Competitiveness Consulting Rebate

This grant provides substantial support and an advantageous rebate structure to enhance project feasibility and execution. The modalities ensure alignment with strategic project outcomes and financial prudence.

• Rebate covers up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum grant amount capped at $30,000 per year.
• Applicants are required to contribute a minimum of 25% towards the project budget.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the business profile and location.

• All applicants must be located/headquartered within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
• Privately owned and incorporated businesses, or sole proprietorships that have been established for two or more years with more than $30,000 in annual revenues.
• The business must have less than 500 employees.
• The business must have revenues less than $100 million.
• First Nations businesses and development corporations in eligible industries are included.
• Not-for-profit organizations whose sole purpose is to create jobs and economic benefit in their industry, e.g., community forests.
• Community contribution companies are also eligible.

Who is eligible?

Organizations eligible to apply for the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate must fit specific business and industry criteria related to their location, size, and industry type.

• Small and medium sized businesses that are privately owned and incorporated, with less than 500 employees and revenues under $100 million.
• First Nations businesses and development corporations in eligible industries.
• Community contribution companies and certain not-for-profit organizations dedicated to job creation and economic benefits within their industry, like community forests.
• Businesses must be located or headquartered in the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.

Who is not eligible

Certain businesses and organizations are not eligible to apply for this grant due to specific restrictions related to their status or location. These restrictions ensure that the funds are properly allocated to eligible entities within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region and comply with the program's guidelines.

• Businesses that do not have a major facility and key decision makers in the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
• Start-up businesses without revenue.
• Publicly traded companies.
• Businesses with 500 employees or more.
• Businesses with annual revenues of $100 million or more.
• Non-profit organizations that do not meet the specific eligible criteria.
• Municipalities, regional districts, and First Nations bands.

Eligible expenses

The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate supports business initiatives that aim to enhance operational effectiveness and strategic growth in eligible sectors. The activities eligible for this grant are designed to strengthen core business functions and improve resilience and productivity.

• Business planning, strategic planning, and management.
• Business development feasibility studies.
• Market development, marketing strategy, and communications.
• Export development, e-commerce platforms, and inventory processes.
• Human resource management.
• Operations and operational efficiency.
• Quality and safety management.
• Innovation initiatives.
• Financial system improvements.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located within a specific geographical region determined by the Northern Development Initiative Trust. Only businesses headquartered in this region are eligible to apply.

• All applicants must be located/headquartered within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The selection criteria include:

• Applicant location/headquarters within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region
• Privately owned, incorporated businesses with less than 500 employees and revenues under $100 million
• First Nations businesses in eligible industries, First Nations development corporations, and select not-for-profit organizations
• Projects focusing on resiliency, productivity, revenues, profitability, and job creation
• Applicant contribution of minimum 25% of the project budget

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program is currently closed and not accepting new applications.
• Projects must achieve completion as initially approved to qualify for funding, and any scope changes must be communicated to Northern Development.
• Applications are considered on a continuous basis until the annual budget is fully committed.
• Notification of funding approval must be received prior to project commencement; costs incurred before this notification are ineligible.
• Funding is part of the broader Northern Development funding options, and integration with multiple programs is possible if within maximum limits.
• Approved applicants must report economic impacts for a period of three years following project completion.