Four Victoria-area businesses are sharing some of the $3.5 million announced by the federal government in September to help Vancouver Island businesses.
Industrial Plankton, which creates bioreactors that produce seaweed and algae that are used to feed shellfish, largely oysters, for consumption and restoration, is receiving $900,000. CEO Robert Roulston, who founded the company with two others in 2010, says the company has grown 30 per cent annually over the last five years.
“We’re just totally out of space here, so that’s going to let us keep that momentum going,” Roulston says.
The company plans to build a new facility in Langford that will be three times larger than its current location.
In addition:
The Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia is receiving $250,000 to transform the historic Point Ellice House into a showcase for Métis culture and heritage.
Open Ocean Robotics will receive $800,000 to increase production of its solar-powered, uncrewed boats that monitor ocean conditions and track marine life. The money, according to the media release, is to help the company access new markets.
Fluorescent Design, an e-commerce software design and development company that helps other companies develop their online presence, including providing templates for Shopify, is receiving $569,000.
