Ignite Labs has been recognized with a national Canie Award just days after the organization opened a new facility in Pictou County, N.S.

Yarmouth, N.S-based Ignite, headed by Founder and CEO Doug Jones, is dedicated to providing incubation space and support for rural innovators. It began in Yarmouth three years ago, and opened an outpost in northern Nova Scotia last year. Late last week, it opening its new facility for the northern N.S. operations, at 352 East River Road in New Glasgow.

“Ignite is passionate about supporting new opportunities in the region to broadcast the contributions of local entrepreneurs and innovators to the wider ecosystem in Atlantic Canada,” said Jones in a statement announcing the new facility. “With the new and upcoming collaborative projects and programs, Ignite is setting the bar for Atlantic Canada of what an innovation hub can do.”

The new space hosts over a dozen startups, several student entrepreneurs, and has a dedicated area for community use, co-working, and a living lab. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency provided a $300,000 grant over two years to help Ignite establish the incubator.

On Tuesday night, Ignite received the 2020 Canie Social Innovation Award at a reception in Ottawa, which was broadcast nationally over Facebook and Twitter.

Presented by the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation, the Canies are the successors to the Startup Canada Awards, and recognize entrepreneurs and support organizations from across the country for their contributions to the innovation economy. Jones was one of 13 people to receive national Canie awards this year.

“More than ever, it is important to recognize excellence in Canadian entrepreneurship and underscore the crucial role that this ecosystem plays in the country’s economy,” said Kayla Isabelle, Chair of the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation and Executive Director of Startup Canada. “We are proud to support individuals and organizations that are creating positive disruption and contributing to the nation’s well being and prosperity.”

Said Jones after accepting the award: “Ignite has strived to make a difference throughout Nova Scotia by connecting organizations and expertise where these resources did not exist.  Our work with startups, youth, community and industry continue to drive our passion to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in smaller communities throughout the province."