INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream

Q: How much funding can be received?

INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: 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

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream?

INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream is funded by Government of Ontario, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

Q: 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.

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

You can contact Government of Ontario.

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

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

Q: Are startups eligible for the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Financial aid to start a business in Northern Ontario

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $200,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

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.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides conditional contributions to support eligible projects in Northern Ontario, focusing on encouraging business start-ups by sharing the investment burden. The funding terms emphasize shared responsibility and compliance with predetermined conditions to maximize economic development benefits.

Conditional contributions cover up to 50% of total eligible project costs.
The maximum funding provided is capped at $200,000 per project.
Applicants must secure additional financing to meet 50% of the eligible project costs from other sources, with combined federal and provincial funding not exceeding this amount.
Recipients may be required to return funds if the assets financed are sold or removed from Northern Ontario within three years post-completion.
The entrepreneur must contribute at least 15% of the total eligible project costs from their resources.
The entrepreneur is mandated to work full-time at the operation of the new business.

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 100,000

Purchase of new medical equipment for a clinic

$ 200,000

Construction of a new office building

$ 100,000

Renovation of a community center

$ 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

Eligibility

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.

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.

Selection 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.

How to apply

Review Program Guidelines

Read the complete guidelines of the Invest North Program - Launch Stream.
Ensure your business and project meet the eligibility criteria.

Prepare Business Plan

Develop a detailed business plan demonstrating project viability.
Include job creation projections and economic benefits for Northern Ontario.

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.

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.

Complete Application Form

Access and fill out the NOHFC application form for the Launch Stream.
Double-check information for accuracy and completeness.

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.

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.

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.

Apply to this program

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.