Grow Ontario Market Initiative
ON, Canada
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative offers funding for primary producers, processors, and industry organizations to expand domestic and export market opportunities through marketing analysis, new product development, and promotional activities.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 19, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative supports primary producers, processors, and industry organizations in expanding their business through market analysis and planning, new product development, and marketing activities. Eligible activities include regulatory review, ingredient sourcing, brand development, and trade missions. The program offers funding of up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $60,000 for individual producers and processors, and $125,000 for industry organizations.
grant_single_labels|projects
This initiative supports Canadian companies operating within designated industry sectors. However, specific eligible geographical areas within Canada are not outlined in the grant guidelines.
- Eligible businesses must be located within Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$30,000
Organizing an international trade mission to promote local artisanal wines
$30,000
Developing eco-friendly packaging for organic granola bars to meet Ontario's green standards and international market entry
$30,000
Launching a new line of vegan cheese with market analysis and ingredient sourcing from local producers
$30,000
Creating a marketing plan for a new line of gluten-free baked goods
$30,000
Expanding honey product line with marketing activities and consumer studies
$30,000
Developing a market entry strategy for organic herbal teas internationally
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 a Primary Producer, Processor, or Industry Organization.
- Aquaculture and Fish or Seafood Processors are eligible only for international marketing activities.
- The applicant must provide a Canadian Revenue Agency Business Number (CRA BN) or a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if eligible for payment.
- The applicant must submit a completed Ministry-approved Application Form.
- A valid and up to date Premises Identification Number (PID) for project locations is required.
- If applying as a Primary Producer, a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or an exemption order or letter is required.
- Beekeepers applying as Primary Producers must have a valid certificate of registration issued under the Bees Act.
- The applicant must undertake eligible activities as specified in the guidelines.
- The business must be in compliance with environmental, labor, tax-related laws, and other legal requirements.
- No close association to current or former federal public office holders or conflicts with Canadian Parliamentary positions.
- Agrees to the terms of intellectual property rights and publication of project information.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is aimed at agribusinesses and organizations looking to grow their market within Ontario and internationally.
- Primary producers engaged in crop, livestock, or controlled environment agriculture (such as indoor agriculture, greenhouse, vertical farming).
- Processors operating in the agri-food supply chain, including new processors who will begin processing within 18 months of project completion.
- Industry organizations made up of primary producers, processors, or entities involved in the agri-food sector.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Companies involved in the domestic marketing and product development of Aquaculture.
- Fish and Seafood Processing businesses focusing on domestic markets.
- Entities who owe a debt to Ontario or Canada without a repayment plan.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant focuses on aiding businesses in the agri-food sector to explore and capture new market opportunities domestically and internationally. The funding supports activities related to market analysis, new product development, and marketing efforts.
- Engaging third-party advisory services for completing market analysis and life cycle analysis or developing a marketing plan.
- Investigating regulatory or certification standards necessary to access new markets, including label information preparation for both domestic and international standards.
- Contracting third-party advisory services for the development of new products, including formulation developments, ingredient sourcing, and shelf-life determination.
- Labeling development for new products to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Execution of a business or marketing plan, including brand development, consumer studies, and product demonstrations.
- Creating new promotional materials such as advertisements, brochures, and social media content.
- Launching new product marketing campaigns aimed at expanding into domestic and international markets.
- Organizing sales, marketing, and promotional events such as trade missions and tradeshows.
- Developing specially produced product samples for tradeshows or specific promotional events.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses that are necessary and directly related to the project aimed at expanding markets through marketing analysis, product development, and marketing activities.
- Third-party service fees for market analysis, life cycle analysis, and marketing plan development.
- Third-party advisory services for investigating regulatory or certification standards for new markets.
- Third-party services for new product development including regulatory review, ingredient sourcing, formulation development, scale-up trials, and shelf-life determination.
- Costs for testing or analysis to support the development process, including nutritional, microbial, chemical, allergen, and sensory/consumer analysis.
- Package testing to ensure compatibility and compliance with regulations.
- Labelling development and design for compliance and marketing purposes.
- Third-party services for implementing business or marketing plans, including brand development and promotional material creation.
- Expenses for new product marketing campaigns and promotional activities or events.
- Costs of specially produced product samples for market research or specific events.
- Advertisement placement costs or media buys.
- One-time tradeshow entrance and exhibiting fees.
- Shipping costs for marketing materials and product samples.
- Rental costs of facilities and equipment for new product development.
- Transportation, meal, and hotel costs for project-related travel as per guidelines.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the Grow Ontario Market Initiative's objectives.
- The extent to which new markets are accessed or existing markets are expanded as a result of the project.
- Clear and comprehensive demonstration of the rationale to support the market opportunity, project need, and benefits.
- Anticipated and quantified relevant business impacts of the project, such as job creation or retention, increased sales and revenue, and increased profitability.
- Identification of resources, experience, and skills necessary to oversee and carry out the project.
- Projects for industry organizations must support broader sector growth.
- Clearly defined and aligned project work plans to the project goals.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Guidelines
- Read the Grow Ontario Market Initiative Guidelines carefully.
- Step 2: Download Application Form
- Download the Ministry-approved Application Form (PDF).
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the Application Form using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Ensure the form is fully completed with detailed project descriptions and cost estimates.
- Attach written quotes for proposed project costs from third-party service providers.
- Step 4: Verify Eligibility
- Confirm eligibility criteria are met, including providing CRA BN or SIN and a valid Premises Identification Number.
- Check for compliance with law requirements and no conflict of interest.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Send the completed Application Form and required documentation via email to SustainableCAP3@ontario.ca.
- Ensure submission occurs during the open intake period and funding is available.
- Step 6: Await Notification
- Wait for the Ministry to review and respond regarding the eligibility of your application.
- If approved, receive an Approval Letter detailing project specifics and funding amount.
- If not approved, a brief explanation will be provided by email.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative provides significant support for primary producers, processors, and industry organizations to expand their market opportunities. Here are additional details to consider:
- Applicants can submit a maximum of two applications/projects at any given time.
- Projects are recommended to be less than two years long.
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis starting from May 19, 2023, subject to funding availability.
- Processor and Primary Producer Recipients can receive 50% of eligible costs up to $60,000 per project.
- Industry Organization Recipients can receive 50% of eligible costs up to $125,000 per project.
- Eligible activities include market analysis, new product development, and marketing activities.
- Ineligible activities include domestic marketing of aquaculture and fish/seafood processing.
- Applicants must provide written quotes from third parties detailing proposed eligible costs.
- Recipients must retain any assets funded by the initiative for at least two years after the Approval Letter date.
grant_single_labels|contact
SustainableCAP3@ontario.ca
Apply to this program
Boost Your Agri-Food Business with the Grow Ontario Market Initiative
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative offers financial support to primary producers, processors, and industry organizations aiming to explore new market opportunities and expand existing ones. This initiative helps fuel growth through comprehensive marketing analysis, product development, and marketing activities, vital for success in both domestic and export markets.
In-Depth Understanding of the Grow Ontario Market Initiative
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative is a major funding opportunity under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership designed to reinforce the capacity of Ontario's agri-food sector. This grant specifically targets businesses including primary producers, processors, and industry organizations, offering them substantial financial backing to branch into new domestic and international markets. The initiative is meticulously structured to aid companies through crucial phases of market expansion, with funding that covers 50% of eligible costs up to $60,000 for producers and processors, and up to $125,000 for industry organizations per project.
Key components of the eligible activities include thorough market analysis and planning facilitated by third-party advisory services, regulatory and certification standard assessments, and new product development. The initiative allows recipients to utilize funds for sourcing ingredients and materials, formulating new products, conducting scale-up trials, and ensuring compliance through proper packaging and labeling development. Additionally, marketing activities form a core part of the initiative, providing support for brand development, consumer studies, promotional material development, and new product campaigns aimed at both domestic and international audiences.
The initiative is accessible to businesses with current operations in aquaculture or fish processing, but solely for international marketing activities. This focus aligns with the broader strategic goal to cement Ontario's standing both in the local scene and on the global stage. Interested applicants must navigate a detailed application process, requiring complete and Ministry-approved documentation alongside supporting quotes and outlined budgets for proposed activities. Crucially, the absence of a fixed deadline means potential applicants should act swiftly, as the high demand suggests funds are rapidly being subscribed.
Projects aimed at benefiting from this initiative should be meticulously planned, foreseeable to yield measurable impacts such as job creation, increased sales, and enhanced market presence. Clear evidence of how the proposed activities can expand existing markets or penetrate new ones is a decisive factor during the evaluation process. Successful applicants will receive detailed approval letters outlining all pertinent details and expectations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
For businesses poised at the cusp of expansion, the Grow Ontario Market Initiative provides not just financial backing but a strategic stepping stone to sustainable growth. It reinforces the resilience of the Ontario agri-food sector by encouraging innovation and market responsiveness. By participating, businesses position themselves advantageously, leveraging available resources and expert analysis to fuel their journey toward broader market reach and increased operational capacity. This grant ultimately ensures that Ontario's agri-food products are not only competitive within Canada but also have a formidable presence in international markets.
