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Located in Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Split Rail Brewing Company has been awarded $26,117CA to move toward B Corp certification and develop as a social purpose business. 

Social purpose organizations help to strengthen local economies while giving back and creating more resilient and sustainable communities. They promote prosperity while protecting people and the planet. The funding is provided by the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP) presented through Community Foundations of Canada. “Our investments should aim to alleviate the systemic factors perpetuating inequality, with an eye to a sustainable and inclusive economy for all Canadians,” said Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada, a national partner in the Investment Readiness Program.   “Consequently, social entrepreneurs and impact investors form critical infrastructure to lead our recovery efforts and meet the urgency of the moment. Our work with the IRP is about meeting this moment.”

“Split Rail is using the IRP funding to bring in expertise in business optimization, to ensure that every aspect of our business is moving us toward increased sustainability and reducing our environmental impact, while still building and growing our business”, said Andrea Smith, who co-founded Split Rail Brewing Co with her business partner Eleanor Charlton. “As a women-owned brewery, we were different from the norm in this industry when we started in 2012, although we are increasingly seeing women in every aspect of brewing. We’re continuing to look for new ways of doing things that put our values first, by working with local suppliers when we can, creating year-round jobs here on the Island, and engaging with Manitoulin communities.” 

“The Investment Readiness Program recognizes that businesses can contribute to the social and environmental well-being of a community. We’re thrilled and grateful that the program recognized Split Rail as a business that exists to make a difference. The funding will allow us to develop our social purpose even further, and pursue B Corp certification as a standard for our values-based business”, said Susan Snelling, one of four co-owners of Split Rail Brewing.