Planet Hatch ‘Export Igniter’ Helps Local Companies Find New Global Markets
FREDERICTON – Fredericton entrepreneurship centre Planet Hatch has announced the new cohort of its Export Igniter program.
The program, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, helps growth-stage companies navigate the complexities of international business and break into new markets.
It was first developed in 2016 through a partnership model between Ignite Fredericton, Planet Hatch, The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Opportunities NB, the University of New Brunswick, and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Its alumni include more than 15companies from the Fredericton region.
The companies participating this time around are:
• Upfront Cosmetics: Focused on creating eco-friendly, plastic-free alternatives to traditional haircare products. They produce a line of solid shampoo and conditioner bars that replace 2-3 bottles of traditional products which are pH-balanced, and free from sulphates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
• Scottage Cheeze: Innovative producers of 100% dairy, gluten, and peanut-free vegan dips, spreads and cheeses.
• TailWind: A secure all-in-one tokenization platform for startups to easily raise investment for their ideas. It is a blockchain-enabled AI platform with a vision to democratize access to capital using the power of blockchain.
• Parrill & Co.: A licensed performance improvement firm that works with executives and organizations to realize more of their potential. They offer leadership development programs that translate into enhanced individual performance, increased leadership awareness, and measurable business results.
“We are very excited about the companies participating in this year’s program,” said Hannahbelle Weaver, program coordinator at Planet Hatch in a release. “Each offer unique products or services with significant growth potential in identified export markets. We are looking forward to supporting their success.”
In the course of a 12-week program, participants are engaged in workshops, mentorship, and resources while being paired with a team of undergraduate students from UNB’s Faculty of Management who undertake market research and develop an export strategy for the entrepreneur they are paired with. Graduates of this program leave ready to tackle new markets with a comprehensive export and sales strategy.
“Export Igniter is a unique and impactful program for pre-export companies in Atlantic Canada,” said Adam Peabody, director of Planet Hatch. “Eighty-five per cent of our graduates from the first three cohorts are now exporting with growing sales, creating over 20 new jobs in the process. We aim to help this year’s cohort achieve similar levels of success.”