How much funding can be received?

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) for Northern Ontario provides funding to projects that foster economic growth within Francophone communities, supporting eligible activities such as enhancing governance, promoting cultural sectors, and developing niche products. The program offers up to 90% funding, with a maximum contribution of $57,500 towards internship-related expenses.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports economic development activities in Northern Ontario's Francophone communities, focusing on linguistic duality and community growth. The eligible projects enhance governance, create economic opportunities, and support cultural sectors.

Strengthening governance and leadership capacity in Francophone communities.
Enhancing the capacity of the Francophone arts and cultural sector.
Supporting service delivery models and infrastructure for economic development.
Facilitating networking and collaboration for economic results or services enhancement.
Creating Francophone and bilingual youth internships to support project activities.
Developing niche sectors and products that leverage linguistic duality.
Conducting business or community economic development research/planning initiatives.
Encouraging SMEs to offer products or services in both official languages.
Promoting the adoption of a second language in business operations for market expansion.
Fostering business or community economic development research initiatives.
Strengthening Francophone arts and cultural sectors for economic impact generation.
Helping key Francophone initiatives adapt to technological and digital changes.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's location, language capabilities, and organizational status.

The applicant must be located in Northern Ontario.
The applicant must undertake project activities in both official languages and provide programs or services in French.
Eligible applicants include Francophone or other organizations, normally including:
Community and economic development corporations
Not-for-profit organizations
Sectoral associations
Post-secondary institutions that offer full-time programs of study in French
Municipalities that serve the Francophone community
Small and medium-sized enterprises are not eligible applicants under this initiative.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible recipients include Francophone or other organizations that undertake project activities in both official languages, provide programs or services in French, and are located in Northern Ontario. This would normally include: - Community and economic development corporations;- Not-for-profit organizations;- Sectoral associations;- Post-secondary institutions that offer full-time programs of study in French; and- Municipalities that serve the Francophone community.Note: Small and medium-sized enterprises are ineligible applicants under the EDI.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) grant has specific exclusions to ensure that funds are allocated to eligible categories and sectors that align with its objectives. Enterprises focusing on certain ineligible activities or structures may not qualify for this funding.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as explicit applicants.
Infrastructure projects related to educational, healthcare, retail, wholesale, social/recreational facilities, and government services.
Activities primarily social or recreational such as museums, libraries, and cultural centers.
Companies involved in theoretical research without concrete results.
Businesses seeking funds for waste management and disposal projects.
Organizations requiring funds for land and rolling stock purchases.
Companies with pre-existing commitments or expenses incurred before the eligibility date.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the grant include costs directly related to executing the project and considered reasonable and necessary.

Fees for professional and technical services, including project implementation and engineering services.
Costs related to community engagement and planning, such as facilitation and facility rental.
Costs related to producing and disseminating results of studies and plans.
Marketing costs, including design, promotional materials, advertising, product demonstrations, and participation at trade shows.
Travel expenses and labor costs.
Leasehold improvements.
Machinery, equipment, and technology.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available for organizations located in Northern Ontario. The program targets regions where Francophone communities are primarily based to enhance economic development in these areas.

Organizations located in Northern Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and priorities for Northern Ontario's Francophone communities.

Potential to generate net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
Ability to build partnerships among EDI recipients, business partners, and stakeholders.
Capacity to enhance opportunities to conduct business, interact, work, and receive services in French.
Demonstrated participation and support of the Francophone community.
Response to an identified priority and need of the Francophone community as outlined in a strategic/community plan or through consultations.
Likelihood to contribute significantly to the vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs).
Potential to achieve tangible results for citizens or to foster stronger services to citizens.
Need for assistance to make the project viable.
Ability to complement, rather than displace, other funding sources.
Availability of FedNor's EDI funds at the time of application.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for this grant:

Step 1: Initial Contact
Contact a FedNor Officer by calling 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your project.
Engage in a preliminary discussion about the project’s alignment with EDI objectives and budget availability.
Step 2: Application Preparation
Prepare a detailed project proposal that outlines the project activities and outcomes in line with EDI’s expected results.
Ensure that your proposal addresses the priorities and needs of the Francophone community as per strategic and/or community plans or consultations.
Compile all necessary supporting documents like financial projections, letters of support, and proof of eligibility.
Step 3: Application Submission
Complete the application form through the designated FedNor submission portal or as otherwise directed by the FedNor Officer.
Attach all required documents and verify the accuracy of information.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

There are other notable pieces of information applicants should know:

The program currently has limited budget availability, making it essential to discuss the project with a FedNor officer before submitting an application.
FedNor contributes a significant portion of eligible costs (up to 90%) but requires applicants to contribute at least 10% of project costs.
Funding can be provided in both repayable and non-repayable contributions.
Maximum contribution towards an intern's salary and benefits is capped at $52,500, with an additional $5,000 available for ancillary costs.
The contribution cap for employee expenses is $35,000 annually.
Applications are reviewed continuously upon receipt, affecting approval based on the availability of funds.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-877-333-6673

Apply to this program

Elevate Francophone Economic Development in Northern Ontario

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) aims to boost the economic growth of Francophone communities in Northern Ontario by leveraging projects that utilize both official languages, enhancing trade, tourism, and entrepreneurship. As demand surges, limited budget availability necessitates prior discussion with a FedNor officer before applying.

In-Depth Review of the Economic Development Initiative Grant

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) presents a vital opportunity for Francophone communities in Northern Ontario to enhance their economic vitality and competitiveness through the strategic use of Canada's official languages. This program, rooted in linguistic duality, aims to foster robust economic ecosystems by supporting projects that drive the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance community structures, and open new markets via bilingualism.

Fundamentally, the EDI seeks to support Francophone organizations in developing more competitive and diverse SMEs capable of spearheading trade, tourism, and investment across both new and existing markets. By nurturing innovative products and services, and promoting research and development commercialization, this initiative catalyzes job creation and economic diversification. Consequently, SMEs gain enhanced access to critical information and services aimed at increasing partnerships and leveraging economic opportunities.

The program emphasizes the pivotal role of community development within official language minority communities. By diversifying the economic base of these communities, it aims to generate a proliferation of new business opportunities and strengthen regional economic ties through new or improved planning tools and best practice methodologies. The initiative supports diverse activities, from strengthening governance and leadership to enhancing the Francophone arts and cultural sectors' economic capacity.

Eligible activities under the EDI encompass a broad spectrum that includes, but is not limited to, service delivery enhancements, establishing youth internships, and fostering niche product development. These activities must be conducted in French or be directed at Francophone client groups, ensuring that the Francophone community remains at the core of economic development efforts.

Monetary assistance from the EDI is delivered through both repayable and non-repayable contributions, with expectations that eligible recipients contribute at least 10% towards project costs. These contributions are vital for not only sustaining ongoing programs but also for attracting additional investments and partnerships that can propel the projects to broader markets and into more substantial economic development.

Projects seeking funding undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure alignment with EDI objectives such as generating net economic benefits for Northern Ontario, bolstering partnerships, and enhancing service delivery in French. The initiative fosters great synergy among local stakeholders, EDI recipients, and the broader business community, thereby enhancing the Francophone cultural and economic landscape.

Ultimately, the EDI grant represents a strategic enabler of growth and innovation within Northern Ontario's Francophone communities. Its comprehensive scope targets tangible economic outcomes and fosters a conducive environment for Francophone businesses to flourish, thereby concretizing linguistic duality as a significant economic driver. As the availability of funds is limited, early consultation with FedNor officers is advised to strategically position applications and maximize the potential for approval. Through careful alignment with community needs and deep engagement with the objectives of the EDI, organizations could position themselves to significantly advance the economic vibrancy and resilience of the region's Francophone communities.