Back in the winter of 2018, a brutal cold snap dropped temperatures in Merrickville to -46°C. Michael J. Bainbridge and Brigitte Gall looked outside and told their holiday visitors to not even think about driving home. They then watched those same friends circle their kitchen table for hours, working on a jigsaw puzzle.
Then an idea struck: Why not start a puzzle company? So the co-founders of TheOccurrence jigsaw puzzle company did just that.
Ottawa’s Haico’s Hot Sauce started with a similar creative spark, this time fuelled by heat. Growing up in the Netherlands in a multicultural neighbourhood, founder Haico Krijgsman developed a taste for exotic spices early on. But after moving to Canada he says he couldn’t find anything matching the flavour or the heat he grew up with.
So, in true DIY fashion, he started growing his own peppers and making his own hot sauces.
From puzzles to peppers – and beyond – local manufacturers like Haico’s Hot Sauce and TheOccurrence are turning homegrown creativity into nationally recognized brands.
When craftsmanship meets community and economic support
Entrepreneurs supply the spark, but sparks need fuel. That’s where Ontario Made comes in. Created over five years ago by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) to support manufacturers across the province, the free program offers branding, marketing, and networking tools to help companies get noticed.
“The Ontario Made program was created to help manufacturers grow and thrive,” says Dennis Darby, president & CEO of CME, a non-profit business association. “It streamlines supply chains and keeps jobs here in Ontario.”
Because TheOccurrence and Haico’s Hot Sauce are active participants of the Ontario Made program, they have access to resources that amplify their visibility and connect them with customers who value products made close to home.
Manufacturers can list their products on Ontario Made’s searchable website, where consumers and businesses source thousands of locally produced products. Membership also provides access to a marketing toolkit that includes the Ontario Made logo, which can be reproduced on products, packaging, and marketing materials.
A toolkit for business growth, courtesy of Ontario Made
“When the pandemic hit, our retail operation and trade shows shut down overnight. That’s when we became a member of Ontario Made,” says Krijgsman. “They really saved us during the pandemic: All our hot sauces were added to their website, and it really helped our website traffic. They also connected us with other manufacturers who share the same values.”
“We have the Ontario Made logo on all our packaging,” adds Haico. “It tells buyers that this is an authentic made-in-Ontario product.”
“We’ve also taken advantage of their social media clout,” she adds. “Social media is so critical to growth, especially to access the younger set. We take part in social media contests, which has allowed us to reach a wider audience and grow our customer base.”
Getting started with Ontario Made
In addition to visibility and marketing tools, Ontario manufacturers can access free training programs, including courses on lean manufacturing, leadership, and health and safety.
Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to expand your supply chain or a business operator seeking local products, you can visit Ontario Made and browse its searchable product directory. To become a member, simply fill out the online application.
Want to stay connected? Sign up for the monthly Ontario Made e-newsletter.
This article first appeared in the 2026 STUFF Magazine produced by the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in it’s digital format below: