Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) is excited to announce the launch of the Rapid Response for Business Development (RRBD) Initiative to support their ongoing commitment to impact investing by creating long-term sustainability and fueling innovation in the Agriculture and Environmental sectors.

The GRAS RRBD Initiative will provide up to $10,000 to support Ontario-based, agriculture, agri-food, agri-products, and clean-tech businesses, as they work with established business connections to advance market opportunities and secure sales for their innovative products, processes, or technologies. 

The latest in GRAS’s Philanthropic and Impact Investment Initiatives, the program is designed to enable businesses, with preference to those located in Wellington, Waterloo, and Perth counties, to respond quickly to global market opportunities.

“Rapid Response for Business Development is targeted to assist businesses that have developed new and innovative products, processes, and technologies in the agri-food, agri-products, and clean-tech sectors to move quickly to secure sales and market opportunities. We need to encourage Canadian entrepreneurs and provide the support they need to compete in the worldwide marketplace.”

– Deborah Whale, Vice president and Chair of the GRAS Philanthropic and Impact Investment Committee.

The RRBD initiative will provide support for eligible travel and associated costs that are required to work with clients where there is a high potential to “close the deal” with real and established business connections.

Working with CanLead Solutions, RRBD will be open to application on April 5^th, 2022. GRAS has committed $50,000 in first-year funding in a multi-year commitment to the program.

The GRAS RRBD was modelled on a similar successful government program that was previously available through the Ontario Agri Food Technologies Association (OAFTA).

Looking to apply? Find the Application criteria here: https://grandriveragsociety.com/philanthropy/