Innovation PEI

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Innovation PEI Building a vibrant, diverse & growing economy on PEI by providing funding & expertise. Stay connected with the Government of Prince Edward Island.

Innovation PEI is focused on accelerating economic development in Prince Edward Island by investing in people, innovation, and infrastructure. We are targeting key sectors that have displayed a high potential for economic growth within the province. Get news and information important to Island residents, as well as updates on provincial government programs and services. Your feedback is welcome, but please remember to keep comments respectful, non-confrontational and on topic. Moderators will remove comments that are inappropriate and/or violate our comments policy. Please read our comments policy here - https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/executive-council-office/comments-policy

10/23/2026

As part of our Small Business Week celebrations, we hosted two Lunch & Learn’s presented by Coltin Handrahan – Own Your Stack: AI-Built Software for Small Business 🚀

At these sessions in Mill River and Brudenell River Resort, Coltin walked us through how he’s using AI-powered tools to save time, streamline operations, and build custom business solutions.

Happy Small Business Week, everyone!

10/22/2026

Global perspectives, Island expertise. 🌎

Yesterday’s Export Excellence Luncheon brought together business leaders, exporters and industry partners from across Prince Edward Island.

From inspiring remarks by Premier Rob Lantz and Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence Zack Bell to an engaging panel discussion led by our CEO Jennifer Evans featuring Russ Mallard, Jillian van Duinkirken, and Genevieve Loughlin, the Export Excellence Luncheon highlighted the people and businesses helping PEI make an impact around the world.

Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to showcase PEI innovation beyond our shores.

10/20/2026

Small Business Week is officially underway! 🚀 🎉

We were proud to kick off the celebrations yesterday with the BioFoodTech and Innovation PEI Open House, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, partners, and supporters from across PEI.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to connect, explore, and learn more about the resources and supports available to help businesses grow and thrive.

On October 21st, join Innovation PEI for the PEI Export Excellence Luncheon, a celebration of Island businesses making ...
10/20/2026

On October 21st, join Innovation PEI for the PEI Export Excellence Luncheon, a celebration of Island businesses making an impact beyond PEI.

Connect with members of PEI’s export community and explore the ideas, partnerships and opportunities shaping the future of Island businesses in global markets.
Meet one of our expert panelists, Genevieve Loughlin:

Genevieve Loughlin is the co-founder and publisher of Pownal Street Press. She holds a Master of Publishing from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University. Recognized as "One to Watch in Canadian Publishing" by Quill & Quire and recipient of the Canadian Booksellers Association's Libris Award for Sales Representative of the Year, Genevieve brings extensive experience in publishing, sales, marketing, and author development. She is passionate about helping writers create meaningful books and connect with readers who need their stories most.

You can register for the PEI Export Luncheon at the link below!
https://locarius.io/events/4778/pei-export-excellence-luncheon

On October 21st , Innovation PEI is bringing PEI’s export community together for the PEI Export Excellence Luncheon. Joi...
10/19/2026

On October 21st , Innovation PEI is bringing PEI’s export community together for the PEI Export Excellence Luncheon.

Join us for an afternoon of connection, conversation and inspiration as we explore the ideas, partnerships and opportunities helping Island businesses make their mark in global markets. 🌎

You’ll hear directly from a panel of Island exporters who are taking their businesses beyond our borders, sharing their experiences, insights and lessons learned along the way.
Meet one of our expert panelists, Jillian van Duinkerken:

Jillian van Duinkerken is the CEO of Duinkerken Foods, a family-owned company in Summerside, PEI, known for its gluten-free baking mixes and pantry ingredients. Since joining the business, she has guided its growth from a local operation to a nationally recognized brand available in all major Canadian retailers.

With a focus on innovation, quality and operational excellence, Jillian has strengthened the company’s reputation, and established Duinkerken Foods as a trusted leader in the Canadian food industry.

You can register for the PEI Export Luncheon at the link below!
https://locarius.io/events/4778/pei-export-excellence-luncheon

This Small Business Week, on October 21st, Innovation PEI is hosting the PEI Export Excellence Luncheon – an opportunity...
10/18/2026

This Small Business Week, on October 21st, Innovation PEI is hosting the PEI Export Excellence Luncheon – an opportunity to connect with PEI's export community and explore the ideas, partnerships, and opportunities shaping the future of Island businesses in global markets.

At the PEI Export Excellence Luncheon, you’ll hear from a panel of Island exporters who are growing their businesses beyond our borders, including panelist Russ Mallard:

Russ Mallard is a longtime PEI business leader and entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience in the food, distribution, and agricultural sectors. He served as President and CEO of Atlantic Beef Products, helping grow the company while championing Atlantic Canada's beef industry. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles with organizations including the Canadian Meat Council, where he served as Board Chair, and has been a strong advocate for innovation, sustainability, and market development in Canada's agriculture and food-processing sectors. Russ is widely recognized for his expertise in business growth, leadership, and building strong industries from Atlantic Canada.

You can register for the PEI Export Luncheon at the link below!
https://locarius.io/events/4778/pei-export-excellence-luncheon

10/15/2026

🔥Why start your business in PEI? With an interconnected support ecosystem, greater access to mentors and expertise, and tremendous funding programs, the Island has so much to offer entrepreneurs!

The application deadline for the fall round of the Ignition Fund is coming up quickly on October 26, 2026 at 1 p.m. AST!

Ready to take the next step? Learn more on our website!

10/14/2026

From a small Island business to a beloved national brand! 🐮🍦

This week on the PEI Business Podcast, Innovation PEI’s CEO Jennifer Evans sat down with Chad Heron, CEO of COWS. Chad shares insights on business growth, leadership, brand-building, and what it takes to expand a PEI-born company beyond our shores while staying true to its Island roots.

Watch the full episode now on our website or YouTube channel.

During Small Business Week, we are excited to present two Lunch & Learns hosted by Coltin Handrahan titled Own Your Stac...
10/07/2026

During Small Business Week, we are excited to present two Lunch & Learns hosted by Coltin Handrahan titled Own Your Stack: AI-Built Software for Small Business.

📅 Tuesday, October 20 · 12pm · Mill River Resort
📅 Thursday, October 22 · 12pm · Rodd Brudenell River Resort

About the Lunch & Learn:
For 14 years, Coltin Handrahan ran Stay Golden Custom as a non-technical founder, working around software that never quite fit. Last year he started leveraging AI “vibe-code” his own custom software tools and apps for his business. Join Coltin for a practical, no-jargon lunch session on how any small business owner can build software that fits their business instead of the other way around.

You can register today at the link below!
https://www.innovationpei.com/smallbusinessweek/

About Coltin:
Coltin Handrahan founded Stay Golden Custom in his senior year of high school in Charlottetown. Today the company runs custom screen printing, embroidery, and branded merchandise from its production facility in rural Hunter River, PEI, with a secondary Halifax office and clients across Canada. A non-technical founder for 14 years, Coltin began using AI to build his company's own custom software in December 2025, replacing ill-fitting subscriptions with bespoke tools built around how his team actually works. He is an alumni of the Wallace McCain Institute's Entrepreneurial Leaders Program, an active member of EO Atlantic, and first delivered the "Own Your Stack" workshop at PEI Tech Week 2026 at The Foundry.

10/06/2026

🎙️The PEI Business Podcast is back for a three-episode run leading up to Small Business Week!

In this week’s episode, we explore the incredible journey of Myrna Gillis. After a 25-year career as a lawyer, Myrna spotted a unique opportunity to make a career shift and became the CEO of Onda, a global leader in aquaculture research. Discover her story and learn how she reached the top of the Island’s bioscience sector.

Check out the episode now on the innovationpei.com blog or on the Innovation PEI YouTube channel.

Address

94 Euston Street
Charlottetown, PE
C1A7L9

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+19023686300

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