Educators have a wide range of options when it comes to coding and robotics kits, workforce skills technology, and MakerSpace tools. The Building Ontario Business Initiative (BOBI) Act mandates public-sector organizations, like school boards and universities, to give preference to Ontario businesses. Other provinces and territories have given similar guidance in recent months.
As the only Canadian STEM EdTech company that designs and manufactures computer science hardware and creates all instructional content right here in Ontario, we know how much local matters.
When school boards choose local, they’re not just meeting policy requirements—they’re investing in their communities and helping students develop the skills that matter most right here in Ontario.
Local also means relevant: content and training tailored to Ontario’s curriculum, career pathways, and workforce priorities. We’re here to ensure that choosing local never means compromising on impact.
What is the Building Ontario Business Initiative (BOBI) Act?
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The BOBI Act requires public sector organizations to give preference to Ontario businesses for procurements under $121,200 CAD.
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For non-competitive procurements under $25,000, purchases should be made from Ontario businesses
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For competitive procurements, Ontario businesses must be invited
The Act came into effect on April 1st, 2024. It aims to stimulate local economic growth, enhance supply chain resilience, and support job creation within the province. Ready more here >>
And even if you're outside Ontario, choosing to buy Canadian matters.
Supporting Canadian-made education products helps keep innovation, quality, and economic growth rooted in our communities. Whether you’re a teacher in British Columbia or a district leader in Nova Scotia, every Canadian purchase helps strengthen the network of companies committed to serving Canadian classrooms with purpose-built tools that reflect our shared values.
At InkSmith, we strive to be a trusted partner to schools and districts. That means understanding the realities of the classroom and using design-thinking principles to ideate, prototype, and manufacture tools that help educators hit their goals while students build durable, future-ready skills — right here in Ontario.
When you’re exploring new EdTech solutions, we'd love to connect and learn more about your needs.
Thank you for choosing to support local.
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The InkSmith Team
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