PacifiCan puts nearly $13M into local businesses

Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of almost $13 million in funding for seven Lower Mainland businesses. The funding comes from a pair of the organization’s investment initiatives: over $5.8 million for four businesses through its Jobs and Growth Fund and over $7.1 million for three businesses through its Business Scale-Up and Productivity program. Many of the funding recipients are in zero waste or cleantech.

Fundees from the Business Scale-Up and Productivity program

Saltworks Technologies - $4.8 million

To scale the company’s operations and advanced technology, which treats industrial wastewater and water used in processing lithium: a major component needed for car batteries in electric vehicles and key for the transition to clean energy. Saltworks will expand its current facility; hire new employees; improve manufacturing efficiency; expand sales across Canada, the United States, and South America; and build after-sales support.

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LeadingAhead Energy - $592,750

To scale the company’s advisory services for electric vehicle charging stations. With this funding, LeadingAhead Energy will purchase equipment, hire staff, and market its services across Canada and the United States.

BQE Water - $1.725 million

To grow its capacity and to commission multiple mining wastewater treatment plants concurrently. BQE Water will recruit, hire, and train new staff, travel to job sites for plant commissioning and operation, and market its services at industry conferences.

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Fundees from the Jobs and Growth Fund

Lucid Vision Labs - $552,500To increase the manufacturing of its compact, high-performing cameras, used in applications like factory automation. This investment will almost triple the size of Lucid Vision Labs’ production facility in Richmond and allow it to keep up with demand and create new jobs.

Tuft and Paw - $750,000To enhance the sales and marketing of its eco-friendly cat litter subscription service. The litter is biodegradable and made from soybean husks, a byproduct of producing tofu. With this support, Tuft and Paw will attend trade shows, develop its mobile app, and promote its products to new markets.

Anaconda Systems - $2.5 million

To grow its innovative composting system, which quickly turns waste into organic fertilizer. Anaconda Systems Limited will also expand and market its waste solution across North America, resulting in less waste in landfills.

MintList - $2 million

To scale and enhance the company’s online automotive marketplace (which includes the largest inventory of inspected, certified, pre-owned electric vehicles in B.C.) with new cybersecurity measures and automation tools. To achieve this, MintList will hire new staff, build new platform features, and launch marketing campaigns to grow its customer base.

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Minister Sajjan made the announcement while visiting Anaconda’s headquarters

“To reach net zero, the world needs the ingenuity of British Columbian businesses,” he said. “Companies like [Anaconda] are finding innovative solutions to global challenges and making British Columbia a leader in clean technology. Today’s investments will not only create over 300 quality jobs for British Columbians, but contribute to a greener future for Canada.”