Closed
INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Financial help to grow a business in Northern Ontario
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Develop employee 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
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 60,000
Implementing a new ICT system for service provision
$ 30,000
Training program for new software implementation
$ 40,000
Expansion of office space with leasehold improvements
$ 50,000
Developing a marketing campaign for a new product in Sault Ste Marie
$ 80,000
Land servicing for a new agricultural facility
$ 100,000
Purchase of new CNC machinery for wood manufacturing
Eligibility
- 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
Selection criteria
- 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
1
Determine Eligibility
Review eligibility criteria to confirm your business project qualifies for the grant.
2
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.
3
Compile Required Documentation
Gather supporting documents including project budgets, financial statements, and any other relevant information required by the NOHFC.
4
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.
5
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.
Contacts
807-475-1648
