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CanNor — IDEANorth
NU, Canada
IDEANorth promotes Northern economic diversification and development
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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|terms_and_conditions
The CanNor IDEANorth program provides distinct financing modalities designed to accommodate the varied needs and circumstances of projects aimed at enhancing economic development in Northern Canada. It employs flexible funding strategies to encourage broad participation and sustainable impact.
- Cost-sharing contributions from CanNor can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, depending on the project and applicant type.
- The program imposes stacking limits, ensuring total government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal) does not exceed 100% for not-for-profits and less than $100,000 projects for for-profits, at a maximum of 75% of costs.
- The maximum funding for any single project can reach up to $6 million.
- Contributions to for-profit organizations are generally repayable, except in certain conditions for Indigenous entities; exemptions may apply based on the nature of the business.
- Payments are made based on documented incurred expenses, or upon meeting specific performance milestones, with possible advance payments based on cash flow needs.
- A portion of the payments may be withheld pending project completion and audit results, with a cap of 90% disbursement prior to full project completion.
grant_single_labels|projects
The IDEANorth program supports projects that aim to strengthen territorial economies and promote economic development in Northern Canada. Eligible projects under this grant are categorized into four streams, focusing on sector development, business scale-up, small-scale infrastructure, and large-scale infrastructure studies.
- Research and planning for sectoral strategies to guide investments.
- Building organizational capacity through research and expert support.
- Assistance with the development or translation of training materials for economic development.
- Development of certification standards, curriculum, and training materials.
- Support for industry organizations in servicing their members.
- Support for communities and organizations to deliver expert advice/training in economic and business development.
- Research and investment in skill development initiatives (e.g., needs analysis, curriculum development).
- Product commercialization and market development/expansion.
- Development and adaptation of innovative products/services, including clean technologies.
- Assistance in establishing patents, standards, or certifications.
- Creation of technology clusters and piloting innovative products/services.
- Support for construction or expansion of small-scale economic infrastructure.
- Planning and studies for large-scale economic infrastructure pre-construction.
- Engineering designs and studies for foundational projects.
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 specifically designed for companies operating in the northern regions of Canada. The eligible geographical areas reflect the program's focus on strengthening territorial economies and increasing economic participation by Northerners.
- Yukon Territory
- Northwest Territories
- 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
