Forest Biomass Program — Innovative bioproduct manufacturing stream
ON, Canada
Supports forest biomass innovation and utilization in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 1, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateJune 1, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing stream of the Ontario Forest Biomass Program provides funding of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum of $5 million per project. The program aims to develop innovative bioproducts using forest biomass to enhance Ontario's forest biomass supply chain and to support capital investments, technology deployment, and commercialization of new processes using forest biomass.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Forest Biomass Program provides specific financing modalities to support innovative bioproduct manufacturing projects utilizing forest biomass in Ontario. These modalities ensure financial support and alignment with project goals and timelines.
- Projects can receive funding up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum of $5 million per project.
- Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis upon achievement of project milestones and submission of proof of eligible costs incurred and paid for.
- In certain circumstances, funding advances may be available at the province's discretion.
- Applicants may combine funding from municipal and federal government programs to cover up to 75% of the total eligible project costs, but cannot include other provincial funding for the same project.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports the deployment and commercialization of innovative bioproducts and the increased use of forest biomass in Ontario. Eligible projects focus on creating new business opportunities and integrating biomass into different sectors for sustainable growth.
- Development and commercialization of new or innovative technology that increases the use of forest biomass, specifically at a minimum Technology Readiness Level 5.
- Diversifying the forest sector by supporting alternative uses of forest biomass, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or commercializing novel uses of biomass.
- Advancing the deployment of innovative bioproducts through capital investment projects that increase regional use of forest biomass.
- Integrating forest biomass into new economic sectors by pre-processing material to create usable feedstocks for various applications like manufacturing and infrastructure.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed projects under the Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing stream.
- The applicant must be a for-profit company operating in Ontario that produces bioproducts in an existing facility using forest biomass or will adopt the use of forest biomass in their bioproducts production.
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations that can help facilitate investments in Ontario’s forest bioeconomy are also eligible.
- Projects must be Ontario-based and aimed at expanding the use of forest biomass and enhancing the forest biomass supply chain within Ontario.
- Projects must advance the development and commercialization of new or innovative technologies at a minimum Technology Readiness Level 5 (Demonstration).
- Applicants must submit a completed application form and supporting documentation before the specified deadlines.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant targets businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations with projects focused on expanding the use of forest biomass and enhancing the forest biomass supply chain within Ontario.
- For-profit companies operating in Ontario that produce bioproducts in an existing facility using forest biomass, or will adopt the use of forest biomass in their bioproducts production.
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations that can help to facilitate investments in Ontario ’s forest bioeconomy.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Due to strict eligibility criteria, certain types of companies and industries are excluded from applying for the Forest Biomass Program — Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing Stream. Restrictions are in place to target the grant's funds toward projects that align with Ontario's forest bioeconomy goals.
- Companies not operating within Ontario.
- Businesses that do not produce bioproducts using forest biomass.
- Entities not involved in the commercialization or technological development of forest biomass-related projects.
- Projects below Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5) in development.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the grant are those that are incremental and directly connected to the project, facilitating the development and commercialization of innovative bioproducts using forest biomass.
- Professional, technical, and legal services.
- Salaries, wages, and benefits (excluding post-employment benefits such as severance).
- Planning and design costs.
- Training and skills development.
- Transportation costs.
- Capital costs, including purchase and installation of equipment and machinery.
- Rolling stock necessary for the project, such as harvesting equipment and biomass processing equipment.
- Material costs.
- Permits or approvals.
- Installation and commissioning costs.
- Overhead costs directly related to the project, up to 15% of total contribution.
- Travel, including accommodation, meals, and allowances.
- In-kind contribution of staff time by organization’s employees (excluding total in-kind contributions exceeding 10% of total eligible costs).
- New facility or facility modifications and upgrades specific to the project.
- Research and development costs, including third-party verification of technology readiness level, certification, and standards testing.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographical area for this grant includes those with Ontario-based projects. This focus is intended to stimulate local economic growth and enhance the forest biomass supply chain within the region.
- Ontario, Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Ontario Forest Biomass Program's Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing stream focus on several criteria that assess alignment with program objectives and potential impact.
- How well the project aligns with and supports the objectives of the program stream, such as expanding wood utilization and enhancing the forest biomass supply chain.
- Sector and cluster priorities, including the project's strategic importance to Ontario’s broader forest bioeconomy and positive impacts on the competitive advantage of the forest biomass supply chain.
- Regional impact and net economic impact, focusing on the project's ability to benefit regional economies, secure long-term utilization of forest resources, and generate broader socioeconomic benefits.
- Incrementality, ensuring that critical aspects of the project are contingent on receiving government support.
- Project impact assessment, comparing the project’s outcomes with those of other projects in the same stream, to determine its relative significance.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Contact the Forest Biomass Program team to discuss your project before applying.
- Ensure you understand the eligibility criteria and project evaluation process.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Download and complete the application form available from the program's website.
- Gather supporting documentation relevant to your project proposal.
- Ensure your project is aligned with the innovative bioproduct manufacturing stream.
- Include a comprehensive business plan encompassing financial, technical, and operational aspects.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Send the completed application form and all supporting documents to forestbiomass@ontario.ca.
- Ensure submission before the deadline for the current intake period.
- Step 4: Application Review
- Wait for a notification that your application is complete and accepted for review.
- Be prepared to address any deficiencies identified by the program team.
- Step 5: Evaluation
- The application will be evaluated based on the program criteria and objectives.
- Consideration will be given to how well the project impacts regional economies, and the bioeconomy sector in Ontario.
- Step 6: Funding Decision
- You will be notified of the outcome of your application after the evaluation process.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is bound by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, meaning any information provided may be subject to disclosure.
- Approved projects may be announced publicly.
- This is a discretionary, non-entitlement, competitive program with a limited budget, so not all applicants are guaranteed funding.
- No contractual relationship exists between applicants and the province until a funding agreement is executed.
grant_single_labels|contact
forestbiomass@ontario.ca
