From Grit to Growth: The Creative Journey of Atlantic Canada’s Startups
When Tracey McGillivray’s father began struggling to stand after falling, she searched for an accessible, intuitive solution to help him regain his independence. Disappointed by the impractical options on the market, McGillivray decided to tackle the problem herself. Teaming up with mechanical engineer Liam Maaskant, they envisioned a walker with an integrated elevating seat. Their concept became the foundation for Halifax-based Axtion Independence Mobility.
Over five years, McGillivray and Maaskant refined their design at Dalhousie University’s Emera ideaHUB, transforming rough prototypes into a near-market-ready device. Instead of pursuing venture capital, the Axtion team relied on bootstrapping, grants, and non-dilutive funding to navigate the early stages.
“Venture capital isn’t always accessible in this region,” said Talis Apud-Martinez, Associate Director at Emera ideaHUB. “But Atlantic Canada offers unique opportunities, such as government grants and partnerships that provide tools and space to help startups punch above their weight.”
Atlantic Canada saw $143 million CAD in venture capital investments across 42 deals in 2024—significantly less than larger provinces. Yet startups in the region excel by leveraging local resources. Programs like the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program and the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provide critical funding and mentorship. Provincial initiatives like Invest Nova Scotia further bolster innovation with sector-specific grants.
Axtion’s approach exemplifies this regional strategy. Early prototypes were built from department store scraps and car jacks—unconventional but effective in refining the product without external pressure to scale prematurely. “We applied for every grant available and were pretty successful,” McGillivray said.
This resourceful mindset resonates across Atlantic Canada. Startups like Curv Health and MOC Biotechnologies have similarly used non-dilutive funding to avoid early equity dilution, ensuring growth on their own terms.
McGillivray believes this approach aligns business goals with community impact. “Venture capital often drives forced exits that benefit foreign buyers,” she said. “We wanted to create something sustainable that supports the local economy.”
According to Apud-Martinez, this ethos defines the region’s entrepreneurial spirit: “Here, success is about building sustainable businesses that contribute to the community, creating jobs, and driving growth in Atlantic Canada.”
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