Canadian Businesses Leverage Government Funding for National Expansion

Two Canadian companies, a Halifax-based Mediterranean restaurant chain and a British Columbia-based paint-by-number mural business, are scaling up operations with the help of government funding, demonstrating the impact of strategic investment in small business growth.

Mezza, originally founded in Halifax in 1989, secured up to $1.24 million from Invest Nova Scotia towards a $5.8-million federally regulated production facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, which opened this year. This investment was crucial in solving a supply chain issue for the restaurant’s signature products. “Nobody could produce our hummus for us at scale,” explained Peter Nahas, who co-owns the business with his brother Tony. “Nobody could produce our pickled turnips or chicken shawarma with our marinated blend.” The new facility will support a 15-unit franchise deal to expand into Ontario, with the first location slated to open in Windsor in early 2026, following a recent franchise opening in Calgary. This expansion is particularly significant as it allows Mezza to maintain consistent product quality across the country.

Meanwhile, on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Paintillio, a company specializing in custom paint-by-number murals, has received over $300,000 in government export grants over the past four years, primarily through CanExport and Creative Export Canada. These grants have enabled the company to target international markets, including a recent 60-foot mural project in Mexico City and planned expansion into Europe. “We’re a bootstrap company with no investors or financing, so these export grants are honestly huge for us,” said Jess Devenport, co-founder of Paintillio. The company also used funding to partner with underrepresented artists, promoting LGBTQ and Indigenous creators. Ryan, a global tax and government incentives firm, notes that approximately 75% of government funding programs target companies with fewer than 500 employees.

Today, October 9, 2025, officials say these investments highlight a broader trend of government support for Canadian small businesses, with a focus on fostering innovation and facilitating national and international growth. Both Mezza and Paintillio are now positioned to capitalize on increased market opportunities and contribute to the Canadian economy.

Both companies are continuing to explore new markets and partnerships, with Mezza eyeing expansion into Edmonton and British Columbia, and Paintillio focusing on building its presence in Europe.