Category Archives: Business & Commercialization Innovation

“Pivotal” research for new market

Bill MacDonald, coordinator and professor of NC’s Commercial Cannabis Production (CCP) program, and Greg Marsh, president at Northern Hemp Specialists, inside the CannaBunker at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Agricultural company Northern Hemp Specialists Ltd. works with clients on finding organic solutions for growth and pathogen resistance for all plants, trees, ornamental flowers and even vineyards. More recently, they’ve found a customer base … Continue reading “Pivotal” research for new market »

How to commercialize a pizza sauce

Entrepreneur Ryan Nava purchased Welland’s Tailgates Bar and Grill in the fall of 2019. It soon became a popular spot for sports, live entertainment and pizza and wings. Of course Nava couldn’t have known that in a matter of months, the world would be gripped by a health crisis and pandemic lock-downs in the food service industry. “It was devastating! I had bills to pay; … Continue reading How to commercialize a pizza sauce »

Snack company gains market readiness

Images shown: Heartsease Keto Collagen Protein cookies (Dark Chocolate Pecan and Cinnamon Spice) and Vegan Almond Protein cookie (Chocolate Maple Walnut); a hand-crafted cookie line made with clean ingredients in a biodegradable package. Since working with the Business & Commercialization Solutions (BCS) team on go-to-market research and strategies, a health-wellness snack company has found success with a dozen retailers and is working on a new … Continue reading Snack company gains market readiness »

NOW HIRING: Business Research Assistant position available with our Research & Innovation team

Business Research Assistant, Research & Innovation The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Artisan Distilling program. As a Research Assistant, they will have the opportunity to assist with beverage processing and product development projects, within a research team environment, with the Canadian Food & Wine Institute Innovation Centre.  Click HERE for the full job posting. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 24th, 2021 at 12pm. … Continue reading NOW HIRING: Business Research Assistant position available with our Research & Innovation team »

Grad returns to help next generation of professionals

During her studies at Niagara College’s Bachelor of Business Administration (International Commerce and Global Development) program, Adriann Knight spent six months as a research assistant with the Business & Commercialization Solutions (BCS) team at Research & Innovation. After graduating in 2017, she was hired as a business information officer for the City of St. Catharines. Adriann has now returned to NC as a research lead, … Continue reading Grad returns to help next generation of professionals »

A passion for inspiring, helping others

Call it an entrepreneurial spirit or the “it” factor. Karla Perez-Islas was seemingly born with it. The rest – a drive for independence and a devoted student of life – has empowered her along the way. As a child, she sold trending toys to classmates, and in high school, she marketed and sold skincare products. During a university class project in her home country of … Continue reading A passion for inspiring, helping others »