La Fille de la Mer - Savonnerie Artisanale gets funding to expand from the Government of Canada

Ariane C. Arsenault launched La Fille de la Mer - Savonnerie Artisanale in 2003. The indie beauty company has grown beyond soap since then and Arsenault now makes a range of face and body products as well as some men’s grooming products as well.

La Fille de la Mer - Savonnerie Artisanale soaps and such are the sort commonly found at farmers’ markets and gift boutiques. The product portfolio comprises old fashioned soaps as well as very colorful varieties and even some shaped and decorated to look like cupcakes.

The company makes use of locally soucred ingredients in many of its product formulations; namely, honey, beeswax, cranberries, blueberries, locally produced beer, Labrador tea, seaweed, and sand.

Economic initiative​

The company's funding comes from the CED, the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. As a press release explains it, “To be able to create and market innovative products, businesses must be adequately resourced. To this end, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian businesses. A driving force of the economy, innovation is the key to success, generating growth that benefits businesses and communities.”​ ​

And officials involved selected this round’s fundees, including La Fille de la Mer - Savonnerie Artisanale, for their potential to help boost both the local economy as well as the region’s export economy. “I am proud of the Government of Canada's financial support for four Îles-de-la-Madeleine businesses that are known for their vitality, audacity and sense of innovation,”​ the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, MP for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, tells the press.

And she goes on to say that “These contributions will allow them to pursue their development and generate economic growth and good-quality jobs on the Islands.”​ 

While the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED, is looking further afield: “By allowing businesses to invest in more suitable facilities or in equipment and devices that will enhance their performance, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to help business expand, innovate, and export their products.”​

Notably, some 18% of La Fille de la Mer - Savonnerie Artisanale’s total revenue comes from the export market.

Expanding production​

The funding La Fille de la Mer - Savonnerie Artisanale is set to receive through the program has been designated for production facilites and equipment spending. “CED's assistance will only cover the costs associated with the construction of the workshop and the acquisition of production equipment such as molds, tanks, scales, mixers, a stove, stainless steel work tables, carts, a refrigerator, etc.,” ​according to the press release.

The CED is investing a total of C$265,000 in La Fille de la Mer - Savonnerie Artisanale; C$57,000 of which is repayable.