How much funding can be received?

Access business advice, market research, market development, market export, product development, access to capital, workshops and event management for your innovation project.

Financing terms and conditions

The Innovator Membership Program provides various supportive services rather than direct funding modalities. These services aim to aid entrepreneurs in overcoming business obstacles and enhancing their market presence.

Provision of 12 free hours of expert business advisory services annually for planning, bookkeeping, budgeting, and forecasting.
Access to market research support, including development of focus groups, surveys, and project management.
Guidance in market development and professional business image creation to enhance market strategy.
Facilitation of export development services through connections with international business development programs.
Strategic assistance in product development from concept to market launch.
Support in identifying and accessing various capital sources like seed, venture capital, and government programs.
Opportunities to attend educational workshops and seminars tailored to member needs.
Event management support, including planning and execution of business events.

Eligible projects & activities

This program provides a comprehensive range of services to support entrepreneurs in overcoming business challenges and accessing new opportunities. From business advice to market strategies and product development, these activities are designed to help members achieve success.

Access to business advice including business planning, bookkeeping, financial budgeting, and forecasting.
Support with market research, focus group development, surveys, report writing, and project management.
Assistance in developing market strategies and creating a professional business image.
Export development services connecting with government and private sector groups for international growth.
Guidance on product development from prototype to launch.
Identification of capital sources including venture capital, government programs, and angel investors.
Participation in on-site and remote workshops tailored to member needs.
Support in planning and executing successful events.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 20,000

Hosting a series of financial literacy workshops for small business owners

$ 35,000

Conducting a comprehensive market research study for a new eco-friendly product line

$ 70,000

Creating and launching an online platform for artisans to sell handmade goods

$ 75,000

Developing a new innovative app for financial planning for freelancers

$ 100,000

Organizing a large-scale trade show to promote local startup businesses

$ 50,000

Implementing a market development strategy for a local organic food cooperative

Eligibility criteria of the Innovator Membership Program program

The eligibility criteria for this grant are:

Must be an entrepreneur in Northwestern Ontario
Should be seeking support beyond funding

Who is eligible?

Entrepreneurs and businesses in Northwestern Ontario seeking comprehensive support in innovation, product development, market research and development, export growth, and accessing capital can apply for the Innovator Member program. This program is ideal for innovators looking for tailored guidance and resources to overcome business challenges.

Who is not eligible

Eligible expenses

The Innovator Member program offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at overcoming business challenges and driving growth. Eligible activities focus on providing business support, market expansion assistance, and product development services to entrepreneurs.

Business advice, including planning, bookkeeping, budgeting, and forecasting.
Market research support, such as focus group facilitation, surveys, and report writing.
Market development strategies for approaching and entering new markets.
Export development services to explore international business opportunities.
Assistance with product development from concepts to launch.
Guidance on accessing capital through various funding sources.
Workshops and seminars tailored to business needs.
Event management support from planning to execution.

Eligible geographic areas

The Innovator Membership Program is provided by the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre. Therefore, the program is likely intended for companies located within the Northwestern Ontario region.

Companies based within Northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the Innovator Membership Program program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The selection process involves reviewing applications based on the following criteria:

Business viability and potential for growth
Demonstrated need for support
Alignment with the objectives of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
Capacity to implement the proposed project

How to apply to the Innovator Membership Program program

Contact the Innovation Centre

Reach out to the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre via phone or email to inquire about the Innovator Member program.
Request more information about the program benefits and application process.

Attend an Information Session

Participate in an information session organized by the Innovation Centre to understand the program details and requirements.
Engage with the team and ask any questions you might have about the membership and application process.

Prepare Application

Gather necessary documents such as your business plan, financial statements, and any other supporting documentation that demonstrates your business needs and goals.
Fill out the application form provided by the Innovation Centre, ensuring all relevant fields are completed.

Submit Application

Send the completed application form and supporting documents to the Innovation Centre via their specified submission method.
Ensure submission is before any specified deadline to be considered for the program.

Receive Confirmation

Wait for an email or phone confirmation from the Innovation Centre acknowledging receipt of your application.
Keep the confirmation details for your records and follow up if you do not receive it within a reasonable timeframe.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Innovator Members receive 12 free hours of service with the one-year membership, helping them to access the Centre's expertise more directly.
The program offers access to a network of government and private sector groups focused on international business development.
Workshops and seminars are customized based on the needs of the member companies, ensuring relevance to their business challenges.