Jump start

Province hands out grants to 10 companies to help with new ideas

The P.E.I. government wrote a cheque for $250,000 on Tuesday for 10 companies that are coming up with new ideas.

Each of the companies will get $25,000 under the Ignition Fund.

This year, the grants are being awarded to Island companies that are starting up or working to commercialize new products.

“Buckwheat is beneficial to potato farmers, especially as a rotation crop that aids in soil health and reduces certain pests, and, as it happens, it makes a very fine whiskey.” Mike Beamish

Mike Beamish, owner of Deep Roots Distillery, said the grant money helped him create a new line of buckwheat whiskey and will help the distillery, based in Warren Grove, expand its market share while supporting local farmers.

“Buckwheat is beneficial to potato farmers, especially as a rotation crop that aids in soil health and reduces certain pests, and, as it happens, it makes a very fine whiskey,’’ said Beamish, who hosted the Ignition Fund ceremony on Tuesday at the distillery.

“The grant we received under the Ignition Fund was crucial to the development of our product which is now in the final production stage, and we anticipate being able to begin the aging and tasting process inside the next few weeks.’’

Economic Minister Heath MacDonald said supporting ambitious, innovative companies is all about expanding the economy, increasing exports and creating jobs.