beef

Locally beef that has been recognized around the world for its high quality and taste.

The Ontario Corn Fed Beef program is managed by the Ontario Cattle Feeders' Association (OCFA). OCFA members are farmers who produce over half of the beef cattle in the province.

The mandate of OCFA is to enhance and maintain a sustainable beef industry in Ontario. Many of our member farms have been passed down through the generations. We believe in the future of the family farm and the contribution it can make to rural communities and food production in Ontario. The priority our farmers assign to on farm best practices and environmental sustainability led to the launch of the Ontario Corn Fed Beef program in 2001. This program was built on market research which indicated that Ontarians wanted the opportunity to purchase locally produced products. Since then the program has continued to grow, as consumers across the province and around the world purchase our beef products because of their quality and consistency.

We are proud to partner with Loblaws Companies Ltd to offer locally raised beef in outlets all across Ontario including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Zehr's, Valu Mart and YIG.

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Simcoe County Economic Development Office

The Simcoe County Economic Development Office (EDO) works with Simcoe County's sixteen municipalities, the Cities of Barrie and Orillia, and with regional service providers to help businesses thrive and grow. The EDO is responsible for the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses and business opportunities within the region.

In Simcoe County, experts in healthcare, technology, food processing, aerospace, automotive and more, work hard to design, refine and innovate solutions that impact lives well beyond our borders. Manufacturing is a thriving industry, employing thousands of talented people who are proud to put their stamp on the products and services they create. To learn more about Simcoe County manufacturing, visit Made in Simcoe County.

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