Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program — Collaboration projects
ON, Canada
Funding for collaborative forestry projects in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJune 16, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateJuly 24, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
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
Access a grant of up to $3 million to cover up to 30% of eligible costs for partnership projects among at least three partners that improve productivity and innovation, develop, diversify and transform Ontario’s forest sector through innovation in technol
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is directed towards companies that have a substantial presence in Ontario, Canada, and require eligible project partners to be involved in Ontario's forest industry.
- Ontario-based forest and wood products corporations.
- Canadian subsidiaries of foreign forest and wood products corporations operating within Ontario.
- Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions involved in the forest sector.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$2,100,000
Create a new line of eco-friendly forest-derived packaging products
$2,400,000
Establish a forest sector innovation hub for research and development
$2,400,000
Develop a cutting-edge biomass conversion facility to improve energy efficiency
$1,800,000
Enhance wood construction technology and practices
$1,350,000
Launch an online marketplace for sustainably sourced forest products
$1,050,000
Implement a digital platform for sustainable forest management
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of organization and collaboration involved in the project.
- Applicants must include at least one Ontario-based for-profit forestry and wood products company.
- Eligible entities include Ontario forest and wood products corporations, extra-provincial forest and wood products corporations, federal forest and wood products corporations, and foreign forest and wood products corporations with a Canadian/Ontario subsidiary.
- Forestry-related not-for-profit corporations are eligible.
- Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions can apply.
- Collaboration projects should have a minimum eligible project costs threshold of $3 million.
- Projects must involve at least three project partners with active involvement in Ontario's forest industry.
- Eligible project partners include not-for-profit industry associations and educational institutions associated with Ontario’s forest industry.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program's collaboration projects stream is open to a wide range of entities that are actively involved in Ontario’s forestry industry or related sectors and can significantly contribute to industry-leading innovation.
- Ontario forest and wood products corporations.
- Extra-provincial forest and wood products corporations.
- Federal forest and wood products corporations.
- Foreign forest and wood products corporations with an incorporated Canadian/Ontario subsidiary.
- Forestry-related not-for-profit corporations such as research organizations or industry associations.
- Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions.
- Eligible start-ups are considered on a case-by-case basis.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
While the grant outlines detailed eligibility, specific restrictions on certain industries or company types not eligible for this grant are not explicitly mentioned. The guidelines primarily focus on what is eligible rather than what is not.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports collaboration projects that have a transformative impact on Ontario’s forest and wood products sector. Eligible activities focus on process and product innovation, involving collaboration among multiple partners.
- Industry-leading process innovation or modernization with broad application.
- New product development with benefits up and down the supply chain.
- Product innovation that provides broad benefits across Ontario’s forest sector and other related sectors such as wood building construction and design.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses under the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) include specific costs directly related to the development and implementation of the project.
- Project facility modifications and upgrades directly attributable to the project, including installation of project-related equipment.
- Purchase or upgrade of equipment and machinery necessary for the completion of the project, including associated delivery and installation costs.
- Furniture for project-dedicated employees in greenfield/brownfield projects or facility expansions.
- Computer hardware and software directly related to the project.
- Materials used for prototypes, configuring and testing production processes and systems, and training employees.
- One-time labour costs directly attributable to project development and implementation.
- Research and development costs directly attributable to the project, including consulting and design services.
- Training costs directly related to the project.
- Market expansion costs, including market certification, testing, regulatory compliance, and trade shows.
- Project-related travel costs, when meeting specific criteria.
- Legal fees for intellectual property protection directly related to the project and accounting expenses for project reporting.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) are based on specific criteria ensuring that projects align with the program's objectives, including strengthening Ontario's competitive advantage, generating regional impact, and enhancing sectoral importance.
- Project outcomes: The proposal supports productivity, innovation, and/or market expansion, contributing to Ontario’s competitive advantage.
- Number of new and/or retained jobs: Evaluation based on the number of new and/or retained jobs resulting from the project.
- Sector/cluster priorities and impacts: Alignment with sector and cluster priorities, strategic importance, and benefits extending beyond the applicant to Ontario’s broader forest sector.
- Regional impact/net economic impact: Positive direct or indirect impacts on regional economies, with emphasis on addressing regional disparities.
- Incrementality: Project aspects that would not happen without government support and evidence of a net positive return on investment to the province.
- Due diligence: Comprehensive identification, assessment, and mitigation of financial, technical, and public risks associated with the project.
- Compliance assessment: Satisfaction of compliance requirements regarding health and safety, environmental, accessibility, tax compliance, and municipal planning.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) Collaboration Projects Stream:
- Step 1: Register with Transfer Payments Ontario (TPON)
- Visit the TPON website to create an account.
- Provide all necessary registration details to gain access to the portal.
- Step 2: Complete Stage I Eligibility Checklist and Application Form
- Log in to your TPON account.
- Fill out the Stage I eligibility checklist.
- Complete the Stage I application form, ensuring it aligns with the program’s objectives.
- Step 3: Stage I Submission
- Review the eligibility checklist and application form for completeness.
- Submit the Stage I application through the TPON portal.
- Await notification of the decision to advance to Stage II within 10 business days.
- Step 4: Complete Stage II Application
- If approved, prepare the detailed Stage II application and gather all supporting documents.
- Ensure all documentation follows the evaluation criteria and addresses all program objectives.
- Collaborate with program staff if necessary for guidance on documentation requirements.
- Step 5: Stage II Submission
- Submit the full Stage II application and supporting documentation within 15 business days of approval notification.
- Ensure all required information is complete and accurate to avoid deferment.
- Step 6: Await Stage II Evaluation and Funding Decision
- Allow 65 business days post-submission for the application evaluation and funding decision.
- If selected, proceed to negotiate and finalize the funding agreement with the province.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program operates on a competitive rounds-based system, limiting the number of grants allocated per year.
- Stacking of funding is permitted, but total government funding cannot exceed 75% of eligible project costs.
- Funding disbursements are typically made in arrears unless otherwise approved.
- There is a clawback mechanism for unmet commitments related to project investment, jobs, and payroll.
- Recipients must agree to maintain their operational footprint in Ontario, with non-compliance considered a default event.
- Approved projects will undergo public announcements.
- Ministry staff will assist applicants but this does not guarantee application acceptance.
- The program is bound by certain confidentiality and public reporting obligations in compliance with privacy legislation.
- Disbursements are typically made in annual installments, subject to meeting performance milestones.
- Projects must report annually on mandatory and selected performance measures, including wood utilization.
grant_single_labels|documents
grant_single_labels|contact
FSIIP@ontario.ca
1-844-573-9017
Apply to this program
Empower Your Forestry Projects with FSIIP Funding
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) offers significant financial support to propel forestry projects that aim to enhance productivity, stimulate innovation, and drive market growth, ultimately boosting Ontario's forest sector. This program particularly encourages collaboration among partners to foster transformative impacts across the industry.
Unlocking the Potential of Ontario's Forest Sector through FSIIP
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) is a pivotal funding initiative by the Government of Ontario aimed at fortifying the province's forestry industry through strategic investments. Specifically tailored for wood product manufacturers and processors, the program is designed to support projects that improve productivity, fuel innovation, and expand market reach, thereby enhancing the competitive landscape of Ontario's forestry sector.
With a focused approach on both business and collaboration projects, FSIIP serves as a catalyst for advancements in technology and innovation. Business projects are geared towards capital investments in operational processes and facility upgrades that align with the program's goals. On the other hand, the collaboration projects stream is intended to create profound sectoral shifts by fostering partnerships among key industry players, including for-profit forestry companies, industry associations, academia, and other stakeholders involved in Ontario’s forestry ecosystem.
FSIIP's comprehensive framework aims to promote a myriad of benefits, not just to participating companies but to regional economies and the broader forest sector infrastructure. Emphasizing principles such as technological adoption, R&D commercialization, and market expansion, the program strives to nurture a business climate that anticipates and adapts to evolving market dynamics.
For those looking to apply, the process requires registration with Transfer Payments Ontario (TPON), submission of an eligibility checklist, and completion of an application form. Projects must meet specific criteria, including active collaboration among at least three partners, and demonstrate substantial impacts on Ontario's forest industry. It's noteworthy that the program encourages projects exceeding a $3 million threshold to ensure significant transformative potential.
Moreover, funding particulars specify grants of up to 30% of eligible project costs, with provisions for stacking with additional government sources, provided total public funding does not exceed 75% of eligible project costs. The competitive nature of FSIIP, factored with an annual budget cap, means projects are rigorously evaluated against criteria such as innovation, regional impact, sectoral priorities, and economic incrementality.
Performance measures are integral to the program execution, as they allow a detailed assessment of outcomes against objectives like job creation, investment leverage, productivity enhancement, and more. Such metrics are reported annually, ensuring accountability and facilitating structured accomplishment of the program’s goals.
Ultimately, the FSIIP represents a strategic route to not only secure financial assistance but also contribute to a robust and sustainable future for Ontario's forestry sector. By investing in innovation and collaboration, recipients can play a pivotal role in transforming the economic landscape of the region, securing long-lasting growth and resilience in the face of global competition and market changes.
