Sheridan to help local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses with a nearly $1.6-million Government of Canada investment

Growing businesses across southern Ontario are making a difference to their local communities by creating jobs and supporting the economy. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting these entrepreneurs as they evolve, scale up their businesses and create good jobs for Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of nearly $1.6-million for Sheridan College to strengthen programming at EDGE, a social venture accelerator that supports entrepreneurs and change-makers from across the region.

EDGE is a collaborative space where entrepreneurs can get the resources and tools they need to help start and grow their businesses. This includes mentorship, networking, skills development, and access to financing. This investment will help EDGE accelerate the growth of entrepreneurs that are focused on creating solutions for social, cultural and environmental issues. It will also support entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups. 

As a result, the project will support 200 businesses and lead to the creation of 150 new products and services. This investment builds on a previous Government of Canada investment of $1.5 million that was instrumental in helping Sheridan College, through the EDGE programming, to broaden its entrepreneurial support and services to entrepreneurs across Mississauga and Peel Region. It has already supported 130 high-potential companies, creating nearly 60 partnerships and nearly 170 jobs.

The Government of Canada is investing in people to drive innovation and growth so they can reach their potential and develop new possibilities for our country and help us all succeed.

Quotes
“Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind community and economic growth. Sheridan College is fostering creativity and a strong culture of innovation that will help to develop a more socially conscious and clean economy that works for everyone. Our government supports the work they are doing because we believe that by investing in people they can reach their potential and develop new possibilities for our country so we can all succeed. "
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"Sheridan College, through EDGE, has been helping entrepreneurs in our community to grow their businesses. With this latest investment, EDGE will continue to provide the vital support and tools necessary for innovators to succeed, right here in Mississauga.”
- The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre
     
“At Sheridan, we strive to empower our community to flourish in and shape an ever-changing world. Through this investment from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the entrepreneurs at EDGE will be able to bring their ideas to life and solve complex, real-world problems. I’m thrilled we’re able to support these innovative founders who will contribute to both positive social impact as well as the economic growth of our campus communities.”
- Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice-Chancellor, Sheridan College

Quick Facts
• Founded in 1967, Sheridan is one of Ontario's leading post-secondary institutions, educating more than 27,000 full-time and 4,000 part-time studies students every year at three diverse campuses in Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville. 
• EDGE is a hub for budding entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers to connect, learn and work together towards creating economic and social impact for a more just and sustainable world.
• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested nearly $130 million in more than 160 projects in Mississauga (Census Subdivision), creating over 2,000 jobs and maintaining over 11,800 jobs.
• As of September 12, 2023, FedDev Ontario has streamlined its application process to better serve southern Ontario businesses and organizations. As a result, applications for funding will now be accepted three times per year (fall, winter and spring), with tailored application forms and streamlined funding parameters. Applications are now being accepted until November 7. 

Pictured top (L to R): Ryan Knight ; Andrea England, Vice Provost, Research at Sheridan; Chris-Beth Cowie, Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor at Sheridan; FedDev Ontario Minister Filomena Tassi; Charles Souza, MP, Mississauga-Lakeshore; Lauren DeSouza; Omar Algabra, MP, Mississauga Centre; Renee Devereaux, Director Entrepreneurship & Changemaking, EDGE; Audley (AJ) Rainford, Rohit Mehta, Alex Gregory

Contacts 

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca 

FedDev Ontario 
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca