How much funding can be received?

The IDEANorth program, administered by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, aims to strengthen territorial economies and increase economic participation by Northerners with a maximum funding of $6 million per project. Eligible activities include foundational sector development, business scale-up and productivity, small-scale economic infrastructure construction, and pre-construction readiness for large-scale infrastructure.

grant_single_labels|projects

The IDEANorth grant supports a range of projects aimed at economic development in Northern territories. Eligible activities span from enhancing sector knowledge and entrepreneurial productivity to developing necessary infrastructure.

Research and planning for sectoral strategies.
Capacity building through research and expert support.
Development or translation of training materials.
Development of certification standards and curriculum materials.
Support to industry organizations for member services enhancement.
Consultations and investments in skills development.
Commercialization of products and market expansion.
Development and adaptation of innovative technologies.
Establishment of patents, standards, or certification.
Creation of technology clusters.
Demonstration and piloting of innovative products or processes.
Construction or expansion of small-scale multi-user economic infrastructure.
Pre-construction studies for large-scale infrastructure.
Geotechnical and engineering studies for infrastructure development.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and engagement in economic development in the North.

The applicant must be a registered organization, which can be Indigenous or non-Indigenous, including social enterprises, businesses, other levels of government, and other non-federal entities.
The organization must have an interest in economic development in the North.
Priority is given to applicants demonstrating proven capacity to deliver projects in the North.
Applicants should demonstrate interest and engagement in territorial economic development.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Projects applying for the IDEANorth grant are evaluated and selected based on specific criteria, each carrying distinct point allocations.

Economic Benefit and Impact – 35%: Evaluation of the project's potential to generate economic benefits and its alignment with local, territorial, or national needs.
Alignment with Program and Government Priorities – 20%: Assessment of how well the project fits with IDEANorth's goals and broader governmental priorities, including supporting identified priority groups.
Organizational Capacity – 15%: Consideration of the applicant’s demonstrated ability to execute and achieve project goals, looking at past experiences, team makeup, and organizational governance.
Budget – 15%: Review the proposal's budget for reasonableness and value, including financial contributions from the applicant and partners.
Work Plan – 15%: Analysis of the clarity and practicality of the proposed activities and timeline.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses cover various costs necessary for the successful execution and management of the project under the IDEANorth program.

Professional fees, such as technical, environmental, legal, project management, and business services.
Incremental salaries and benefits directly attributable to the project.
Space and equipment rentals or purchases.
Project feasibility studies.
Research fees such as surveys, data acquisition, and research studies.
Capital purchases/acquisitions (e.g., information technology, signage, machinery and equipment, renovations or upgrades, buildings and engineering works).
Travel, including meals and accommodations.
Shipping costs.
Translation Services.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is designed to promote economic development and participation specifically in the northern regions of Canada. The eligible geographical areas are those territories targeted by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

The territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the IDEANorth grant are based on a comprehensive set of criteria aimed at enhancing economic development and diversification in the Northern territories, with specific weightings applied to each criterion.

Economic Benefit and Impact – This includes elements such as the degree to which the proposed project will generate economic benefits/impact at the local, territorial, or national level, along with the types of benefits (new product development, wealth generation, market development/expansion, job creation, enhanced capacity). The degree to which the project addresses a specific need/economic opportunity and the evidence supporting it, as well as the relativity between the project's size and its expected impact/result. (35%)
Alignment with program and government priorities – The degree to which the proposed project aligns with IDEANorth and Government of Canada priorities (Innovation, Economic Growth and Diversification, etc.), as well as identified priority groups (Indigenous Peoples, Women, Youth, etc.) and territorial and local priorities. (20%)
Organizational capacity – The degree to which the proponent has demonstrated the capacity to undertake the project and achieve the expected results, based on an assessment of its previous relationship with CanNor, the makeup of the project team, project partners, and organizational/governance structure. (15%)
Budget – The degree to which the proposed budget is reasonable given the proposed outcomes and provides good value for money, taking into consideration elements such as the financial contribution from the proponent and its partner(s), as applicable. (15%)
Work plan – The degree to which the proposal provides a clear description of each activity (are they specific, measurable, realistic, and relevant) with clearly established and feasible timelines. (15%)

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Prepare your project proposal in alignment with IDEANorth program streams and eligibility.
Watch for targeted calls for EOIs or proceed with a submission anytime during the year through the continuous intake process.
Ensure your application reflects the criteria, including economic impact, alignment with priorities, organizational capacity, and a detailed budget and work plan.
Step 2: Application Submission
Submit your EOI or proposal via email to cannor.operations.cannor@canada.ca.
Include all necessary supporting documents as specified in the guidelines.
Confirm all submissions meet the program’s eligibility and assessment criteria.
Step 3: Review and Acknowledgment
Upon submission, CanNor will review the application based on the outlined assessment criteria.
Receive acknowledgment of receipt of your application from CanNor.
Step 4: Await Decision
Wait for assessment outcomes as applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by CanNor during the evaluation process.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applications are accepted through a continuous intake process and can be submitted via email.
To adhere to cost sharing requirements, CanNor's contribution may need to be less than sought from other partners.
Contributions made to for-profit entities are generally repayable unless exemptions are applicable.
Funding approval requires the avoidance of legal commitments to project costs prior to project approval.
Payments may be made upon achieving pre-determined performance milestones, with a portion held back to mitigate risks.
CanNor may hold a final ex-post audit as a condition for the release of remaining payments.
A thorough reporting on performance indicators in line with project's milestones is mandatory.
Total government assistance for non-profit projects cannot exceed 100% of eligible costs, and for-profit projects cannot exceed 75% under certain conditions.
Multi-year projects are encouraged to reduce administrative burdens and support long-term economic initiatives.

grant_single_labels|contact

cannor.operations.cannor@canada.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Northern Economic Development with IDEANorth

The IDEANorth program by CanNor supports the economic advancement of Northern territories in Canada through targeted funding initiatives. It aims to foster economic growth, diversification, and enhanced participation of Northerners in the economy by providing financial support for projects under four strategic streams.

In-Depth Exploration of IDEANorth Program Components and Benefits

The Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) program, run by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), is a pivotal initiative targeting economic growth in Northern Canada. By replacing the former Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, IDEANorth is better aligned with the evolving economic landscape of Northern territories, offering a robust framework to encourage broader economic opportunities catered to the specific needs of each territory.

IDEANorth operates with a flexible proposal submission process, which includes both targeted calls for expressions of interest and a continuous intake process to accommodate the dynamic economic environment. The program provides non-repayable and repayable contribution agreements, expanding the funding mechanisms to align with the varied needs of its applicants. These mechanisms are essential to foster a resilient and diversified Northern economy, where projects can commence promptly and adapt as necessary to emerging economic contexts or shifts.

The program's expected results paint a picture of a robust territorial economy, offering not only stability but also a fertile ground for economic diversification. Strengthening partnerships with Northern governments and organizations, this initiative promotes enhanced multi-user infrastructure which is crucial for supporting economic development. Enhanced capacity for Northerners forms the cornerstone of this program — ensuring that residents have ample opportunities to engage with and benefit from economic advancements directly.

The IDEANorth initiative is meticulously structured into four program streams, each serving a unique purpose:

Sector & Capacity Development focuses on foundational investments geared towards enhancing sectoral growth and innovation — crucial for developing both existing and burgeoning sectors like agriculture and fisheries.
Business Scale-Up and Productivity targets SMEs, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, catalyzing business growth, productivity, and competitiveness to ensure they can thrive within the sometimes challenging Northern economic context.
Small Scale Economic Infrastructure considers the importance of community infrastructure, funding construction or enhancement projects that are designed to unlock the economic potential of local communities.
Economic Infrastructure Studies (Large Scale) supports critical pre-construction readiness activities for large-scale infrastructures, such as roads or electrical grids, which form the backbone of the Northern economy.

Eligibility is predominantly open to registered organizations with a vested interest in Northern economic development, encompassing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities. With an emphasis on collaboration, the IDEANorth program incentivizes projects that promise greater economic engagement and participation by Northern communities, thereby ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.

The financial structure of IDEANorth demands a keen understanding of cost-sharing and stacking limits. The program stipulates a maximum cost-sharing contribution based on project type, reinforcing the importance of leveraging diverse funding sources and ensuring efficient use of public funds. The maximum funding cap ensures projects of significant impact receive the necessary support while promoting accountability and effective project delivery through detailed monitoring and reporting requirements.

The IDEANorth program is more than just a funding opportunity; it is a strategic enabler that empowers Northern territories to realize their economic potential and build a resilient future. Through deliberate investments and a focus on capacity building, IDEANorth not only strengthens the economic fabric of Northern communities but also contributes to the broader Canadian economy by fostering diversified and innovative growth. By aligning project goals with government priorities and regional needs, stakeholders are positioned to drive significant economic impact that extends beyond the immediate community, nurturing long-term prosperity across the Northern territories.