Kelowna and Vernon businesses get funding from new federal agency

Federal cabinet minister Harjit Sajjan was in Kelowna today to announce the opening of a new Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) office.

Sajjan said the new regional development agency will serve businesses and communities across the Southern Interior.

“There is an amazing story unfolding here in the Southern Interior of B.C. Canada and the world needs more of what British Columbians have to offer,” Sajjan said. “Today’s announcement is about working more closely together to support the growth of your businesses and respond to the priorities of your communities.”

At a launch event for the new service, Sajjan announced over $6.4 million in PacifiCan funding for four businesses in the Southern Interior. This includes over $3.6 million for Pela, a Kelowna-based company reducing plastic waste from consumer products.

Pela will use the funding to hire new staff, acquire new facilities, and target new markets for its products, including the world’s first compostable phone cases.

“This funding will be instrumental in supporting our aggressive growth and competitiveness as we expand globally and accelerate our mission to create a sustainable waste free future,”Jeremy Lang, Pela founder said.

Great West Equipment in Vernon is getting $190,000 to allow it to adopt specialized training software, which will enhance productivity and increase performance.

Other companies getting funding are:

Fenix Advanced Materials Inc. ($1,000,000) Trail, B.C.
This funding will help Fenix Advanced Materials increase production of ultra-high purity cadmium and tellurium, both of which are used in the development of medical imaging and nuclear security technology.

Valid Manufacturing Ltd. ($1,680,000) Nelson, B.C.
This support will help Valid Manufacturing establish wiring harness manufacturing in the Kootenay region, which will support the electrification and production of zero-emission heavy duty vehicles.