Platform
Consulting
Resources
Pricing
Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund - ON - Canada

Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund

Last Update: July 25, 2025
ON, Canada
Supports business growth in Kenora and Rainy River Districts

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Max. $10,000
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Unspecified
Financing Type
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
  • Manufacturing
Program status
Open

Overview

The Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund offers up to $10,000 in reimbursement funding to support business growth and scaling for companies in the region, focusing on equipment purchases, professional services, software and hardware, feasibility and marketing studies, and employee training. The program targets startups and expanding businesses in science, technology, manufacturing, and agri-food sectors.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Financial support covers up to 50% of approved project costs through reimbursement.
  • Start-ups may receive up to $5,000 in funding.
  • Business expansions may receive up to $10,000 in funding.

Activities funded

  • Acquisition of equipment to support business operations or growth.
  • Engagement of professional services to facilitate business development.
  • Purchase of software and hardware solutions for business enhancement.
  • Conducting feasibility and marketing studies to inform business decisions.
  • Providing professional development, employee training, and upskilling initiatives.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 60,000
Deployment of CRM and IT equipment for remote client services expansion
$ 160,000
Installation of solar panels and energy storage at grocery co-op
$ 110,000
Upgrade of digital infrastructure for online art sales platform
$ 200,000
Acquisition of an automated bottling line for local beverage producer
$ 78,000
Commercial kitchen renovation for community culinary training program
$ 42,000
Purchase of adaptive equipment for accessible physiotherapy services

Eligibility

  • The business must be headquartered in the Kenora or Rainy River Districts.
  • The business must operate in the science, technology, manufacturing, or agri-food sectors (with food manufacturers specifically eligible); other sectors considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Full-time and seasonal businesses are eligible.
  • Start-up applicants must complete a business plan or business model canvas.

Who is eligible?

  • Companies headquartered in the Kenora or Rainy River Districts
  • Businesses operating in the science sector
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Technology companies
  • Agri-food businesses (including food manufacturers)

Who is not eligible

  • Retailers
  • Restaurants
  • Professional service providers
  • Resellers
  • Hobby and part-time businesses
  • Non-for-Profits, Charities and Municipalities

Eligible expenses

  • Purchase of equipment
  • Professional services
  • Software and hardware purchases
  • Feasibility and marketing studies
  • Professional development, employee training, and upskilling

Eligible geographic areas

  • Kenora District
  • Rainy River District

How to apply

1

Reach out to the program

  • Contact the program using the online contact form or by phone
  • Schedule a meeting with the regional business advisor
2

Complete member registration

  • If not already a client, complete the Innovator Member form
  • Existing clients can proceed without this form
3

Complete application form

  • Receive a link to the application form
  • Fill out the form and attach two quotes for each solution to be purchased
4

Application review and feedback

  • Application is reviewed by the program team
  • Program may request modifications to the application
5

Committee evaluation

  • Finalized application is evaluated by the Regional Accelerator Fund review committee
6

Notification of decision

  • Receive the committee’s decision via email
  • If approved, receive a Letter of Offer
7

Sign Letter of Offer

  • Sign and return the Letter of Offer
  • Spending can only begin after approval is secured

Additional information

  • The program provides hands-on support and access to mentors for participating businesses.
  • Potential access to investors is included as part of the program support.
  • The program operates on a reimbursement basis with a 50% cost share.

Contacts

chathura@nwoinnovation.ca
1-807-768-6681
ON, Canada
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund. 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 Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund?

Who is eligible for the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund?

Where is the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund available?

Are startups eligible for the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund program?

Apply to this program

More programs like this

REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) - Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed

REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) - Northern Ontario

Government of Canada
Funds to accelerate business growth in Northern Ontario
Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters
Expert AdviceOpen

Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters

Government of Ontario
Food and beverage industry export help in Ontario
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business project loans
Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business project loans

Government of Ontario
Loans to grow or expand in southwestern Ontario
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses
FedDev — Funding for southern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen

FedDev — Funding for southern Ontario

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)
Funding for businesses in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.
INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream
Grant and FundingClosed

INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream

Government of Ontario
Financial help to grow a business in Northern Ontario
Protect Ontario Financing Program
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Protect Ontario Financing Program

Government of Ontario
Financial support for Ontario businesses facing tariff-related challenges
Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (OMMITC)
Tax CreditsOpen

Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (OMMITC)

Government of Ontario
Supports corporate investments in Ontario's manufacturing sector