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INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream
Financial help to grow a business in Northern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : November 1, 2023
- Closing date : January 31, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : November 1, 2023
- Closing date : January 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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.
Eligibility
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
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream?
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.
How much funding can be received?
INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 31, 2024.
Who is eligible for the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream program?
To be eligible for the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream program, you must:
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.
What expenses are eligible under INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON) or by phone at 807-475-1648.
Where is the INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream available?
The INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream program is available the province of Ontario.