How much funding can be received?

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|projects

This grant supports projects advancing the use of forest biomass and bioproduct technologies in Ontario. Activities focus on commercialization and innovative use of forest biomass in various sectors.

Development and commercialization of new and/or innovative technologies using forest biomass.
Integration of forest biomass into new economic sectors by creating usable feedstocks for different industries.
Capital investment projects to enhance or modify facilities for increased use of forest biomass.
Certification and standards testing for technological readiness of innovative projects.
Projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the innovative use of forest biomass.

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

This grant is available to companies with projects based within Ontario, Canada. Eligibility criteria focus on increasing the use of forest biomass and supporting the development of Ontario's forest bioeconomy.

Companies operating within the province of 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

Apply to this program

Funding Stream for Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing

The Ontario Forest Biomass Program's Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing stream offers financial support to entities aiming to utilize forest biomass in creating innovative products. The program seeks to foster partnerships and drive diversification within Ontario’s forest sector by increasing the use of biomass, contributing to economic growth and sustainability.

Detailed Insights into the Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing Stream

The Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing stream is part of Ontario's broader Forest Biomass Program, which supports sustainable growth and the utilization of forest resources through new and innovative applications. This particular stream is designed to increase the use of forest biomass in manufacturing by supporting projects that are at a minimum Technology Readiness Level 5, meaning they have reached the demonstration phase in a relevant or simulated environment. Eligible projects must focus on the development and commercialization of new technologies and processes that incorporate forest biomass, offering potential benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and integrating biomass into various sectors, including manufacturing and resource extraction.

The program emphasizes investment in projects that can be operational within a 5 to 7-year outlook, aligning with the strategic goals of Ontario’s Forest Biomass Action Plan. By focusing on underutilized species and forest biomass, the program aims to unlock new economic opportunities within the region, promoting job growth, investment, and sustainability in the local economies. It supports businesses that already produce bioproducts using biomass or those planning to adopt its use in their production processes.

Applications for this grant are assessed semi-annually, with a comprehensive evaluation process that considers alignment with program objectives, the strength of the business plan, and potential impacts on regional and broader forest bioeconomy. The intention is to secure long-term utilization of forest resources and provide social and economic benefits, including decarbonization efforts, that go beyond immediate business gains.

This funding stream offers up to 50% of eligible project costs, capped at $5 million, and encourages applicants to maximize funding opportunities by stacking with other municipal and federal programs up to 75% of total eligible costs. However, it restricts stacking with other provincial funding programs to ensure a wider distribution of the resources.

Selected projects undergo due diligence to examine the applicant's capacity to complete the project and verify that the proposed outcomes are practical and impactful. Each project must align with strategic sector priorities, demonstrating benefits that extend beyond the applicant’s operations across Ontario’s forest bioeconomy.

The Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing stream represents a strategic investment by the province of Ontario to enhance the quality and competitiveness of its forest sector, contributing positively to environmental goals and economic resilience. By participating in this stream, businesses and organizations can leverage significant opportunities to lead in innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, setting a benchmark in the sector’s transformation toward a greener and more diversified bioeconomy.