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

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

$95,000

Calgary
Expansion of an organic farming operation in Calgary.

$200,000

Vancouver
Construction of a new office building in Vancouver.

$100,000

Toronto
Purchase of new medical equipment for a clinic in Toronto.

$75,000

Montreal
Development of a new e-commerce platform in Montreal.

$100,000

Ottawa
Renovation of a community center in Ottawa.

$65,000

Halifax
Marketing campaign for a new eco-friendly product line in Halifax.

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