North Forge East Technology Exchange is pleased to announce the annual financial contribution from the Canadian National Energy Alliance, the consortium which manages the operations of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. The $80,000 contribution will provide operational funding to North Forge as it supports and guides local entrepreneurs in the development and marketing of their products and services. This brings the total amount contributed by the Canadian National Energy Alliance to North Forge to more than a quarter of a million dollars.

Boreal Workshop is one of North Forge’s success stories. It is a Manitoba family business that designs and manufactures – by hand – fine jewelry and art objects and vessels that serve personal and ceremonial purposes. The owner is a member of Ochekwi-Sipi Cree Nation (Fisher River), with Cree & Metis ancestors from the Interlake and Grand Beach regions of Manitoba. North Forge has helped Boreal Workshop bring its products to market by providing the experience and expertise to refine the business plan, and by supporting the expansion into social media marketing.

North Forge is now helping Boreal Workshop prepare to transition to Shopify as its sales platform and web presence. Boreal Workshop has also recently reached a significant business milestone with the completion of a new workshop, giving the business a dedicated production space that will lower operating costs. Canadian National Energy Alliance is committed to supporting North Forge as it supports and grows local businesses such as Boreal Workshop. It is these entrepreneurs who will shape the future economy of the EastMan region where the Whiteshell nuclear site is now being decommissioned by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.