THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is providing more than $310,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to two business development projects in the Thunder Bay region. This investment will expand company operations, foster product innovation and create good jobs in the Northwest.

“The local success stories we are celebrating today in the Thunder Bay region underpin the importance of having timely supports like the NOHFC’s modernized programming,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Whether it’s investing in innovative technologies that support local remediation solutions, or partnering on software that creates custom medical patient treatment plans, our message to northern businesses is clear – we are with you every step of the way.”

BioNorth Solutions Inc. is using $242,500 in NOHFC funding to purchase equipment and renovate two buildings at the company’s new location in Thunder Bay. The new facilities will contain a manufacturing plant, warehouse, production laboratory, research and development laboratory and office space.

“BioNorth Solutions is grateful for NOHFC funding support that has enabled us to expand our laboratory and manufacturing facility,” said Amber Kivisto, Co-Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer, BioNorth Solutions Inc. “The project has increased our operations from 3,900 square feet to 8,200 square feet, which has enabled us to become more operationally efficient when producing our packaged microbes that support hydrocarbon remediation and agricultural growth applications.”

Axiom Modeling & Design Inc. – located in Shuniah – is using $67,990 in NOHFC funding to develop, test and commercialize its innovative software, which creates medical patient treatment plans using modelling and visual design tools. The software will significantly reduce the workload associated with managing electronic health and medical records.

“Axiom MD is looking to innovate in the health care sector one patient plan at a time,” said Dr. Arnold Kim, Founder, Axiom Modeling & Design Inc. “Thanks to NOHFC, we are able to support a group of talented Northern Ontario individuals towards this goal. This kind of funding is critical for the professional development of young software developers, as well as for the progress of health-tech startups such as our own.”

“Supporting the growth of innovative businesses like BioNorth Solutions and Axiom Modeling & Design shows our commitment to fostering a strong, diverse economy here in Northwestern Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, MPP Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “Through the NOHFC, we are helping local companies thrive in cutting-edge industries like environmental technology and health care. These investments will ensure that our region continues to be a leader in innovation and opportunity.”

The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $835 million in 6,713 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,380 jobs.

Quick Fact

• The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.
• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca
Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca