Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-05-31T23:59:59Z.

Q: Who is eligible for the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program?

To be eligible for the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program, you must: • Must be an Indigenous for-profit business (51% or greater Indigenous ownership and control). • Project must be based in Ontario and expand forest biomass use or supply chain.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream?

You can contact Government of Ontario by email at forestbiomass@ontario.ca.

Q: Where is the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream available?

The Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream program.

Last Update: July 29, 2025

ON, Canada

Ontario supports sustainable forest biomass utilization and innovation

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

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

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.

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.

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

Pre-Application Consultation

Contact the program representatives to discuss your project idea.
Ensure alignment with the program objectives and eligibility criteria.

Prepare Application

Review the program guidelines to understand requirements.
Collect necessary supporting documentation.
Complete the application form with detailed project information.

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.

Acknowledgement of Receipt

Wait for confirmation of receipt from the program administrators.
Verify all information submitted is correct upon receiving confirmation.

Application Review

Program administrators will review for completeness and eligibility.
Be responsive to any requests for additional information during the review process.

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

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.