The Rankin family has committed $1 million to the Hub. In recognition of the partnership, we are now the Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub.

On Tuesday, September 22, with founders, mentors, students and neighbours gathered on Zimmerman Avenue for Demo Day, we shared news that changes what we are able to do for entrepreneurs in this region.

The Rankin family, of St. Catharines-based Rankin Construction Inc., has committed $1 million to the Hub. In recognition of that partnership, we are now the Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub.

What the partnership makes possible

This investment goes straight into the work founders come to us for. It strengthens our programs at every stage, from Ignite for people testing a first idea, through Elevate for companies ready to scale, to Bloom and E=STEAM. It backs the coaching, the technology, the Prototyping & Design Lab and the workspace that sit behind those programs.

What that adds up to is simple. Founders can build companies, create jobs and grow careers here, rather than leaving Niagara to do it somewhere else.

What this means to the people who made it happen

“The Rankin family is investing in a successful model,” said Dan Bordenave, our Chief Executive Officer. “Businesses start here, grow here and stay here, supported by our programs, technology, mentorship, workspaces and specialized labs. This commitment lets us do more of that, for more entrepreneurs, faster.”

“Rankin Construction is proud to announce its support for the Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub, a co-working and business accelerator space located in downtown Niagara Falls dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses,” said Wendy Rankin Wing, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rankin Construction Inc. “Innovation deserves a home in Niagara, and the Hub is an exciting place to see what can be built. Innovation will help grow our economy and raise our standard of living. We want to help build our community — not just talk about it.”

“This is a game-changing investment in innovation, entrepreneurship and the future of Niagara Falls,” said Jim Diodati, Mayor of Niagara Falls. “We’re incredibly excited to have Tom and Wendy Rankin — leaders behind one of Niagara’s most innovative and respected companies — invest in a proven incubator that will turn great ideas into successful businesses, create jobs and build the next generation of Niagara success stories.”

A name that belongs here

The Rankin name has been part of building this region for decades, in the roads and shorelines and buildings around us, and in the community, education and healthcare organizations the family has supported for years. In November 2025, Tom Rankin was named Outstanding Philanthropist by the Golden Horseshoe chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at National Philanthropy Day.

Carrying that name alongside ours says something about the ambition we have for entrepreneurship across Niagara.

Come and see what we do

If you have an idea you have been sitting on, or a business you are ready to grow, this is the moment to come and talk to us. Have a look at our programs, book a tour, or just drop in and see the space.

To Tom, Wendy and the entire Rankin family: thank you. This is a serious commitment to Niagara’s founders, and we intend to make the most of every dollar of it.

For media

Read the full media release (PDF).

For interviews, photographs or further information, please contact:

Dan Bordenave, Chief Executive Officer
dbordenave@nfinnovationhub.ca | 289-650-1770

Emma Eldon, Marketing & Communications Manager
eeldon@nfinnovationhub.ca | 289-650-1770