On the Bonavista Peninsula, Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited is a key part of a revitalized hub of small businesses offering new experiences to residents and visitors to the region.
Since launching its open concept microbrewery in a retrofitted old schoolhouse in 2016, the company has become a successful tourism destination. Port Rexton Brewing Company continues to grow as brand recognition has increased and demand for its craft beer has outpaced supply. This year, the company will start work to expand its current operation by adding a new manufacturing facility and a larger processing system, including an automated canning line. The expansion is expected to create two new jobs in Port Rexton.
The Provincial Government, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, is providing $360,000 in repayable funding towards this project through its Business Investment Program, and the Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $481,620.
The department also provided the company with $22,500 in non-repayable funding under the Business Development Support Program to assist with marketing initiatives.
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, along with Churence Rogers, MP for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made the announcement during a recent visit to the Port Rexton Brewing facility. Neil King, MHA for Bonavista, joined Minister Mitchelmore and MP Rogers for the announcement.
The Government of Canada is making smart investments that will create good, middle-class jobs in our country. It is helping small and medium-sized businesses to start-up, expand or modernize. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
The Provincial Government has committed to continued work with craft beverage producers on an industry-wide review to continue growth in the sector. The changes deliver on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to support the Port Rexton Brewing Company in its continued expansion and marketing initiatives, as it grows into a pillar of the Bonavista Peninsula tourism scene while developing its unique brand and product. Improving the visitor experience by offering diversified food and beverage products unique to a region is a key aspect of The Way Forward’s Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Industries such as manufacturing and tourism drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada and help make our rural communities stronger. By investing in small manufacturing businesses like the Port Rexton Brewing Company, the Government of Canada is connecting businesses with the tools they need to scale up, respond to market demands and develop new business opportunities.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“With a growing base of dynamic small businesses such as the Port Rexton Brewing Company, the Bonavista Peninsula has become a key destination for exploring and tapping into unique local experiences and hospitality. The Government of Canada is pleased to support Port Rexton Brewing Company’s latest expansion, which is creating local jobs and contributing to this region’s growth.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“Port Rexton Brewing Company co-owners Sonja Mills and Alicia MacDonald have shown business excellence and a commitment to the Bonavista Peninsula that makes the announcement today such great news. I look forward to supporting the continued growth of the company and the positive economic and cultural impact this will bring to our region.”
Neil King
MHA for the District of Bonavista
“We are so grateful to the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their continued support of our business and, in particular, upcoming expansion. Their investment will provide us with the means to take our business to the next level and make a more meaningful impact on our industry as well as the economic development of our community and region.”
Sonja Mills
Co-owner, Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Dianne Randell
Government Members Office
709-729-6854, 689-0786
diannerandell@gov.nl.ca
Sonja Mills
Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited
709-464-7807
sonja@portrextonbrewing.com