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Source verified March 4, 2026
Invest Ontario Fund (IOF)
Ontario supports strategic investments and job creation in priority sectors
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Life sciences companies, including biopharma, vaccines, and digital health and analytics.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) offers funding up to $4 million through a combination of loans and grants, with the aim to stimulate economic growth in Ontario by advancing high-growth opportunities in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. Eligible activities include leveraging data to prioritize investments with high economic impact, while ensuring job creation and avoiding facility closures or sales of the businesses.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Advance high-growth opportunities in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology.
- Use data to identify and prioritize investments with strong economic impact for Ontario.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Life sciences companies, including biopharma, vaccines, and digital health and analytics.
- Advanced manufacturing businesses, including automotive, aerospace, and advanced materials and chemicals.
- Technology companies, including software, IT services, clean technology, and computer and electronic product manufacturing.
- Contract development manufacturing organizations.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Economic impact and job creation potential.
- Scalability and growth potential.
- Sustainability, especially in cleantech.
- Global competitiveness.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare a business proposal
- Outline your strategy, market potential, and expected economic impact.
- Step 2: Submit the application
- Apply through the Invest Ontario website.
- Step 3: Screening and due diligence
- The fund reviews the submission and, if shortlisted, conducts financial and market assessments.
- Step 4: Funding agreement
- Successful applicants sign an agreement before receiving support.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through an initial screening.
- Shortlisted projects undergo due diligence and financial and market assessment.
- Successful applicants enter a funding agreement before receiving support.
Additional information
- There is ongoing support available for over 800 annual funding applications, indicating a robust system for assisting applicants.
- Emphasis on securing strategic business and capital investments that support economic development within Ontario, showcasing the dual focus on job creation and economic growth.
- Opportunities for assistance with application writing for over 100 Canadian federal and provincial grants, suggesting availability of expertise for complex applications.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) Program
What is the Invest Ontario Fund (IOF)?
The Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) offers funding up to $4 million through a combination of loans and grants, with the aim to stimulate economic growth in Ontario by advancing high-growth opportunities in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. Eligible activities include leveraging data to prioritize investments with high economic impact, while ensuring job creation and avoiding facility closures or sales of the businesses.
Who is eligible for the Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) program?
To be eligible for the Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) program, you must:
Ontario-based business.
Active in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, or technology.
What expenses are eligible under Invest Ontario Fund (IOF)?
Advance high-growth opportunities in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology.
Use data to identify and prioritize investments with strong economic impact for Ontario.
Where is the Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) available?
The Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Invest Ontario Fund (IOF)?
Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) is funded by Invest Ontario