CANIE AWARDS – Social Innovation Award

Ignite Atlantic

The winner of the 2020 CANIE Social Innovation Award is Ignite Atlantic. Founded by Doug Jones in 2018, this rural innovation hub established in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia is fostering entrepreneurship and connecting key players of the ecosystem. By providing structure, mentorship, and opportunities for startups to operate, grow, and create, IGNITE is encouraging everyone to explore entrepreneurship as a career path without restrictions. This organization has directly contributed to the success of 27 startup companies since its inception. With over 15 partners including VOLTA, Futurpreneur, Dalhousie University and the Royal Bank of Canada, IGNITE Atlantic is committed to serve the community in achieving its entrepreneurial milestones. Last September, the Ignite franchise expanded with the opening of the Ignite facility in Stellarton to foster central and northern Nova Scotia rural innovation. Ignite Atlantic is a socially-driven enterprise committed to help entrepreneurs grow their companies and elevate the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Nova Scotia.