Small businesses in Atlantic Canadian rural communities help create jobs, diversify the local economy and boost growing industries such as manufacturing and tourism. On the Bonavista Peninsula, Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited is a key part of a revitalized hub of small businesses offering new experiences to residents and visitors to the region.

“Industries such as manufacturing and tourism drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada and help make our rural communities stronger. By investing in small manufacturing businesses like the Port Rexton Brewing Company, the Government of Canada is connecting businesses with the tools they need to scale up, respond to market demands and develop new business opportunities.”

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“With a growing base of dynamic small businesses such as The Port Rexton Brewing Company, the Bonavista Peninsula has become a key destination for exploring and tapping into unique local experiences and hospitality. The Government of Canada is pleased to support Port Rexton Brewing Company’s latest expansion, which is creating local jobs and contributing to this region’s growth.” 

- Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity

“Our government is pleased to support the Port Rexton Brewing Company in its continued expansion and marketing initiatives, as it grows into a pillar of the Bonavista Peninsula tourism scene while developing its unique brand and product. Improving the visitor experience by offering diversified food and beverage products unique to a region is a key aspect of The Way Forward’s Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan.”

- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“Port Rexton Brewing Company co-owners Sonja Mills and Alicia MacDonald have shown business excellence and a commitment to the Bonavista Peninsula that makes the announcement today such great news. I look forward to supporting the continued growth of the company and the positive economic and cultural impact this will bring to our region.”

- Neil King, MHA for Bonavista

“We are so grateful to the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their continued support of our business and, in particular, upcoming expansion. Their investment will provide us with the means to take our business to the next level and make a more meaningful impact on our industry as well as the economic development of our community and region.”

- Sonja Mills, Co-owner, Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited

• Port Rexton Brewing Company operates a microbrewery with a tasting area and outdoor patio in Port Rexton and has a small retail operation in St. John’s. Since opening, the company has enhanced production capacity, increased keg distribution to the St. John’s beer and restaurant market and purchased a small mobile canning line. 

• The Government of Canada is investing a total of $481,620 in the company’s expansion through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP).

• The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations.

• The provincial government, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, is contributing $360,000 in repayable funding towards this project through its Business Investment Program and is also providing $22,500 in non-repayable support for marketing activities under its Business Development Support Program.

Associated links

• Business Development Program
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819; 709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Sonja Mills
Co-owner
Port Rexton Brewing Company Limited
709-464-7807
sonja@portrextonbrewing.com