The Barking Bee Company
The Barking Bee Company is a honey producer located in Kemptville, Ontario, operating over 70 hives throughout Eastern Ontario. They focus on producing sustainable and environmentally friendly honey while supporting local farms and food suppliers.
Working with local farmers in their area, they have operated several apiaries on farmland, rural areas and agriculture spaces to help increase crop yields through pollination. They have seen great success, doubling their numbers from 2021 to 2022. Quality raw honey production has resulted from this partnership and has allowed the social enterprise to expand its offerings to local retailers, food processors and more.
In addition to producing honey, The Barking Bee Company focuses on community building and engagement. They partner with schools and groups in the Kemptville area to support fundraising efforts and provide educational information to raise awareness of honey bees, honey production and their contribution to the ecosystem.
Financial Need
The Barking Bee Company received a loan from the Fair Finance Fund to expand its infrastructure and equipment to support the business growth and development. The capital will be used to support a honey house, including upgrading extraction equipment and indoor wintering facilities for beehives. This financial support is key to their growth, helping them expand their operation, manage honey production growth, and minimize colony loss through the winter.
Impact of the Project Over Loan Term
Economic Impact
Creation of four new jobs and four jobs expanded
Ten new regional suppliers supported through purchases
Increase of $200,000 in local food sales
Social/Environmental Impact
Increase local food security through local honey and improve crop yields through pollination
Improved bee heath through ethical and sustainable practices
Improved ecosystems by supporting the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants
Improved economic stability for local food producers. processors and retailers
