INVEST North Program — Investment - Locate Stream ON Canada

INVEST North Program — Investment - Locate Stream

ON, Canada
The Locate Stream program supports new business setups in Northern Ontario with funding up to $5 million, focusing on infrastructure and technology investments to stimulate economic growth.

grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
  • Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open

grant_single_labels|preview

The Investment - Locate Stream of NOHFC assists businesses setting up new operations in Northern Ontario by providing up to $5 million in funding through conditional contributions or loans. Eligible projects include infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and ICT investments. Applications undergo an evaluation focusing on job creation, economic impact, and the strength of the business plan.

grant_single_labels|projects

There are several projects or activities eligible for this grant.
  • Capital construction
  • Leasehold improvements
  • New or used equipment including capital leases
  • Land servicing costs
  • Information & communications technology (ICT) investments
  • Marketing for new products and business initiatives (limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs, or $75,000, whichever is less)
  • Training costs incurred with third parties (limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs)
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$3,000,000

Thunder Bay
Develop a new eco-friendly packaging plant in Thunder Bay.

$1,200,000

Sudbury
Establish a cooperative organic farm in Sudbury.

$3,500,000

Sault Ste. Marie
Launch a new tech innovation hub in Sault Ste. Marie.

$1,300,000

North Bay
Open a new artisan bakery and café in North Bay.

$1,400,000

Timmins
Expand a local brewery in Timmins by adding a new bottling line.

$1,300,000

Kenora
Start a community arts center in Kenora to support local artists.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

This grant is available for businesses locating new business operations to Northern Ontario. Eligible projects include specific types of capital construction, leasehold improvements, and other defined investments.
  • Businesses locating new business operations to Northern Ontario
  • Capital construction
  • Leasehold improvements
  • New or used equipment including capital leases
  • Land servicing costs
  • Information & communications technology (ICT) investments
  • Marketing for new products and business initiatives (limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs, or $75,000, whichever is less)
  • Training costs incurred with third parties (limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs)

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for the Invest North - Locate Stream grant. Businesses must be locating new operations in Northern Ontario to qualify for the funding.
  • Businesses locating new business operations to Northern Ontario
  • Tourism businesses that operate as a tourist destination for local, regional, and international visitors for extended stays (e.g., remote outfitter, family vacation resort)

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of companies are not eligible for the grant under the Invest North – Locate Stream.
  • Retail and consumer service businesses that primarily earn revenue by providing products and services directly to individuals
  • Accommodation and food service businesses and related business activities
  • Businesses that are primarily involved in wholesale activities
  • Beverage alcohol manufacturing companies, including spirit distilleries, breweries, wineries, and cideries

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.
  • Capital construction
  • Leasehold improvements
  • New or used equipment including capital leases
  • Land servicing costs
  • Information & communications technology (ICT) investments
  • Marketing for new products and business initiatives (limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs, or $75,000, whichever is less)
  • Training costs incurred with third parties (limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs)

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant is available for businesses looking to locate new business operations in Northern Ontario. Eligible geographic zones encompass all regions within Northern Ontario.
  • Northern Ontario

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The key factors considered during the application evaluation process include job creation, level of investment from other sources, the strength of the business plan, impacts on existing businesses, and the net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
  • Job creation
  • Level of investment from other sources to be secured by the applicant
  • Strength of the applicant’s detailed business plan
  • Does not unreasonably impact existing Northern Ontario businesses
  • Net economic benefits for Northern Ontario

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Schedule a pre-application consultation session with NOHFC staff by contacting 1-800-461-8329.
  • Step 2: During the pre-application consultation, discuss potential funding options and confirm project eligibility.
  • Step 3: Submit an initial application online to determine preliminary eligibility under the program guidelines.
  • Step 4: If the project is deemed eligible, submit a detailed business proposal for further evaluation.
  • Step 5: Await notification regarding funding approval and specific terms of the conditional contribution and/or term loan.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Below is some additional information about the Invest North program and eligibility criteria.
  • Applicants are required to have a pre-application consultation session with NOHFC staff prior to applying.
  • Combined Federal and Provincial government funding may not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
  • Funding to locate operations in Northern Ontario can be conditional contribution, term loan, or a combination, based on net economic benefit to Northern Ontario (max $5 million).
  • Factors considered during evaluation include job creation, investment level from other sources, strength of business plan, and net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
  • Ineligible costs include retail and consumer service businesses, ongoing operating costs, restructuring/refinancing, accommodation & food service businesses, wholesale activities, and several other categories.
  • Tourism businesses that operate as tourist destinations for extended stays are potentially eligible, while those serving only the overnight travelling public are not.
  • Projects developing land for re-sale or lease, infrastructure for leasing/sale, and standalone site servicing are not eligible.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-800-461-8329
Apply to this program