PacifiCan funding will support local entrepreneurs and
community leaders who are driving forward a vibrant economy
KAMLOOPS, BC, Aug. 1, 2024
/CNW/ - Exciting things are happening in Kamloops and the Central Interior. From food
to forestry, local innovators are coming together to build a strong
economy for the region. PacifiCan shares this ambition for growth
and is committed to partnering with entrepreneurs and community
leaders across British Columbia to
realize their vision, create quality jobs, and promote regional
prosperity.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency
Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic
Development Agency of Canada
(PacifiCan), announced over $1.6
million in PacifiCan funding for three Kamloops-based businesses and organizations,
including:
- $978,175 for Axis Forestry Inc.
to commercialize its hydraulic tree processor and software system
and optimize its manufacturing facility; and,
- $650,650 for the Kamloops Food
Policy Council and Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC)
of Central Interior First Nations (CIFN) to strengthen the local
food supply chain in the Central Interior, including expanding the
reach of the Kweseltken Kitchen – a mobile food processing trailer
serving Indigenous farmers and remote communities.
The projects announced today build on Kamloops's growing reputation as home to
community-minded innovators. They will also support Indigenous
communities and promote economic development in the Central
Interior region.
This funding comes from PacifiCan's Business Scale-up and
Productivity program and Jobs and Growth Fund. More details about
the organizations receiving funding can be found in the
backgrounder below.
Quotes
"Exciting things are happening in Kamloops. Innovators and entrepreneurs in
various industries are creating lasting prosperity for their
community. PacifiCan support will help three dedicated
organizations turn their ideas into reality and create good jobs in
B.C.'s Central Interior, a region becoming known as a hub for
innovation."
- The
Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and
Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of
Canada
"Axis Forestry thanks PacifiCan for believing in us and
supporting our company. With these funds, we have been able to
rapidly bring our Rebel tree harvesters to domestic and
international markets. We are proud to be based in Kamloops and look forward to future growth and
showcasing our local talent and innovations on the world
stage!"
-
Wayne Cochran, President, Axis
Forestry
"CFDC of CIFN is very honoured to have quality partners such as
Kamloops Food Policy Council and PacifiCan. Collectively we have
developed a quality program that includes a truck and food
processing trailer to help with food security within our region.
Along with developed curriculum, we have been to Indigenous
celebrations, salmon festivals, hunting camps, canoe journeys,
tomato festivals, community gardens and so much more. Thank you so
much in helping us deliver such a wonderful opportunity out to the
Indigenous communities."
-
George Casimir, General Manager
of CFDC of CIFN and proud member of the Tk'emlu'ps te Secwepemc
First Nation.
"Thanks to PacifiCan funding, we partnered with the CFDC of CIFN
to improve accessibility and sustainability of The Stir food hub
and the Kweseltken Kitchen mobile processing trailer. We
collaborated with Tapestry Collective Co-op, TruGIS, Selkirk College, Boundary Community Ventures
Association, and the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council, to
conduct a feasibility study, implement a supply chain modeling
platform, and launch an e-commerce hub to empower local producers
and increase access to local food."
- Kent
Fawcett, Food Hub Director, Kamloops Food Policy
Council
Quick Facts
- PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated
to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are
building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and
supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.
- The Business Scale-up and Productivity program makes strategic
investments in key economic sectors, helping innovative companies
accelerate their growth and compete globally.
- The Jobs and Growth Fund helps job creators, and the
organizations that support them, to future-proof their businesses.
This includes building resiliency and growth by transitioning to a
green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing
competitiveness, and creating jobs across British Columbia.
- Since August 2021, PacifiCan has announced over 400
projects across British
Columbia.
Associated Links
- PacifiCan
- Business Scale-Up and Productivity program
- Jobs and Growth Fund
- Axis Forestry Inc.
- Kamloops Food Policy Council
- CFDC of Central Interior First Nations
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Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing
impaired): 1-877-303-3388
Backgrounder: Government of Canada provides over $1.6 million to spur innovation and economic
growth in Kamloops
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency
Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic
Development Agency of Canada
(PacifiCan), announced over $1.6
million in PacifiCan funding to help three Kamloops-based businesses and organizations
grow.
The projects announced today are:
Axis Forestry Inc.
$978,175
PacifiCan funding will support the commercialization of Axis
Forestry's Rebel Hydraulic Tree Processor and Cypress Controller
Software System, and optimization of its 16,000 square foot
manufacturing facility. The Rebel Hydraulic Tree Processor attaches
to the end of an excavator's boom arm and fells trees, removes
branches, and cuts wood into specific lengths for transport to the
sawmill. The Cypress Controller Software System enables loggers to
more accurately measure, cut and process logs and offers onboard
diagnostics controlled via app. This innovation was developed by
Axis Forestry's engineering team in Kamloops and is the only tree processor
manufactured in North America.
Kamloops Food Policy Council (KFPC) and Community Futures
Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations
$650,650
PacifiCan funding will help improve the local food supply chain
in the Central Interior by funding the expansion of KFPC's
Kamloops food hub so that more
farmers and entrepreneurs can use the facility for food preparation
and packaging. This work includes expanding the reach of the local
Kweseltken Kitchen – a mobile food processing trailer serving
Indigenous farmers and remote communities. The funding will also
support the creation of an online marketing platform and regional
branding strategy that will help local farmers market their goods
more efficiently.
SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada