Over 250 businesses to benefit from new programming in Kingston and Prescott-Russell
February 19, 2025 – Kingston, Ontario – Eastern Ontario is a leader in research and development, fueling innovation across industries. As a key part of Canada’s economic success, the Government of Canada is investing in the life sciences sector and the organizations that support them as well as our local businesses in regions across the country to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed now and in the future.
Today, the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), met with the team from Kingston Economic Development Corporation, to learn about how they are boosting the local economy and fostering new innovation for life sciences companies.
To support these efforts, Minister Sahota announced an investment of $3.4 million for Kingston Economic Development Corporation to put in place the supports and critical assets life sciences companies need as they commercialize and scale-up. The organization will offer the Kingston Life Sciences and Helix Funding initiatives, as well as establish a new wet lab space at Providence Care Hospital.
With targeted programming to support life sciences entrepreneurs and by filling a regional need for wet lab space, Kingston Economic Development will help local innovators boost their capabilities to meet the increasing demand for medical products that will help create a healthier future for everyone. This project is expected to support over 100 businesses.
Minister Sahota also announced nearly $400,000 for le Centre de services à l’emploi de Prescott-Russell Inc. (CSEPR) in Hawkesbury to expand its services for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. The project will support up to 150 SMEs to attract and retain newcomer Francophone or bilingual workers to support their business growth.
Organizations that equip our businesses with essential tools and resources are not only ensuring their long-term success but also are contributing to the prosperity of Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening these organizations, recognizing their critical role in supporting our businesses, empowering Canadians, and building a resilient economy for the future.
Quotes
“Organizations that empower Canadian businesses to expand play a vital role creating good jobs and fostering robust regional economies. Through today’s investments in Kingston Economic Development Corporation and le Centre de services à l’emploi de Prescott-Russell Inc., these organizations will work to strengthen local businesses as they grow and help our economy thrive.”
– The Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Here in Kingston and across Ontario, organizations that support our businesses play a vital role in keeping our communities strong. Today’s investment demonstrates the Government of Canada’s continued support for businesses and the organizations that lift them up with the various services and resources they offer, leading to a strong economy for Canadians.”
– Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
“This investment from FedDev Ontario is transformative for Kingston and eastern Ontario’s life sciences sector. By expanding access to critical wet lab space and enhancing business programming, we are strengthening the region’s capacity for innovation and commercialization. The Kingston Life Sciences and Helix Funding initiatives will provide essential support for scaling life science startups and small and-medium enterprises, ensuring they have the resources needed to grow and thrive. This new initiative will take Kingston’s life sciences to the next level and reinforce Kingston’s role as a hub for cutting-edge health innovation.”
– Donna Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer, Kingston Economic Development Corporation
Quick facts
Incorporated in 1998, Kingston Economic Development Corporation is an incorporated not-for-profit focused on Kingston’s long-term economic sustainability through the attraction of new business investment, the growth and expansion of existing businesses and support for startups and entrepreneurs.
Founded in 1983, le Centre de services à l’emploi de Prescott-Russell Inc. (CSEPR) is a non-profit corporation serving youth, job seekers, workers, entrepreneurs and employers in the greater Prescott-Russell area. The centre assists close to 14,000 clients annually.
Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $250 million in nearly 70 projects in the life sciences sector, supporting over 8,400 jobs.
Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $602 million in over 820 projects in the Eastern Ontario region, estimated to create and/or maintain more than 60,000 jobs.
You can read the full media release by FedDev Ontario here: https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-southern-ontario/news/2025/02/government-of-canada-supports-businesses-in-eastern-ontario.html
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
