Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund
Last Update: July 25, 2025
ON, Canada
Supports business growth in Kenora and Rainy River Districts
Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund 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
Grant Providers
- Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
Program status
Open
Overview of the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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 criteria of the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund program
- 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 to the Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund program
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.
Contact Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
chathura@nwoinnovation.ca
1-807-768-6681
Apply to this program
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