Small businesses often find themselves trapped in survival mode, struggling to grow beyond their local markets. But what if a little financial boost could change everything? Grants and rebates are proving to be game-changers for entrepreneurs across Canada, helping them expand, innovate, and compete on a national—even global—scale. Let’s dive into two inspiring stories that show just how transformative this support can be.
First up: Mezza, the Mediterranean sensation taking Canada by storm. When Peter and Tony Nahas took over their family’s business in 2012, they had big dreams. Their father, Elias, a Lebanese immigrant, had started Mezza in 1989 with a single kiosk in Halifax. By the time the brothers took the reins, it had grown to a handful of locations. But their vision was bigger—they wanted to bring their authentic Mediterranean flavors to the entire country. And this is where it gets tricky: finding a reliable supplier for their signature dishes like hummus, pickled turnips, and chicken shawarma was a major hurdle. Here’s the part most people miss: shipping costs from producers in Ontario or out west made it nearly impossible to scale. Their solution? Build their own production facility. But that required a massive investment.
Enter Invest Nova Scotia, the province’s economic development agency, which stepped in with a $1.24-million innovation rebate. This funding was a lifeline, helping Mezza open a federally regulated, 15,000-square-foot facility in Dartmouth, N.S., in 2024. The space is a marvel—a front office decked out in the brand’s signature purple, and behind it, an industrial production floor where chicken breasts are transformed into shawarma. With federal certification in hand, Mezza is now making its boldest move yet: a 15-unit franchise deal to enter Ontario, starting with Windsor in 2026. They’ve also expanded to Calgary and are eyeing Edmonton and British Columbia. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is government funding the key to leveling the playing field for small businesses, or does it create an uneven advantage? What do you think?
Now, let’s shift gears to the West Coast, where a bad joke turned into a booming business. Best friends Jess Devenport and Lyssa Kayra were tired of hearing Lyssa’s ex-fiancé dismiss her art with a tired gag. So, Lyssa created a hand-drawn paint-by-number portrait—and it was a hit. Jess saw the potential, and with the help of her husband’s software, they turned this idea into Paintillio, a company that creates custom paint-by-number murals for events. And this is the part most people miss: their software doesn’t just make art accessible; it breaks down barriers across age, race, gender, and abilities. Imagine a 70-year-old painting alongside a 7-year-old, both feeling like artists. That’s the magic of Paintillio.
Operating from their Sunshine Coast studio with a five-woman team, Paintillio has received over $300,000 in government export grants, primarily from CanExport and Creative Export Canada. These funds have been crucial for their expansion, from a 60-foot mural in Mexico City to targeting European markets like Spain, Germany, and Britain. But here’s where it gets controversial: With U.S. tariffs creating uncertainty, Paintillio is refocusing on Canadian clients while building European markets. Is this a smart pivot, or should they double down on the U.S. despite the risks? Let us know in the comments.
Both Mezza and Paintillio fall under the ‘small business’ umbrella when it comes to funding, despite their vastly different scales. Ann Wu, managing director of government grants at Ryan, explains that roughly 75% of government funding programs target companies under 500 employees. But here’s the catch: eligibility doesn’t guarantee funding. Competition is fierce, and merit, track record, and a solid business case are critical. For Peter Nahas, the investment in Mezza’s Dartmouth facility isn’t just about expansion—it’s about creating a regional hub for Mediterranean food production, supporting other businesses in Atlantic Canada. And this is the part most people miss: it’s a partnership with the government that boosts confidence for other lenders, too.
So, here’s the big question: Are grants and rebates the secret sauce for small business success, or do they come with hidden costs? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take!
