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INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream - Ontario - Canada
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INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream

Financial aid to start a business in Northern Ontario
Government of Ontario (ON)
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada

Overview

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.

/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 : 200,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
  • 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
  • Startups

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

This program offers funding to support business operations in Northern Ontario, focusing on vital investments that contribute to infrastructure growth and technological advancement. Eligible projects emphasize capital construction and strategic development activities aimed at boosting economic opportunities.

  • Capital construction for new business premises.
  • Leasehold improvements to existing structures to enhance business operations.
  • Procurement of new or used equipment, including the option of capital leases.
  • Costs associated with land servicing for site development.
  • Investments in information and communications technology (ICT) to improve business efficiency and reach.
  • Marketing activities for new product launches and business initiatives.
  • Training costs for employees, provided through third-party service providers.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is designed for businesses starting operations within Northern Ontario. The eligible geographical areas focus on promoting economic development specifically in this region.

  • Northern Ontario, Canada.

Additional information

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch 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 — Launch Stream?

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.

How much funding can be received?

INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream program?

To be eligible for the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream program, you must: Businesses must be starting up operations in Northern Ontario. The new business should have been operating for 6 months or less before the application to NOHFC. The business must operate on a full-time basis, with the entrepreneur working full-time in the business.

What expenses are eligible under INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream?

This program offers funding to support business operations in Northern Ontario, focusing on vital investments that contribute to infrastructure growth and technological advancement. Eligible projects emphasize capital construction and strategic development activities aimed at boosting economic opportunities. Capital construction for new business premises. Leasehold improvements to existing structures to enhance business operations. Procurement of new or used equipment, including the option of capital leases. Costs associated with land servicing for site development. Investments in information and communications technology (ICT) to improve business efficiency and reach. Marketing activities for new product launches and business initiatives. Training costs for employees, provided through third-party service providers.

Who can I contact for more information about the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream?

You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).

Where is the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream available?

The INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?

INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream is a Grant and Funding

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