Small-business owners Marie-Hélène Noël of Ferme La Maria and Paul Poulin of Maison Poulain Blanc from Lévis had no idea that the answers to their scientific questions were waiting for them right around the corner!

Poulin, a natural soap producer, and Noël, who runs an organic farm, discovered where to “validate the science behind their health products” at a recent CEDEC SBSN event held at TransBIOTech in Lévis. To their surprise, they discovered a research centre close by that specializes in supporting entrepreneurs by providing access to scientific experts and resources, and funding opportunities to help properly investigate the benefits associated with their products.

Noël sells organic herbal products, including teas, balms and syrups, along with a pick-your-own organic blueberries and strawberries option. Poulin produces a range of natural soaps.

Bilingual scientific experts Marie Hélène Girard from TransBIOTech and Réna Deschesnes from TransTech, a network with 600 experts across Quebec, explained to participants how scientific research could help grow their business.

For the owners of La Maria and Maison Poulain Blanc, touring the centre’s different laboratories is one experiment that has revealed positive results. These established entrepreneurs are on their way to investigating programs geared to their specific challenges in the natural health product industry.

TransBIOTech experts demystified access to the “Interactive Visit” program offered by the Canadian National Research Council (CNRC-IRAP) and the Applied Research and Development program on tap at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Through working with a scientific research centre like TransBIOTech, small-business owners can obtain the support they need to access such funding programs. The CNRC-IRAP offers 10 hours of free consultation with TransBIOTech to evaluate a client’s scientific needs, while NSERC can provide a grant of up to $25,000 to help characterize a natural product.

Find out how to benefit from similar scientific expertise by contacting TransBIOTech’s Marie-Hélène Girard at (418) 833-8876 ext. 3041.