How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream?

INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream is funded by Government of Ontario, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

What are INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream's eligibility criterias?

Business must be expanding existing operations in Northern Ontario. Applicant must secure additional funding/financing for the project. Project should result in creation or retention of full-time equivalent jobs in Northern Ontario.

INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream

Last Update: June 12, 2025

ON, Canada

Financial help to grow a business in Northern Ontario

INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : November 1, 2023
Closing date : January 31, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)

Grant Providers

Government of Ontario
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

Status

Closed

Overview of the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream program

The INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream supports Northern Ontario businesses seeking to expand their operations by offering up to $1,000,000 in funding through contributions and term loans. Eligible activities include capital construction, equipment purchases, leasehold improvements, ICT investments, and marketing or training related to new business initiatives.

Financing terms and conditions

Conditional contribution of up to 20% of total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $400,000.
Option for a conditional contribution (up to 20% of eligible costs, max $400,000) plus a term loan (up to 30% of eligible costs, max $600,000).
Term loan only option of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $1,000,000.
Total government funding from federal and provincial sources (including NOHFC) may not exceed 50% of eligible project costs for private sector projects.

Eligible projects & activities

Expansion of existing business operations in Northern Ontario.
Establishment of new business initiatives aimed at growth.
Implementation of capital improvement projects to support business expansion.
Introduction of new products or services that generate economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
Adoption of advanced information and communications technology to enhance business operations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,000

Training program for new software implementation

$ 60,000

Implementing a new ICT system for service provision

$ 80,000

Land servicing for a new agricultural facility

$ 50,000

Developing a marketing campaign for a new product in Sault Ste Marie

$ 100,000

Purchase of new CNC machinery for wood manufacturing

$ 40,000

Expansion of office space with leasehold improvements

Eligibility criteria of the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream program

The applicant must be a business expanding existing operations in Northern Ontario.
The project must result in the creation or retention of full-time equivalent jobs in Northern Ontario.
The applicant must provide a detailed business plan for evaluation.
The applicant is expected to secure the balance of funding or financing necessary to implement the project.

Who is eligible?

Businesses expanding existing operations in Northern Ontario
Professional service businesses expanding to a small community with no existing full-time service provider or creating a new service, process, or product not currently available in the community or Northern Ontario
Tourism businesses that operate as a tourist destination for local, regional, and international visitors for extended stays (e.g., remote outfitters, family vacation resorts)

Who is not eligible

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 (e.g., hotels and motels serving only overnight travellers).
Businesses primarily involved in wholesale activities.
Beverage alcohol manufacturing companies, including spirit distilleries, breweries, wineries, and cideries.
Businesses developing land or capital infrastructure for resale or lease, including commercial or industrial land development.

Eligible expenses

Capital construction costs.
Leasehold improvements.
Purchase of new or used equipment, including capital leases.
Land servicing costs (excluding land purchase/lease or commercial/industrial land development).
Investments in information & communications technology (ICT).
Marketing expenses for new products and business initiatives (up to a maximum of 20% of other eligible project costs, or $75,000, whichever is less).
Training costs incurred with third parties (up to a maximum of 20% of other eligible project costs).

Eligible geographic areas

Northern Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream program

Job creation potential in Northern Ontario.
Level of investment secured from other sources by the applicant.
Strength and quality of the detailed business plan.
No unreasonable negative impact on existing Northern Ontario businesses.
Net economic benefits generated for Northern Ontario.

How to apply to the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream program

Determine Eligibility

Review eligibility criteria to confirm your business project qualifies for the grant.

Develop a Detailed Business Plan

Prepare a comprehensive business plan that outlines your expansion project, investment requirements, and expected outcomes.
Ensure the plan addresses job creation, investment levels, and net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.

Compile Required Documentation

Gather supporting documents including project budgets, financial statements, and any other relevant information required by the NOHFC.

Submit the Application

Prepare to submit your application in accordance with the specified deadlines (April 30, July 31, October 31, or January 31).
Visit the NOHFC's official website or portal to upload your completed application and business plan.

Confirmation of Submission

After submission, receive a confirmation acknowledgment from NOHFC, including any reference or application number for tracking purposes.

Additional information

Applicants may be required to reimburse NOHFC if financed assets are sold after project completion.
If a secured loan over $250,000 is involved, clients are required to retain the services of a lawyer.
Applicants can resubmit their application once for reconsideration in a future round if initially unsuccessful.
The combined federal and provincial government funding for private sector projects may not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.