ACOA Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Parliamentary Secretary Darren Fisher and Janine Fraser, Director General of ACOA NS met with Karen Campbell, Founder and CEO of Totally Raw Pet Food, during a site visit at the Dartmouth facility in April.
Government of Canada funding helps pet food company expand and grow
Dartmouth – the ACOA’s strong connection with local businesses continues to play a vital role in ensuring that they are well positioned to find innovative solutions to today’s challenges. That is why the Government of Canada is helping Totally Raw Pet Food complete automation improvements so it can take control of its supply chain and meet growing customer demand.
Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced a repayable contribution of $75,000, through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, to Totally Raw Pet Food. The investment will enhance the company’s manufacturing ability through the purchase of high-speed, automated equipment, ensuring it can produce its own bone ingredients for its numerous pet food recipes.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
Last month, PS Fisher and Minister Petitpas Taylor had the opportunity to tour the company’s retail and production facilities in Darmouth to see its growth and hear about future plans. Totally Raw Pet Food grew from a small, family-run operation to a company with over 35 employees and exports across the country.
In addition to the support announced today, the Agency provided the company with a $105,000 repayable contribution in 2022 to acquire specialized, automated processing equipment to increase capacity, control inventory, improve quality and contribute to the company’s growth plan. ACOA also invested a repayable contribution of $365,625 in 2019 to support the purchase of processing equipment to help Totally Raw Pet Food meet growing local and national demand for its products.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that create efficiencies and help businesses scale up and reach new markets.
“The vitality of businesses across Atlantic Canada is key to our economic vibrancy. We’ll continue to invest in local businesses that are poised to seize growth opportunities through innovation and expand into new markets. The success of our local businesses builds resiliency in our communities and plays an important role in building a stronger future for all Canadians.” – Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA