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Grow Ontario Market Initiative (GOM)
ON, Canada
Grow Ontario Market Initiative funds agri-food market expansion
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
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative is designed to support primary producers, processors, and industry organizations in expanding domestic or export market opportunities through activities like marketing analysis and planning, new product development, and marketing activities. The program provides funding covering 50% of eligible costs, up to $60,000 for processors and primary producers and up to $125,000 for industry organizations per project.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative offers specific financing modalities to support agri-food businesses in expanding their market reach. The modalities focus on cost-sharing and structured disbursements aligned with project milestones.
- Co-financing of up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $60,000 for Processors and Primary Producers and $125,000 for Industry Organizations.
- Payments are contingent upon the submission and approval of claims with supporting documentation, including invoices and proofs of payment.
- Funding is allocated from a total of up to $12,000,000 under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- Strict financial reporting and auditing requirements must be adhered to, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of funds.
- Advance disbursements are not explicitly mentioned; hence, funds are likely disbursed based on validated claims submitted via the Ministry’s Claim Portal.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative aids businesses in capturing new market opportunities through comprehensive market activities. Eligible projects include an array of marketing and product development efforts necessary to enter or expand in domestic and international markets.
- Conducting market analysis and planning with third-party advisory services.
- Investigating regulatory or certification standards for new market access.
- Engaging in new product development with third-party services for ingredient sourcing, formulation, and regulatory review.
- Undertaking testing to verify and support the new product development process.
- Developing marketing materials for new products ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Implementing a business or marketing plan through third-party marketing services.
- Creating new promotional materials such as advertisements and social media content.
- Organizing new product marketing campaigns for both domestic and international markets.
- Conducting sales and promotional activities, including trade missions and buyer meetings.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 30,000
Creating a marketing plan for a new line of gluten-free baked goods
$ 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
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
Eligible geographical areas for the Grow Ontario Market Initiative have not been specified beyond its association with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. No explicit locations have been outlined, leaving the geographic eligibility ambiguous based on the provided information.
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
