A Newfoundland and Labrador social enterprise with a mission to grow more local produce is receiving financial support to assist with marketing costs. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $92,125 for SucSeed from the Business Growth Program.
SucSeed brings hydroponic gardens into classrooms, homes and communities to encourage a simple, easy and environmentally sustainable practice. SucSeed sells hydroponic gardens through its website as well as materials such as nutrients, seeds and supplies for continuous growing. There are currently more than 2,500 SucSeed gardens in classrooms across Canada. In addition to its hydroponic gardens, SucSeed has published three Sustainable Superhero children’s books which introduce youth to sustainable practices such as gardening, composting, thrift shopping and supporting local businesses.
The company was conceived from a student-led volunteer project out of the Memorial University chapter of Enactus. Since winning the Enactus World Cup in 2016, founders Emily Bland and Andrea Peet evolved the project into a successful business generating over $1.5 million in revenue to date. In 2021, SucSeed was Newfoundland and Labrador’s first business to be certified as a B Corporation by B Lab, which verifies a company’s commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. In January 2024, SucSeed launched the SucSeed Foundation and achieved charitable status.
The Provincial Government investment will assist with SucSeed’s marketing goals which include online marketing, graphic design, conferences and trade shows.
Through the Business Growth Program, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology provides non-repayable contributions for projects or initiatives to assist businesses start, innovate, scale and improve sales locally, nationally or internationally.
Quotes
“SucSeed’s work with local schools and not-for-profits helps educate youth on the basics of gardening and food production while also helping vulnerable populations, creating comfort communities, and improving the environment. The social enterprise is enriching communities by conducting business in an innovative way that furthers social, cultural and environmental goals. We are proud to support SucSeed as they work to reach even more schools and community groups with their products.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“We are incredibly thankful to the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology for supporting our expansion at SucSeed. This funding will play a crucial role in allowing us to increase our traction across Canada and to start to build more traction around the world. Our team is on a mission to educate one million students and this funding will play a significant role in helping us reach that.”
Emily Bland
CEO, SucSeed
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Business Growth Program
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