Embarking on a path of innovation isn’t just about having the best idea; it’s about having the right support network to transform that idea into reality. In southern Ontario, WEtech Alliance and five other Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) play a vital role in nurturing businesses toward success. Through the i.d.e.a. Fund™, backed by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), WEtech supported 12 high-potential startups with $20,000 in matching seed funding and access to a network of industry experts.
“If we don’t have the right answer, we reach out to our RIC network and find someone who does,” says Susy Kustra, WEtech Alliance’s manager of programs and client experience. “That collaboration helps us support clients in a more targeted and meaningful way.”
“The Government of Canada is proud to champion WEtech Alliance as they fuel the ambitions of our next generation of entrepreneurs. Through the i.d.e.a. Fund, WEtech is paving the way for results to strengthen and future-proof our economy in the era of entrepreneurs. This is what happens when public will and entrepreneurial spirit come together: bold innovation, resilient communities, and a brighter tomorrow for all Canadians. I’m proud to support accelerators and success stories in Southwestern Ontario.”
— The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
The success of the i.d.e.a. Fund is grounded in the strength of its ecosystem. Founders benefit not only from capital but also from access to a deep pool of mentors and advisors. WEtech’s extensive mentor network plays a crucial role in guiding founders as they build their businesses.
Kustra highlights this value:
“Our business advisory team helps companies by opening doors to local partners and resources. These connections often lead to solutions founders wouldn’t find on their own.”
This mentorship-first approach often proves more valuable than funding alone, helping startups develop resilience and strategic clarity.
The story of Handy Bros
One of the standout companies in the i.d.e.a. Fund’s third cohort is Handy Bros, an HVAC service provider based in the Chatham region. Founded in 1959 by Jack and Murray Handy, the company was later acquired by Nic and Mitch White, who were driven by a passion for HVAC and a vision to grow the company while pushing the industry’s boundaries.
Kaleena Crydermann, Handy Bros’ Director of Strategic Growth, shared the company’s transformation. The new leadership team didn’t measure success by revenue alone; they pursued innovation and customer-focused change in an industry long overdue for disruption.
“We’re always looking at our business to see where we can innovate, not for the sake of change, but to better serve our customers,” says Crydermann.
The i.d.e.a. Fund was a natural fit for Handy Bros. Having previously experienced WEtech’s support, the partners re-engaged through the program to take their innovation to the next level. When WEtech was invited to see the work being done, the leadership’s commitment to forward-thinking design and operational excellence was unmistakable – they are a company on the cutting edge of industrial innovation.
(l to r) WEtech Alliance’s Alma Alao and Susy Kustra with Handy Bros’ Mitch White and Eric VanPuymbroech
With the support of the i.d.e.a. Fund, Handy Bros developed a game-changing loading device known as the POD, a custom-designed aluminum repair and installation unit that significantly improved service speed and quality. This innovation made Handy Bros the fastest HVAC service provider in the region.
Creating this new repair pod system marked a key milestone in Handy Bros’ entrepreneurial journey and required a distinct design approach, a testament to its strategic and executional strength.
“The i.d.e.a. Fund connected innovation with opportunity and helped us push the needle in an industry long overdue for change,” adds Crydermann.
While WEtech provided crucial guidance from expert Growth Coach Gary Chan, Handy Bros also relied on its internal research and development team to deliver on its ambitious goals.
Cryderman offers this guidance to entrepreneurs:
“If you suffer from analysis paralysis, you’re never going to push the needle forward. Progress comes with taking chances. Don’t fear failure, embrace change to drive innovation.”
Building a future through sustainable innovation
To aspiring innovators, the pathway to sustainability and growth begins with understanding and embracing the real-world applications of the circular economy. By providing access to educational courses, especially those developed in partnership with institutions like the University of Guelph, entrepreneurs are equipped with the clarity and foundational knowledge needed to turn their vision into action.
According to WEtech’s Susy Kustra, investments in forward-thinking initiatives like the i.d.e.a. Fund are essential to shaping Ontario’s circular economy future. Sustainability plays a pivotal role and is at the core of this program’s success. Kustra also emphasizes the importance of expanding such initiatives across regional partners and beyond to drive broader impact.
“Sustainability isn’t just recycling; it’s about creating new value right from the start. RICs should advocate for sustainability routinely. It shouldn’t be sporadic; it must be ingrained in our daily operations,” she says.
Through the combined efforts of the i.d.e.a. Fund, WEtech Alliance, and Regional Innovation Centres across southern Ontario, innovators gain access to the funding, mentorship, and resources needed to bring impactful ideas to life.
In addition to Handy Bros Home Comfort Inc., WEtech Alliance’s third i.d.e.a. Fund cohort includes 11 other businesses across a variety of sectors: Evolution Data, Grays Shop, Crop Defenders, Fetherstill Inc., DuroByte Inc., Terranova UAV, ESTARE INC., Frugalicious, Iceberg Cyber Inc., Sherwood Innovations Inc., and Wild Ones Organics.
Discover how this powerful network is transforming industries and empowering entrepreneurs to build scalable, sustainable ventures. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, the support you need is within reach.
To discover more about i.d.e.a. Fund, visit wetech-alliance.com/idea.
Learn more about FedDev Ontario by visiting: feddev-ontario.canada.ca.
