From Hive to Hope: How One Ontario Business is Turning Challenges into Opportunities

In Burlington, Ontario, a small business is proving that resilience isn’t just about weathering change, it’s about embracing it. A member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Backed by Bees was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: to connect people to nature through bees while building a regenerative business that leaves the planet better than it was found.

As with many small businesses, the past few years have brought unexpected challenges. When retail traffic slowed, Backed by Bees pivoted to subscriptions and immersive experiences. When supply chains tightened, they leaned into their beekeeping roots, doubling down on producing their own honey and honey-based products.

That adaptability has become their strength.

Today, Backed by Bees operates as a vertically integrated business, producing raw honey, honey soda and mead. They also run educational programs that bring people close to pollinators and their essential role in our food system. From launching new product categories in Ontario — like honey soda — to forging new partnerships with local farmers and retailers, each challenge has opened a new door of opportunity.

Their story proves that resilience is more than just survival; it means continuing to innovate, educate and build new relationships.