Supporting Small Business One Paw at a Time

Nicole toulany’s journey into making pet treats began with a simple need: making good food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. What started in her home kitchen as baking treats for her own dogs with dietary restrictions quickly grew beyond personal use. She started selling her products at her husband’s pizza shop. As word spread and demand increased, so did the possibility of turning her passion into a thriving venture.

As a stay-at-home mom with three kids, she knew she would need support to bring her business to life. This is when Nicole discovered CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program. 

“I saw the Grant Program on my social media feed and my first thought was ‘there’s no way I will be selected’,” remembered Nicole.

Operating such a small business out of her kitchen, she doubted she would even qualify.
“I read more about the Program and I saw who had won in the past. I decided to take a chance,” shared Nicole.  “I never thought that I would be considered if I was up against established larger businesses.”

Being selected as a grant recipient was exactly what she needed to make her goals a reality. “The jump from motivating yourself to actually receiving funding is incredible,” said Nicole. 

The funding from CUA provided exactly what Nicole needed to grow her business, while also giving her a deep sense of validation and confidence. 

“It was incredibly validating to be recognized as a business owner, not just a stay-at-home mom,” described Nicole. “I was working right up to when I had my kids, and transitioning from a working person to a stay-at-home mom is a challenge. It was incredibly validating to see that I still have this other side of me.”

With grant funding, Nicole made her first major investment by purchasing a freeze dryer. This equipment allows her to produce shelf-stable dog treats with a longer expiry date, reducing waste and eliminating the need for refrigeration.

“It was so exciting,” said Nicole. “Now I can make new treats and generate more supply without worrying about purchasing a fridge to store my baked treats.” 

With her kids in school during the day and a renewed sense of purpose, Nicole also found new ways to support causes close to her heart – animal rescues and other animal focused organizations.

“Each month I choose a local animal rescue to support,” said Nicole.  “Recently I chose South Paw Conservations Nova Scotia that just rescued puppies from the Cayman Islands. I do a shout out to the organization and I send 10 – 15% of the sales for a donation.”

Since purchasing the freeze dryer, Nicole has continued expanding her product line to meet a wider range of pet needs.  

“I created a new product called Dog Balm, it’s a moisturizer for a dog’s nose and paws,” shared Nicole. “I played around with ingredients until I got it right using beeswax, coconut oil, vitamin E, shea butter and olive oil.” 

Sustainability is also a top priority. Nicole ensures all of her products are packaged using locally sourced recyclable materials.

“The Dog Balm tubes are made of paperboard and have vegetable lining, so they are fully recyclable and also leakproof,” Nicole explained. “The goal was to be environmentally friendly, with fully recyclable plastics for the dog treats so they can still be frozen and the packaging won’t break down."

Looking ahead, Nicole has plans for new products. 

“My next goal is finding the right packaging for freeze-dried cat treats. The treats are ready, but I want to source packaging that is sustainable and able to be recycled, like my dog treats.”

She loves what the business has created and that she can help people’s furry friends live happy and healthy lives. Today, her dog treats are available to order through her social media pages and can be purchased at six stores in her community.

“I have customers who buy a larger amount and end up throwing them in their freezer until they need them,” said Nicole. “I have a friend who orders specialty soft treats for her dog with sensitive teeth – so I make food for her too.” 

For Nicole, Simply Baked Paw Bites brought back a side of her identity, an entrepreneur, that she values deeply. 

“It’s something that’s truly your own,” explains Nicole. “Being recognized as a business owner, not just a stay-at-home mom was incredibly validating, and I am so excited for what is next.”

CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program announced it's 2026 recipients in March. If you think your initiative, project or program has a meaningful impact or strengthens Nova Scotia’s economy, visit cua.com/grants for more information about the program and instructions on how to apply to next years Program.