How much funding can be received?

The Ontario Forest Biomass Utilization Program, specifically the Biomass Pathway Exploration stream, aims to enhance understanding of the use of forest biomass through technical, financial, scientific, and operational research, supporting sustainable growth and innovation within Ontario's forestry sector. Eligible for funding are activities like feasibility studies, scientific trials, and technical assessments, with a maximum funding amount of $130,000 per project for organizations with significant Indigenous participation or benefits.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects that foster the understanding and utilization of forest biomass in Ontario. Eligible activities primarily focus on technical, operational, and economic assessment of biomass use.

Conducting technical and feasibility studies regarding forest biomass technologies.
Performing pre-commercial and commercial scientific trials to test biomass applications.
Operational and technical assessments of projects utilizing forest biomass as the main raw material.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the nature of the project under the Ontario Forest Biomass Utilization Program – Biomass Pathways Exploration Stream.

Eligible entities for funding include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations located in Ontario.
The project must aim to increase the use of forest biomass and enhance the forest biomass supply chain within Ontario.
Applicants must demonstrate how their project will positively impact the development of the bioeconomy in Ontario in alignment with the strategy plan's objectives.
Eligible projects include technical and feasibility studies, pre-commercial and commercial scientific trials, and operational and technical assessments for projects using forest biomass as a primary raw material.
Applicants eligible for the Biomass Pathways Exploration Stream must be for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, or businesses in the early stages of exploring potential uses of forest biomass.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Programme ontarien d'utilisation de la biomasse forestière — Volet de l’exploration des voies de la biomasse is open to various entities that aim to enhance the use of forest biomass and improve the supply chain in Ontario. Eligible organizations include:

For-profit entities that are located in Ontario, particularly those at the early stages of exploring potential uses of forest biomass.
Municipalities across Ontario that are participating in projects to bolster the forest bioeconomy.
Indigenous communities engaging in initiatives that incorporate the use of biomass forest resources.
Non-profit organizations operating within Ontario that are undertaking research or implementation projects related to forest biomass utilization.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant application does not specify particular types of companies or industries that are explicitly excluded. However, eligibility is focused on entities that contribute to the forestry bioeconomy within Ontario. The restrictions and eligibility requirements are outlined in detail, but specific exclusions are not listed.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Professional, technical, and legal services.
Salaries, wages, and benefits (excluding post-employment benefits like severance).
Planning and design costs.
Training and skills development.
Travel expenses including accommodation, meals, and allowances.
Costs for investment in equipment and machinery purchase and installation.
Rolling stock directly related to the project, such as harvesting equipment and biomass processing equipment (excluding general vehicles such as trucks and vans).
Costs of materials.
Permits or approvals.
Installation and commissioning costs.
Overhead costs directly attributable to the project (capped at 15% of total contributions).
In-kind contributions for staff time (not exceeding 10% of total eligible costs).
Administrative costs directly related to the study, including communication costs, external printing or photocopying, acquisition of study-specific documents, and document translation.
Costs related to public meetings or gatherings to communicate the study, such as venue rental and audiovisual equipment.
Land leases not exceeding three years for demonstration plants.
Research and development costs including third-party verification, certification, and standardized testing.
Fees, ceremonial costs, and hospitality for community engagement events and project meetings.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically designated for entities located in Ontario. Eligible projects must aim to increase the use of forest biomass within this province.

Businesses and organizations based in Ontario, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives and strategic goals.

Compliance of the project with the objectives and criteria of the program and relevant channel.
Quality of the applicant's business plan, including financial, technical, and operational capacity, risk assessment, and project outcomes.
Impact of the project on the applicant's activities in Ontario and regional economies.
Contribution to the wider forest bioeconomy in Ontario and long-term use of wood, focusing on underutilized species and forest biomass.
Positive impacts of the project compared to other projects applying for funding in the same program stream.
Potential positive impacts and enhancement of the competitive advantage of Ontario's forest biomass supply chain.
Project's ability to reduce carbon emissions in Ontario and create regional socio-economic benefits.
Significance of the sector and cluster priorities and strategic importance for Ontario's forest bioeconomy.
Assurance of long-term utilization and increased use of underutilized forest resources regionally.
Verification of the progressive alignment where critical aspects of the proposed investment do not materialize without government support.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Grant Criteria
Ensure your organization and project meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program.
Understand the objectives and criteria for evaluation as mentioned in the program documentation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Complete the application form as provided by the funding body.
Compile all required supporting documents, such as technical studies and financial data.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents via email to forestbiomass@ontario.ca.
Ensure submission is completed before the relevant deadline dates.
Step 4: Confirmation and Follow-up
Confirm that your application has been received by checking for a confirmation email or follow up if necessary.
Retain any confirmation or correspondence for your records.
Step 5: Evaluation Process
After submission, the application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
If accepted for evaluation, your project will be assessed according to the set criteria and the objectives of the grant program.
Step 6: Pre-submission Consultation (Optional)
Contact the funding body to discuss your project and seek advice before submission.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The Ontario Programme for the Utilization of Forest Biomass is committed to the development of innovative uses for wood to provide economic benefits while reducing emissions and combating climate change.
Approved projects under the programme may be subject to public notices.
The ministry is governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, meaning any information submitted may be disclosed as required by law.
Applicants should not take action or incur expenses dependent on receiving funding until an agreement is approved and signed.
The programme is discretionary and competitive with limited budget; not all applicants will be funded.
No contractual relationship exists until an agreement is reached, and the province is not obliged to fulfill any commitments before then.
Funding agreements will specify project milestones, performance commitments, and all conditions of funding.

grant_single_labels|contact

forestbiomass@ontario.ca

Apply to this program

Exploring Innovative Uses for Ontario's Forest Biomass

The Ontario Forest Biomass Utilization Program seeks to stimulate economic growth through pioneering initiatives focused on the long-term utilization of forest biomass. This initiative prioritizes underutilized species and supports projects that enhance public and private sector understanding of the technical, financial, scientific, and operational facets of forest biomass usage.

Detailed Insights into Ontario's Forest Biomass Utilization Program

Ontario's commitment to advancing new uses for forest biomass aligns with its broader goals of fostering a sustainable economy, reducing emissions, and tackling climate change. At the core of these efforts is the Forest Biomass Utilization Program, which supports innovative projects that broaden Ontario's use of forest biomass, with a focus on underutilized species. This program underscores the province's role as a leader in the circular and green economy by promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic benefits for Ontarians.

The program comprises four distinct streams, each designed to foster specific aspects of biomass utilization. The Exploration of Biomass Pathways stream, for instance, offers vital support for research projects that aim to deepen the understanding of the feasibility, capacity, economics, and environmental impacts associated with forest biomass technologies. By targeting these key areas, the program ensures that projects funded under this stream contribute significantly to the advancement of Ontario's forest bioeconomy, encouraging new business opportunities and investments.

Eligibility for the program's funding extends to a wide range of entities, including businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations working in Ontario. Particular emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate the potential for notable impacts in the sector, including those that have a strategic significance to Ontario's forest industry or offer substantial supply chain benefits.

The funding is instrumental in enabling projects to move from concept to implementation. By covering various eligible costs such as professional services, salaries, planning, training, and necessary travel expenses, it significantly reduces the financial barriers faced by organizations attempting to innovate within the forest biomass sector. Notably, the program supports projects that are at the pre-commercial stage or that work with cutting-edge forest biomass technologies and products, further positioning Ontario as a forward-thinking leader in this area.

Financial assistance is provided on a reimbursement basis, following the delivery of key project milestones and demonstrated eligible costs. While the maximum funding varies based on the project's nature and stakeholder involvement, innovative contributions are highly prized. Particularly, projects that incorporate significant Indigenous or academic collaboration are favored with higher financial ceilings due to their potential for broad societal benefits and knowledge sharing.

This program represents more than just a funding opportunity; it is a strategic enabler for building a sustainable, diversified forest economy in Ontario. By facilitating partnerships among municipalities, industry, Indigenous stakeholders, and public organizations, the program spearheads collaborative approaches that identify viable future uses for forest resources while driving environmental and economic advancements.

Ultimately, the Ontario Forest Biomass Utilization Program offers a robust platform for organizations eager to explore new horizons in biomaterial applications. Through its support, Ontario is poised not only to enhance its utilization of available resources but also to lead the charge towards a more resilient and diversified forest bioeconomy. This comprehensive approach signals a promising step forward in building a sustainable future for Ontario's forests and its economy.