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Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Ontario supports sustainable forest biomass utilization and innovation
Grant and Funding
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop a new product
- Obtain certifications
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : May 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Activities funded
- 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
- 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
Selection criteria
- 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
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.
Contacts
forestbiomass@ontario.ca
