INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream
ON, Canada
Financial aid to start a business in Northern Ontario
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
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a contribution of up to $200,000 to cover 50% of the costs of starting a new, full-time business, including capital construction, buying new or used equipment, marketing, training and more.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to businesses starting-up operations in Northern Ontario as specified by the funding program. These locations are chosen to promote economic development and growth in the northern region of Ontario.
- Northern Ontario
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Purchase of new medical equipment for a clinic
$100,000
Renovation of a community center
$200,000
Construction of a new office building
$65,000
Marketing campaign for a new eco-friendly product line
$95,000
Expansion of an organic farming operation
$75,000
Development of a new e-commerce platform
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's business status and operational goals in Northern Ontario.
- The business must be starting up operations in Northern Ontario.
- The business must operate on a full-time basis, with the entrepreneur/owner working there full-time.
- For launch applicants, they are required to contribute at least 15% of the total eligible project costs from their own resources.
- Combined federal and provincial government funding must not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
- The business must have been operating for 6 months or less before submitting the initial application to the NOHFC for funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is open to businesses that are starting up operations in Northern Ontario. Eligible applicants must be committed to fully launch their business and work on it full- time. Additionally, potential recipients must include a personal financial contribution equating to at least 15% of the total eligible project costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Retail and consumer service businesses primarily earning revenue from selling products and services directly to individuals.
- Accommodation and food service businesses and related activities, except certain tourism businesses.
- Businesses primarily involved in wholesale activities.
- Entities engaged in mineral exploration, mine development, and milling operations.
- Beverage alcohol manufacturing companies, such as spirit distilleries, breweries, wineries, and cideries.
- Professional service businesses not meeting certain geographic or service accessibility criteria.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports businesses launching operations in Northern Ontario by covering a range of capital investments and expenses necessary for establishing and growing new enterprises. The focus is on fostering economic development through strategic investments in infrastructure and technology.
- Capital construction to build or expand facilities.
- Leasehold improvements for preparing leased spaces for business activities.
- Purchasing new or used equipment, including through capital leases.
- Land servicing costs, such as preparing land for business operations.
- Information & communications technology investments to support business operations.
- Marketing for new products and business initiatives, up to a certain limit.
- Training costs incurred with third-party providers, within specified limits.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the grant are focused on costs that directly contribute to business establishment and operational success in 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, up to 20% of other eligible costs or $75,000, whichever is less.
- Training costs incurred with third parties, up to 20% of other eligible costs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and regional economic priorities.
- Job creation potential and economic benefit to Northern Ontario.
- Level of investment secured from other sources by the applicant.
- Strength and detail of the applicant’s business plan.
- Assessment of the project's impact on existing Northern Ontario businesses to ensure it does not negatively affect them.
- Net economic benefits and potential economic development advantages for Northern Ontario.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Read the complete guidelines of the Invest North Program - Launch Stream.
- Ensure your business and project meet the eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Prepare Business Plan
- Develop a detailed business plan demonstrating project viability.
- Include job creation projections and economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
- Step 3: Secure Additional Funding
- Secure the balance of funding necessary to implement your project.
- Ensure combined federal and provincial funding does not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
- Step 4: Gather Required Documentation
- Compile necessary documents such as your business plan, financial projections, and proof of additional funding sources.
- Prepare supporting documentation to validate your investment levels and job creation plans.
- Step 5: Complete Application Form
- Access and fill out the NOHFC application form for the Launch Stream.
- Double-check information for accuracy and completeness.
- Step 6: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application and all supporting documents through the designated NOHFC submission portal.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and confirmation details for your records.
- Step 7: Await Decision
- Monitor communications from NOHFC for any follow-up questions or additional requirements.
- Prepare to discuss your project and potential economic impact if requested by the NOHFC Board.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The grant can be combined with other public funding, provided that the combined federal and provincial government funding does not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
- Business owners are required to work at their business on a full-time basis to receive assistance.
- There is an obligation to retain the assets acquired with NOHFC’s funding for up to three years, or until specified in the funding agreement, without selling or moving them outside Northern Ontario.
Apply to this program
Northern Ontario Business Development Funding
This grant supports businesses that are starting operations in Northern Ontario, offering monetary assistance for capital investments and other eligible project activities. It aims to foster job creation and economic development in this region while ensuring projects do not negatively impact existing local businesses.
Understanding the Details of the Launch Stream Grant
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation's (NOHFC) Launch Stream Grant is a pivotal initiative dedicated to bolstering economic growth by supporting new business development in Northern Ontario. Specifically geared towards startups, this grant provides up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a cap of $200,000, making it a significant resource for entrepreneurs poised to establish their operations in this vital region.
For a business to be eligible, it must be in the early stages of operation, defined as having been active for six months or less before the application. This ensures that only genuinely new ventures receive the intended support, facilitating the freshest and innovative ideas to take root. Additionally, the funding conditions mandate that the entrepreneur operates the business full-time, ensuring dedicated investment in the venture’s success.
The comprehensive list of eligible costs covers critical infrastructure and development needs, such as capital construction, leasehold improvements, the acquisition of new or used equipment, and investments in information and communications technology (ICT). The grant strategically allocates resources to enhance new product marketing—though this is capped at 20% of the total project costs or $75,000, whichever is less—as well as third-party training expenses, recognizing the importance of skill development in business scalability.
This grant does not only focus on capital allocation but strategically supports activities contributing to the broader economic landscape without adversely affecting existing businesses. This balance ensures the creation of net economic benefits, thereby fostering a more robust business ecosystem in Northern Ontario. It requires applicants to also secure funding from other sources, emphasizing the shared responsibility in economic development and maximizing the reach and impact of projects.
Projects proposing significant job creation and providing a detailed robust business plan will be prioritized. Collaboration with other funding bodies is permitted but capped at a combined federal and provincial contribution of 50% of the total project costs. This stipulation encourages a multi-faceted approach to funding, leveraging diverse resources to enhance sustainability and growth.
However, not all projects are eligible. The program excludes specific sectors and activities, such as retail, consumer services, accommodation and food services, and several others, to maintain a strategic focus on sectors that can bring substantial, sustainable economic growth. In particular, projects that significantly overlap with the existing market offerings, potentially harming current businesses, are scrutinized to prevent unduly negative economic impacts.
The unique aspect of this program is its openness to considering exceptional cases that address priority economic needs in the region. This flexibility allows the NOHFC to tackle emerging economic challenges dynamically, adapting to new opportunities and threats within the market landscape of Northern Ontario.
Participating in the NOHFC Launch Stream Grant not only provides monetary support but also helps startups align with strategic regional development plans. By fostering a nurturing environment for new businesses, Northern Ontario can continue to thrive, creating sustainable economic benefits for all stakeholders involved.
