grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|fromMinToMax
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2023
  • grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
  • Government of Ontario
  • Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (ON)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|openingSoon

grant_single_labels|preview

If you are a manufacturer or processor of wood or forest biomass, you could get a performance-based loan to cover up to 30% of eligible costs for projects that improve productivity and innovation.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is designed to support companies that have operations in Ontario, as well as entities incorporated with a Canadian subsidiary. The focus is on businesses within the forest and wood product sector located in regional and cross-jurisdictional areas in Ontario.
  • Ontario-based forestry and wood products corporations.
  • Extra-provincial forest and wood products corporations incorporated in Ontario.
  • Federal forest and wood products corporations with a Canadian subsidiary in Ontario.
  • Foreign forest and wood products corporations with a Canadian/Ontario subsidiary.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$75,000

Implementing new software to manage wood inventory efficiently

$54,000

Developing an eco-friendly packaging solution for wood products

$135,000

Research and development of a new sustainable wood treatment process

$318,000

Upgrading sawmill equipment and increasing production efficiency

$196,500

Introducing automated processing in wood pellet production

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
  • The applicant must be an Ontario forest and wood products corporation, extra-provincial forest and wood products corporation, federal forest and wood products corporation, or foreign forest and wood products corporation with an incorporated Canadian/Ontario subsidiary.
  • Eligible applicants can also include forestry-related not-for-profit corporations such as incorporated research/science-based organizations or not-for-profit industry associations.
  • Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions are also eligible to apply.
  • Start-ups that meet program objectives can be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided they demonstrate financial capacity and relevant operational and management experience.
  • For the Business projects stream, eligible projects must have a minimum project cost of $3 million, and applicants must be for-profit manufacturers or processors of wood and forest biomass across Ontario (e.g., sawmills, pulp and paper mills). Harvesting and hauling companies/projects are not eligible.
  • For the Collaboration projects stream, eligible projects must also have a minimum cost of $3 million and involve at least three project partners, including one Ontario-based for-profit forestry and wood products company.
  • Eligible project partners in the Collaboration stream can include forestry-related not-for-profit corporations, not-for-profit industry associations, Ontario forest and wood products corporations, as well as post-secondary education institutions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible entities for the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) include Ontario, extra-provincial, federal, and foreign forest and wood products corporations (the latter must have a Canadian/Ontario subsidiary), forestry-related not-for-profit corporations, and Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions. Newly-formed companies or startups may also be considered if they can demonstrate financial capacity and relevant management experience.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant has specific exclusions to ensure alignment with its objectives. Companies that fall under certain categories based on their primary activities or project scope may not be eligible for funding.
  • Harvesting and hauling companies/projects.
  • Projects related to restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Projects receiving funding from other Ontario programs for the same scope, with specified exceptions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Projects eligible for this grant are designed to enhance competitiveness, foster innovation, and expand market access within Ontario's forest and wood products sector. These initiatives aim to have significant economic and social impacts on both regional and broader provincial scales.
  • Capital investment projects aimed at improving industrial efficiency and technological development.
  • Innovative technology development and implementation for product, service, and process innovation to enhance competitiveness.
  • Market expansion efforts to increase access to domestic and international markets.
  • Process modernization projects with broad application across the forest sector.
  • Product innovation and new product development with supply chain benefits.
  • Collaborative projects involving industry partners, not-for-profits, and academia focused on transformative innovations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible expenses under the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program must be directly attributable to the project's development and implementation.
  • Project facility modifications/upgrades necessary for the project.
  • Purchase or upgrade of equipment and machinery required for the project.
  • Capital lease non-interest portions for new equipment.
  • Project-related computer hardware and specialized software.
  • Direct materials necessary for prototypes, testing, and training.
  • One-time labour costs directly attributable to project implementation.
  • Research and development directly attributable to the project.
  • Project-related training costs held in Ontario (or approved outside).
  • Eligible market expansion costs including certification and regulatory compliance.
  • Project-specific travel costs, adhering to economic expenditure standards.
  • Legal fees for intellectual property protection directly related to the project.
  • Project-related accounting costs for generating project reporting.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) are based on detailed criteria designed to assess the project's alignment with the program's objectives and potential impact on Ontario's forest sector.
  • Project outcomes: The proposal must support the strengthening of Ontario’s competitive advantage through productivity, innovation, and/or market expansion, either domestically or globally.
  • Jobs: Evaluation of the number of new and/or retained jobs resulting from the project.
  • Sector/Cluster Priorities and Impacts: Alignment with sector and cluster priorities, indicating strategic importance to Ontario’s broader forest sector.
  • Regional Impact/Net Economic Impact: Assessment of the project's positive impacts on regional economies, with priority given to those addressing regional disparities.
  • Incrementality: Determination of the necessity of government support for the project's scope and timeline.
  • Return on Investment: For business projects, the evaluation includes whether the government will achieve a positive return on its investment.
  • Due Diligence: Comprehensive assessment of potential risks and alignment with financial and technical standards.
  • Compliance Assessment: Conformance with labor, environmental, accessibility, and tax obligations.

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Register with TPON
    • Create an account on the Transfer Payments Ontario (TPON) portal if you don't already have one.
    • Provide all necessary details for registration.
  • Step 2: Login and Complete Stage I
    • Login to your TPON account using your credentials.
    • Complete the Stage I eligibility checklist to determine if your project aligns with program objectives.
    • Fill out the initial application form.
    • Ensure all required fields are completed before submission.
  • Step 3: Notification of Stage I Outcome
    • Wait for notification from the Ministry regarding the outcome of the Stage I assessment.
    • If successful, proceed to Stage II.
  • Step 4: Complete Stage II Application
    • Prepare a detailed Stage II application, including all supporting documentation.
    • Submit the Stage II application through the TPON portal.
    • Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid deferral to the next round.
  • Step 5: Notification of Stage II Project Evaluation
    • Await the evaluation decision, which will include a comprehensive assessment of your project.
    • Receive funding decision and instructions for entering into a funding agreement if approved.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • Applicants should not incur costs predicated on receiving funding until a legal agreement is in place and funding is confirmed.
  • Applicants must enter into a funding agreement with specific terms including jobs, investment commitments, and clawbacks for non-compliance.
  • The program allows stacking with federal and municipal funding, but total government support must not exceed stipulated limits.
  • Process involves external and internal due diligence to assess financial and project risks.
  • The program runs four competitive rounds per year, and approval is not guaranteed even if criteria are met.
  • Mandatory performance measures include job creation, sales revenue, and wood utilization metrics.
  • Confidentiality agreements are enforced during due diligence by external advisors.

grant_single_labels|documents

Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (IFIT) — Business projects

grant_single_labels|contact

FSIIP@ontario.ca
1-844-573-9017

Apply to this program