2024 Wrap Up
As 2024 draws to a close, the Innovation PEI team is taking time to look back and reflect on the past year and the accomplishments, celebrations, and milestones of Prince Edward Island’s business community, our arts and culture scene, and our growing sectors.
Here’s a snapshot of our year at Innovation PEI:
Our 2024 Wrap Up
We Welcomed New Team Members
This year, we added some fresh faces to our team:
- Shelby McDonald joined our Global Trade Services team as a new Trade Development Officer.
- Ben McCarville joined the Business Development team as the new Bioscience Business Development Officer.
We Shared New Business Resources
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, our Business Resources page is packed with essential tools and informative articles to help you succeed. From helpful tips for maintaining business records to building marketing strategies and beyond, we’ve got you covered.
L to R: André Dumas, Jenepher Reynolds, Sandy Darrach Le-blanc, Minister Gilles Arsenault, Aidan McGuire, Karolina Khryplyvets, Erik MacInnis
We Supported and Celebrated Innovative New Business Ideas
The Ignition Fund is a competitive-based fund for entrepreneurs seeking startup capital for a new innovative business venture or to develop and launch a new innovative product. The fund invests seed capital that will allow successful applicants to turn their ideas into a tangible and viable business.
We Launched a New Webinar Series
Innovation PEI’s Small Business Webinar Series is hosted by our knowledgeable and helpful Small Business Development Officers. Our webinars are designed to help Prince Edward Island startups and small businesses navigate PEI’s business landscape and guide you to the supports and services you may be eligible for.
We Celebrated Artists Across the Island at the second annual PEI Arts Awards
As part of the renewed provincial culture action plan, the PEI Arts Awards Program celebrates artistic merit and excellence. The following recipients were recognized last evening at the gala in November:
- Artist of the Year Award: Tanya Davis
- Gertie & Henry Purdy Emerging Visual Arts Bursary: JoAnna Howlett
- Leo Cheverie Cultural Connector of the Year Award: Peter Richards, Sara Roach-Lewis and Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors
- Organization of the Year Award: River Clyde Arts
- Premier’s Award for Stand-Out Project of the Year: Jane Whitten
We Celebrated and Supported Indigenous Artists
The Indigenous Art Bank and the Indigenous Arts Grants began in 2021 to celebrate, highlight, support and encourage the artistic accomplishments of the Mi’kmaq people of Epekwitk (PEI). Applications will open on January 20th, 2025, for the 2025 Indigenous Art Bank and Arts Grants!
Kloqowej, Wood-burned panel, by Anne Martin, acquired by the Indigenous Art Bank in 2024.
A group photo of the Delegation for the Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philipines.
We Worked with PEI Businesses to Expand and Make Connections Internationally
In 2024, our Global Trade Services Team recruited Island businesses for trade missions and tradeshows across the country and around the world, attending events like:
- Seafood Expo North America in Boston
- Restaurants Canada Show in Toronto
- Pan-Atlantic Business Development mission to Cannes, France for the Marche du Film and Cannes Film Festival
- Multi-Sector Missions to Boston and New York
- Multi-Sector Mission to Toronto
- Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines
- and more!
We are currently planning for 2025 trade missions and tradeshows – Visit our new Trade Calendar to check out these opportunities for the new year!
We Introduced New Arts and Culture Support Programs
- The Province of Prince Edward Island launched Encore – The Prince Edward Island Theatre Revitalization Program in 2024 for PEI-based performance venues and theatre companies.
- Established in partnership with the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, the province launched the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Arts Grants to provide financial support for the creation and dissemination of artistic projects that raise public awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and its impacts as well as promote the prevention of GBV.
Please note: both of these programs are now closed for applications.
We Visited Businesses Across the Island during Small Business Week
Our Business Development Officers visited many small businesses across Prince Edward Island to check in and give our thanks for inspiring our communities and fueling our economy.
Innovation PEI works with Island entrepreneurs to help navigate PEI’s business landscape and provide guidance to supports and services.