The federal government has provided $500,000 to the Halifax startup house Volta Labs as part of a round of funding for growth companies and their ecosystem in Nova Scotia.
As well as a grant to Volta, the government also announced it is lending $244,000 to b4checkin, a Halifax company that provides reservation systems to hotel chains, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program.
Navdeep Bains, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Treasury Board President Scott Brison announced total funding worth $2.7 million at a ceremony at Volta on Monday.
“One of the most effective ways to help Canadian businesses grow, innovate and succeed is to make strategic investments that build on competitive advantages,” Bains, who is the minister responsible for ACOA, said in a statement. “The businesses and organizations we are investing in today illustrate a commitment to excellence and to innovative practices that help set them apart in the marketplace.”
Since opening in 2013, Volta has become the gathering point for IT startups in Halifax, providing working space to some and serving as the local partner for the regional accelerator, Propel ICT.
Founded by Saar Fabrikant, b4checkin’s reservation software and service platform allows on-line customers to book accommodations and other services at hotels. The company says it is in a growth phase due to rising demand for its product.
ACOA also granted the following loans to: Pantel International, Dartmouth, $243,000; Nautical Seafoods Limited, Parker’s Cove, N.S., $500,000; Gidney Fisheries Limited, Digby Neck, N.S., $500,000; and Sustainable Fish Farming (Canada) Limited, Centre Burlington, N.S., $500,000.
