In The News
What’s new at Ignite? Check out the latest articles, news releases, podcasts, and feature stories right here!
Ignite Spotlight: Saffron Indian Foods
Kumar Uprety is bringing a new palette of flavours to Fredericton. The first in our Ignite Spotlight series, Saffron Indian Foods is one of many businesses bringing new life and energy to Fredericton’s economy.
Small Business Week Impact
Small Business Week at Ignite/Planet Hatch was a great opportunity for community members to find out about the process and lifestyle of business ownership.
Locked on Local Episode 5: Duncan Clowater
Born and raised in Fredericton, Duncan Clowater spent close to 6 years travelling around the world and working in different places. Duncan grew up working in a family plumbing and heating business, until at ag 48 he took a left turn to try something completely different…
Five-Year Report Card
Our five-year report card, 2022, is a summary of Knowledge Park/Ignite/Planet Hatch’s performance over the past half decade, highlighting our impact from job creation to economic development.
Locked On Local Episode 4: Stefanie Loukes
Stefanie Loukes is the founder of Rabbittown Beverage Co. On Ignite’s “Locked on Local” she opens up about how she got her start in the beverage industry.
Immigration Month Social Media Impact
Fredericton Region Workforce Strategy
Find the Fredericton region workforce strategy here.
Locked On Local Episode 3: Matt Clancey
Forest Protection is a huge responsibility requiring a fleet of airplanes and an army of personnel to get the job down. Director of Ground Operations, Matthew Clancey tells us how it’s done.
Locked On Local Episode 2: Rosemary Gong
Locked on Local Podcast
Get ready for an exciting episode of Locked on Local!
Batter up! Join us and Kevin McCarthy, owner of Launchpad Sports as Kevin shares his experience of building a business that can create opportunities and build community.
On this episode of Locked on Local, we talked sports analytics, business support and the importance of community.
Tune in to hear Kevin's advice and what played the biggest role in supporting his business journey.
Get ready to tee off with Ben and Rob from Good Guys Golf and The Fairway. On this episode of Locked on Local, Ben and Rob join us to talk about their business journey, the ups and downs, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as we chat about timing, networking, and what it really takes to stay above par in business.
On the latest episode of Locked on Local, we spoke to Laura Richard, co-founder of Saltwinds Coffee Company Ltd..
On this special edition episode we talk tariffs with our guest Morgan Peters, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.
Join host Andrew Lockhart on Locked on Local as he chats with Chad McGarity, the owner of The Warehouse Barbershop in Fredericton. More than just a place for a haircut, Chad has built a community-focused space that gives back through local initiatives. Tune in for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and the heart of Fredericton!
Join host Andrew Lockhart on Locked on Local as he explores Dog Eared Books—a welcoming, inclusive space in Oromocto. Meet owner Emily Arsenault and discover how her bookstore celebrates local authors, artisans, and the joy of reading.
Get ready for an exciting all-new episode of Locked on Local as Host Andrew Lockhart chats with Carolyn Gibbons, the mastermind behind Consciously Clean Refillery Inc.
In this new episode of Locked on Local, join Andrew Lockhart and guest, Andres Hernandez, owner of Daily Espresso.
Join Andrew Lockhart as he sits down with Renata Britez, the creative mind behind RB Studio Art Centre and Gallery, and dives into the captivating journey of RB Studio and what sets it apart in the realm of local art and creativity.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of RB Studio, where local art, creativity, and nature converge. With a curated collection featuring over 30 Maritime artists and makers, this is a sanctuary for art enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Meet the new hidden gem on Hanwell, First Light Distillery! Kevin and Jen Stewart, have brought their passion for spirits back to their hometown and to Locked On Local. Specializing in creating craft spirits using locally sourced ingredients, Kevin shares their journey of leaving Toronto, falling in love with distilleries, and seizing the opportunity to open their own during the pandemic.
Suppose you're curious about the story behind a local distillery with big dreams. In that case, this conversation will give you a taste of the passion and dedication that goes into crafting exceptional spirits.
Media Releases
Fredericton, NB – October 8, 2025 – Ignite is proud to announce that it has received two national Marketing Canada Awards from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC). The awards recognize exceptional marketing initiatives that promote economic development and community success across the country. Ignite was honoured in two categories…
Ignite has gathered essential resources and information from ecosystem partners to help keep our business community informed and prepared. Below, you will find details on upcoming webinars, government resources, and programs designed to support businesses navigating trade challenges.
This is a live document and will be continuously updated as more information and advocacy efforts emerge.
Fredericton, NB, August 28, 2024 – Today at Planet Hatch, community, stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and business owners gathered for an afternoon of networking and activities in celebration of Planet Hatch’s 10th-anniversary.
This milestone event marked a decade of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Read the full media release here.
Fredericton, NB, May 17, 2024 – Federal support will help entrepreneurs and small business owners access important seed capital funding to start or expand their local businesses. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, has contributed more than $1 million to sustain the delivery of Ignite’s Impact Loan Program (ILP).
Atlantic Business’s June 2022 issue showcases Ignite Fredericton, illustrating in detail just exactly what our organization does to fund, mentor and accelerate new businesses in New Brunswick.

