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
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
- Government of Ontario
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
Yes, there are several projects and 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
$100,000
Toronto
Purchase of new medical equipment for a clinic
$100,000
Ottawa
Renovation of a community center
$200,000
Vancouver
Construction of a new office building
$65,000
Halifax
Marketing campaign for a new eco-friendly product line
$95,000
Calgary
Expansion of an organic farming operation
$75,000
Montreal
Development of a new e-commerce platform
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible projects for the NOHFC's Invest North Program - Launch Stream must start operations in Northern Ontario and involve capital expenditures that provide net economic benefits. Evaluation will consider job creation, investment levels, and the strength of the business plan.
- Businesses starting-up operations in Northern Ontario
- Eligible projects include capital construction, leasehold improvements, new or used equipment acquisitions, land servicing costs, ICT investments, marketing for new products and business initiatives (limited), and training costs incurred with third parties (limited)
- Must demonstrate job creation and investment from other sources
- Must have a strong and detailed business plan
- Project should not unreasonably impact existing Northern Ontario businesses
- Must provide net economic benefits for Northern Ontario
- Applicant must secure balance of funding/financing
- For new businesses: Must operate on a full-time basis and entrepreneur/owner must work at the business full-time
- Applicant to contribute at least 15% of total eligible project costs
- Other business activities that provide economic development advantage for Northern Ontario may be considered
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The Invest North Program – Launch Stream targets businesses starting up operations in Northern Ontario and meeting specific criteria.
- Businesses starting up operations in Northern Ontario
- Capital construction projects
- Leasehold improvements
- New or used equipment acquisitions, including capital leases
- Land servicing projects
- Information and communications technology (ICT) investments
- Marketing for new products and business initiatives (with certain limits)
- Training costs incurred with third parties (with certain limits)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Yes, certain types of companies are not eligible for this grant. The ineligible companies and activities include, but are not limited to:
- 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
- Professional service businesses located in a community with existing full-time service providers or reasonable access within an adjacent urban centre
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 eligible geographic zone for this grant is Northern Ontario. Businesses must be starting up operations within this specific region to be considered eligible.
- Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant primarily focus on job creation, investment levels, the strength of the business plan, and the economic benefits for Northern Ontario. Each application is assessed to ensure it does not negatively impact existing businesses in the region and provides a net positive economic development advantage.
- 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
- Other business activities that will result in an economic development advantage for Northern Ontario (subject to NOHFC Board of Directors' discretion)
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure the business is starting-up operations in Northern Ontario.
- Verify that the project and activities fall under the eligible categories.
- Confirm the business does not fall under ineligible categories.
- Step 2: Prepare a Detailed Business Plan
- Include job creation details.
- Outline investment from other sources.
- Demonstrate how the business will not unreasonably impact existing Northern Ontario businesses.
- Highlight net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.
- Justify how the business addresses priority economic needs, if applicable.
- Step 3: Secure Funding/Financing
- Secure the balance of funding/financing necessary to implement the project.
- Ensure combined federal and provincial government funding does not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
- Ensure the business owner can contribute at least 15% of total eligible project costs from their own resources.
- Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
- Compile all necessary documentation including the business plan and financial statements.
- Include training costs, marketing costs, and other eligible investments with appropriate limits.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the complete application package to the NOHFC for review.
- Step 6: Respond to Additional Requests
- Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested by the NOHFC Board of Directors.
- Step 7: Await Decision
- Wait for the NOHFC Board of Directors to evaluate the application and make a funding decision.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here is some additional miscellaneous information about the NOHFC Invest North Program - Launch Stream grant.
- Combined federal and provincial government funding may not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
- Beverage alcohol manufacturing companies are not eligible for support under NOHFC’s INVEST North Program.
- NOHFC considers businesses as new if they have been operating for 6 months or less before they submit their initial application.
- Hobby businesses transitioning to full-time sustainable operations are eligible.
- Business owners must work at their business full-time to receive assistance.
- Assets supported with NOHFC funding must be retained for up to 3 years, with advance consent required for disposal or relocation.
- Tourism businesses operating as a tourist destination are eligible, but those serving only the overnight travelling public are ineligible.
- Professional service businesses starting in small communities with no existing full-time service provider are eligible.
- Projects developing land for resale or lease are ineligible.
Apply to this program
Invest North Program - Launch Stream
Eligible start-up businesses operating in Northern Ontario can receive up to 50% of their total project costs, to a maximum of $200,000, through the Invest North Program - Launch Stream. The program supports projects that include capital construction, leasehold improvements, new or used equipment, land servicing costs, ICT investments, and marketing for new products and initiatives.
Comprehensive Guide to the Invest North Program - Launch Stream
The Invest North Program - Launch Stream, administered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), presents a valuable opportunity for new businesses looking to establish or expand operations in Northern Ontario. This detailed guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, types of projects supported, evaluation criteria, funding details, and requirements. This information will help potential applicants make informed decisions and streamline their application process.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding under the Invest North Program - Launch Stream, businesses must be new or starting operations in Northern Ontario. According to NOHFC guidelines, "new businesses" are those that have been in operation for six months or less at the time of the initial application. This includes transitioning hobby businesses into full-time sustainable operations. Additionally, the business owner must work full-time at the new venture.
Types of Eligible Projects
- Capital Construction: This can include the building of new facilities essential for business operations.
- Leasehold Improvements: Any modifications or improvements made to a leased space are eligible expenses.
- New or Used Equipment: Purchasing new or gently used equipment, including those acquired through capital leases, are allowed.
- Land Servicing Costs: Costs related to making land ready for use, such as installing utilities, are eligible.
- Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Investments: Investments in technology infrastructure, including hardware and software, are covered.
- Marketing for New Products and Business Initiatives: Up to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs or $75,000, whichever is less, can be used for marketing new products and business initiatives.
- Training Costs: Costs incurred for training with third parties are covered, limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on a variety of factors aimed at ensuring the economic impact and sustainability of the proposed project:
- Job Creation: The potential for the project to create new jobs is a critical factor.
- Investment from Other Sources: The level of external investment secured by the applicant will be considered.
- Strength of Business Plan: A detailed and robust business plan is essential for a successful application.
- Impact on Existing Local Businesses: The project should not unreasonably affect already established businesses in Northern Ontario.
- Net Economic Benefits: The overall economic advantages for Northern Ontario are considered.
- Economic Development Advantage: Projects that offer unique economic development benefits may be given special consideration.
Funding Details
The Invest North Program - Launch Stream provides funding in the form of a conditional contribution that can cover up to 50% of the total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $200,000. The exact amount of funding is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, and not all projects meeting the criteria will necessarily receive funding due to limited availability. Applicants are also expected to contribute at least 15% of the total eligible project costs from their own resources.
Ineligible Projects and Costs
While the program offers broad support, certain projects and costs are explicitly excluded, including:
- Retail and consumer service businesses primarily serving individuals
- Ongoing operating costs such as maintenance
- In-kind contributions
- Restructuring or refinancing existing business operations
- Accommodation and food service businesses
- Wholesale activities
- Business plans, strategic plans, or feasibility studies
- Assets acquired through operating leases
- Research and development
- Land purchase or lease
- Rolling stock like cars, trucks, boats, and motors
- Project management, consulting, or administration costs
- Mineral exploration, mine development, and milling operations
- Working capital
- Cost of inventory
- Cellular and internet service projects
- Capital projects or leasehold improvements to residential or personal properties
- Acquisitions and buyouts of existing businesses
- Electricity generation projects
However, exceptions to eligibility criteria may be considered for projects addressing priority economic needs in Northern Ontario.
Program Requirements
To secure funding, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Applicants must secure the remaining funding necessary for project implementation.
- For new business launches, the business must operate full-time, with the entrepreneur or owner working at the business full-time.
- Applicants must contribute at least 15% of the total eligible project costs from their own resources.
- Assets financed by NOHFC cannot be sold or moved outside Northern Ontario without advance consent for up to three years post-project completion.
Additional Considerations
Businesses can access funding from other federal and provincial sources, provided the combined funding does not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
Professional Service Businesses
Professional service businesses are eligible if they start operations in a small community with no existing full-time service provider or where no reasonable access to services is available. The proposal must demonstrate how the additional service offerings will enhance the quality of life.
Tourism Businesses
Tourism businesses offering accommodation services can be eligible, provided they operate as tourist destinations for local, regional, and international visitors for extended stays (e.g., remote outfitters, family vacation resorts). Those serving only the overnight traveling public (e.g., hotels and motels) are ineligible.
Alcohol Manufacturing Businesses
Beverage alcohol manufacturing companies, including distilleries, breweries, wineries, and cideries, are not eligible under the Invest North Program. However, resources are available through Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for beverage manufacturing support.
Conclusion
The Invest North Program - Launch Stream offers a dynamic funding opportunity for new businesses in Northern Ontario to support their growth and contribute to regional economic development. By effectively leveraging this program, start-ups can access substantial financial support, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate a strong potential for contributing to the local economy. Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review the guidelines, prepare a robust business plan, and ensure they meet all requirements to maximize their chances of securing funding.
