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Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario
Financing for SME growth in Northern Ontario
Offered by Official source: fednor.canada.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
Record updated
- Funding available
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports Northern Ontario SMEs with financing for growth and competitiveness projects. It aims to modernize operations, improve access to capital, and expand trade and market reach, with support for eligible costs such as labour, equipment, leasehold improvements, professional services, and marketing.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum share of project costs
- 50%
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Access new markets
- Digitize or modernize organizational tools
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Legal structures
- For-profit business
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated SMEs.
- Indigenous businesses, including First Nation, Métis, and Inuit businesses.
- Manufacturers and value-added businesses in mining supply, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy, and agri-food.
Who is not eligible
- Retail and wholesale businesses.
- Construction businesses.
- Tourism businesses.
- Service-based businesses.
Eligible expenses
- Labour costs, including wages and benefits.
- Machinery and equipment purchases, with related training fees.
- Leasehold improvements.
- Professional, advisory, and technical services.
- Marketing costs tied to a larger project, including design, promotional materials, and trade show participation.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs not directly related to eligible project activities.
- Regular maintenance and ongoing operating costs.
- Regular capital replacements, debt refinancing, and assets above fair market value.
- Land and building purchases, rolling stock, amortization, goodwill, and contingency fees.
- Costs incurred before the eligibility date.
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario.
Activities funded
- Projects that increase the capacity and competitiveness of Northern Ontario SMEs.
How to apply
- Step 1: Discuss the project with a FedNor officer
- Call 1-877-333-6673.
- Review the proposal before submitting an application.
- Step 2: Start the official application process
- Begin the application through FedNor’s official process.
Selection criteria
- Strength of the business case and financial projections.
- Likelihood that the project will succeed.
- Availability of funding at the time of review.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed as they are received.
- Review includes the business case, financial projections, and factors that could affect project success.
- Funding approval depends on available budget.
- Completing an application does not guarantee approval.
Additional information
- Applicants are asked to contact a FedNor officer before applying.
- Funding is currently limited due to high demand.
- Government financial assistance may have tax implications.
- Projects with public communications may need information in both official languages.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario Program
What is the Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario?
This program supports Northern Ontario SMEs with financing for growth and competitiveness projects. It aims to modernize operations, improve access to capital, and expand trade and market reach, with support for eligible costs such as labour, equipment, leasehold improvements, professional services, and marketing.
How much funding can be received?
Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario program?
To be eligible for the Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario program, you must:
Incorporated SME with fewer than 500 employees.
Must be able to enter into a legal agreement.
Project benefits must accrue to Northern Ontario.
What expenses are eligible under Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario?
Labour costs, including wages and benefits.
Machinery and equipment purchases, with related training fees.
Leasehold improvements.
Professional, advisory, and technical services.
Marketing costs tied to a larger project, including design, promotional materials, and trade show participation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario?
You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) or by phone at 1-877-333-6673.
Where is the Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario available?
The Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) in Northern Ontario program is available the province of Ontario.