Ontario Made

What Ontario Made does

Ontario Made is a free, province-wide promotional platform operated by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), a Canadian non-profit trade association headquartered in Toronto. The platform enables Ontario-based manufacturers to register and display the official "Ontario Made" logo on their products, packaging, websites, and marketing materials, helping consumers identify locally produced goods across categories including food and beverage, building products, furniture, gardening, signage, and personal care. It serves three primary user groups: Ontario manufacturers (who gain visibility and consumer awareness), Ontario retailers (who receive complimentary merchandising materials to showcase local products in-store), and Ontario consumers (who use the logo to identify and support local products). The platform is operated under a horizontal segmentation approach across all manufacturing verticals and is not a technology product; it has no proprietary software, no API, no public SDK, and explicitly prohibits automated scraping in its user agreement.

The business model is non-revenue-generating: registration, logo access, and merchandising materials are provided at no cost to participants. The program is funded as a cost center within CME rather than through user fees, advertising, or transaction revenue. Go-to-market is community-led, relying on a curated ecosystem of more than 20 partners spanning financial institutions (BDC), logistics providers (Freightcom), regional economic development agencies (LEDC, InvestWindsorEssex, SLEP, City of Markham, Simcoe County), sector associations (Ontario Craft Wineries, Ontario Craft Brewers, OCCA, Masonry Council, Ontario Wood, Foodland Ontario), and retail channel organizations (CFIG covering 6,900+ independent grocers, OCSA covering 8,500+ convenience/gas sites). Marketing channels include content marketing on the supportontariomade.ca website, organic social campaigns under the #OntarioMade hashtag, email newsletters, a Made Right Here video series in partnership with CTV News on YouTube, the annual Ontario Made Awards program (running since 2021), and Manufacturing Month held each October with factory tours and trivia.

Distribution leverages retail partner networks and direct-to-consumer links to manufacturer websites. The initiative targets Ontario only, with no global footprint claim. Ontario Made has no subsidiaries, no funding rounds, no disclosed headcount, and no patents or trademarks beyond the program brand. Contact is via [email protected]. The legal name is "ONTARIO MADE," operating under the French-language DBA "Fabriqué en Ontario." Notable sub-brands include Ontario Made Awards and Ontario Manufacturing Month. The addressable ecosystem spans Ontario's 36,000+ manufacturing companies and 776,200+ manufacturing workers, with manufacturing representing nearly 11% of Ontario's GDP and nearly 80% of provincial goods exports.

Name

Ontario Made

Legal name

ONTARIO MADE

Website

https://supportontariomade.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Ontario Made is a free, province-wide promotional platform operated by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) that enables Ontario manufacturers and retailers to display the official Ontario Made logo on locally produced products, helping consumers identify and support local goods across categories.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Ontario

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Free platform for manufacturers and retailers: Ontario Made is a free program for Ontario manufacturers and retailers to use the Ontario Made logo and access promotional resources. The initiative is funded by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) as a non-profit trade association.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Ontario Made is a free provincial brand certification and directory program operated by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) that enables Ontario-based manufacturers to display the Ontario Made logo on their products, packaging, websites, and marketing materials. The platform connects registered manufacturers with Ontario retailers—who receive complimentary merchandising materials—and helps Ontario consumers discover locally made goods across food and beverage, building products, signage, furniture, personal care, and other categories. Complementary programs include the annual Ontario Made Awards and Manufacturing Month.

Product overview

Ontario Made is a promotional platform and directory service operated by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) that helps consumers discover products manufactured in Ontario. The platform provides a registry of Ontario-based manufacturers and retailers, a certification logo program for qualifying businesses, and the Ontario Made Awards to recognize outstanding contributors. Ontario Made does not develop or sell its own products; it serves as a marketing and discovery platform connecting consumers with Ontario-made goods across various categories including food and beverage, crafts, manufacturing, and consumer products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ontario Made Awards: Annual awards program recognizing outstanding Ontario manufacturers and retailers that promote locally made products
• Ontario Manufacturing Month

Products and services

• Ontario Made Manufacturer Logo Program
• Ontario Made Retailer Merchandising Program
• Ontario Made Product Directory
• Fabriqué en Ontario (French-language brand)

Quantifiable outcome

• 776,200+ workers in Ontario manufacturing sector
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and regional.

• BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerBDC is a financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. As a partner, they provide financing solutions and business consulting to help Ontario manufacturers grow.
• FreightcomcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFreightcom provides discounted rates on LTL and parcel shipping services from leading North American carriers, offering shipping management solutions for Ontario manufacturers.
• Ontario WoodcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOntario Wood is a program that raises awareness of locally grown, made wood products and encourages Ontarians to buy local. Partners include manufacturers, retailers, builders and designers.
• Foodland OntariocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1977, Foodland Ontario has helped shoppers identify Ontario-grown and made foods with its iconic logo. Partners include producers, processors, retailers, and distributors.
• Ontario Craft WineriesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit trade association representing over 120 VQA wineries from Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore. Supports 23,000 jobs and contributes $5.5 billion annually to Ontario's economy.
• Ontario Craft BrewersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoice of craft beer in Ontario representing 300+ locally-owned craft breweries. Advocates for sustainable production and government collaboration.
• Ontario Craft Cider AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2012, OCCA promotes and advocates for authentic, locally crafted ciders made from 100% Ontario-grown apples.
• Masonry Council of OntariominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresents industry professionals creating durable structures that increase in value, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and add beauty to neighbourhoods.
• London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead economic development agency for London, Canada. Supports growth of existing businesses and attracts new businesses, focusing on Agri-Food, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Media and Tech, Health, and Professional Services.
• City of MarkhamregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the most culturally diverse and fastest-growing cities in Greater Toronto Area with 365,000 residents and 1,500 tech companies. Department of Economic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship supports businesses in multiple sectors.
• InvestWindsorEssexregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerNot-for-profit organization advancing economic development to grow and sustain prosperity in the Windsor-Essex region.
• InvestInSTC - St. Catharines Economic DevelopmentregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to fostering economic growth in St. Catharines, the largest city in Niagara region. Focus includes agriculture, food and beverage, creative industries, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and tourism.
• Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead economic development agency for Sarnia-Lambton. Focuses on advanced manufacturing, hybrid chemistry, energy, chemicals, and agriculture sectors.
• Simcoe County Economic Development OfficeregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks with 16 municipalities to help businesses thrive. Manufacturing is a thriving industry with experts in healthcare, technology, food processing, aerospace, and automotive.
• Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-profit trade association founded in 1962 representing over 6,900 independent grocery retailers across Canada, providing operational excellence programs.
• Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRepresents the economic interests of 8,500 convenience/gas sites in Ontario, with 65% being independent family-run businesses. Access to over 3 million daily customers.
• Wine Growers OntariomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresents the Ontario wine industry, with members producing more than 80% of all Ontario wines. Committed to making Ontario a world class wine region.
• Grape Growers in OntariominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresenting all Ontario grape growers and wineries since 1947. Behind every glass of VQA wine is a team of 500 grape enthusiasts cultivating more than 17,000 acres of vineyards.
• Ontario Corn Fed BeefminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram managed by Ontario Cattle Feeders' Association. OCFA members produce over half of Ontario's beef cattle. Partners with Loblaws to offer locally raised beef.
• Shot One StudiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerVideo and animation studio that crafts stories for brands, providing visual content for Ontario Made messaging.
• Acorn Studio Marketing & Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing agency helping entrepreneurs build brands in a digital-first economy.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Foodland Ontario: Ontario government-backed origin certification program for Ontario-grown and made food, run since 1977. Operates as a logo and merchandising program with retailers and producers, directly analogous to Ontario Made's model in the food category and a current partner.
• Local First: Independent 'buy local' movement/network in the U.S. that runs campaigns, directories, and certifications for locally owned businesses. Comparable horizontal community-led GTM motion targeting consumers, retailers, and producers.
• Ontario Wood: Program that promotes locally grown and made Ontario wood products through a logo and partner network of manufacturers, retailers, builders, and designers. Direct peer in origin-certification model and listed Ontario Made strategic partner.

Broad incumbents

• Made in Britain: UK trade body that licenses the 'Made in Britain' mark to British manufacturers. Comparable origin-certification model with a formal licensing body, membership tiers, and consumer marketing.
• Made in USA: American origin-marketing and certification efforts, including the 'Made in USA' standard promoted by the FTC and trade groups. Operates at much larger scale but shares the origin-marketing mission.
• NZ Made: New Zealand's 'NZ Made' origin trademark program licensing the iconic Kiwi logo to local manufacturers. Closely comparable certification and consumer-awareness model in another mid-sized economy.
• Australian Made: Long-running national 'Australian Made' green-and-gold logo campaign certifying Australian-made products. Closest international analog in terms of brand recognition, licensing structure, and multi-decade operation.
• Made in Canada: National-level 'Made in Canada' certification and logo program. Comparable in mission (origin marking for Canadian-made goods) but operates at the national rather than provincial scale, giving it broader reach but less provincial specificity.

Regional players

• Buy BC: British Columbia's 'Buy BC' program promoting locally grown and made products via logo, retailer support, and consumer campaigns. Highly analogous model operating in a different Canadian province.
• Buy Alberta: Alberta provincial buy-local initiative promoting Alberta-made products to consumers and retailers. Analogous regional program operating in a neighbouring Canadian province.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@OntarioMade
• Xx.com/ontario_made
• Facebookfacebook.com/SupportOntarioMade

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ontario Made