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Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream - ON - Canada

Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream

Last Update: July 29, 2025
ON, Canada
Ontario supports sustainable forest biomass utilization and innovation

Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Max. $250,000
  • Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : May 31, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Grant Providers
  • Government of Ontario
Program status
Open

Overview of the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program

The Ontario Forest Biomass Program aims to enhance wood utilization and support the forest bioeconomy by funding projects that involve Indigenous communities, with a focus on economic, social, and environmental benefits. The maximum funding available for Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships projects is up to 80% of total eligible project costs, capped at $250,000, covering activities such as business development, capacity building, and technology innovation.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Funding covers up to 80% of total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $250,000 per project.
  • Financial assistance is provided as a conditional contribution on a reimbursement basis upon proof of eligible costs and achievement of project milestones.
  • Stacking with other municipal, provincial, and federal government funding is permitted up to 100% of total eligible project costs.

Eligible projects & activities

  • Development or expansion of Indigenous joint ventures, partnerships, or businesses in the forest bioeconomy sector.
  • Studies, plans, or assessments to identify or develop economic or business opportunities using forest biomass.
  • Strategic, business, or community economic development planning related to forest biomass.
  • Capacity development and training initiatives focused on increasing Indigenous participation in the forest sector.
  • Development of new tools, technologies, products, or services related to the use of forest biomass.

Eligibility criteria of the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program

  • The applicant must be an Indigenous community, or an Indigenous not-for-profit or for-profit organization or business with at least 51% Indigenous ownership and control.
  • The project must be based in Ontario and aim to expand the use of forest biomass or enhance the forest biomass supply chain within Ontario.
  • The applicant must demonstrate how the project will have a positive impact on the development of Ontario’s bioeconomy and align with the program’s objectives.

Who is eligible?

  • Indigenous communities
  • Indigenous for-profit organizations and businesses (51% or greater Indigenous ownership and control)
  • Indigenous not-for-profit organizations

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses whose projects are not based in Ontario.
  • Organizations involved in land purchases or restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Companies seeking funding for office equipment, furnishings, or vehicle purchases or leases (trucks, cars).
  • Applicants where labour costs are claimed for individuals owning 10% or more of the business or organization.

Eligible expenses

  • Professional, technical, and legal service fees directly related to the project.
  • Salaries, wages, and benefits for staff involved in the project (excluding post-employment benefits such as severance).
  • Planning and design expenses.
  • Training and skills development related to the project.
  • Transportation costs connected to project activities.
  • Capital costs including purchase and installation of equipment and machinery.
  • Purchase or lease of rolling stock necessary for the project, such as harvesting equipment, tractors, and biomass processing equipment (excluding vehicles like trucks, vans, and cars).
  • Material costs directly tied to project implementation.
  • Permit and approval fees required for the project.
  • Installation and commissioning expenses for new equipment or facilities.
  • Overhead costs directly related to the project, up to 15% of the total eligible contribution.
  • Travel expenses, including accommodation and meals, at approved rates for project activities.
  • In-kind staff time contributed by permanent or contract employees of the applicant organization (up to 10% of total eligible costs).
  • Administrative costs linked directly to project studies (e.g., communication, printing, acquisition of study-specific documents, document translation).
  • Costs for meetings or public engagement events needed for the project (facility rental, A/V equipment).
  • Land lease costs for demonstration plants (up to three years).
  • Research and development costs, including third-party verification, technology readiness assessment, certification, and standards testing.
  • Honoraria and hospitality costs for community engagement events and project meetings.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program

  • Alignment of the project with the objectives and criteria of the program and relevant stream.
  • Strength of the applicant’s business plan, including financial, technical, and operational capacity, risk assessment, and anticipated outcomes.
  • Impact of the project on the applicant’s operations, regional economies, and Ontario’s broader forest bioeconomy, including long-term wood utilization and use of underutilized species.
  • Demonstrated regional and net economic benefits, including measurable impact on regional disparities and reduction of carbon emissions.
  • Evidence that the project’s critical aspects would not occur without government support (incrementality).

How to apply to the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program

1
Pre-Application Consultation
  • Contact the program representatives to discuss your project idea.
  • Ensure alignment with the program objectives and eligibility criteria.
2
Prepare Application
  • Review the program guidelines to understand requirements.
  • Collect necessary supporting documentation.
  • Complete the application form with detailed project information.
3
Submit Application
  • Ensure the application is complete and all required documents are attached.
  • Email the completed application form and supporting documents to forestbiomass@ontario.ca.
4
Acknowledgement of Receipt
  • Wait for confirmation of receipt from the program administrators.
  • Verify all information submitted is correct upon receiving confirmation.
5
Application Review
  • Program administrators will review for completeness and eligibility.
  • Be responsive to any requests for additional information during the review process.
6
Await Evaluation Results
  • Applications are evaluated based on set criteria outlined in the program guide.
  • Successful applicants are notified and may proceed with agreeing to the funding terms.

Additional information

  • Projects may be subject to public announcements upon approval.
  • The program is discretionary and competitive, with a limited budget. Not all applicants will receive funding and there is no guarantee of full requested funding.
  • Applications and associated documentation may be subject to disclosure under Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
  • No contractual relationship with the Province of Ontario exists until a formal funding agreement is executed.

Contact Government of Ontario

forestbiomass@ontario.ca
Apply to this program

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