Northern Industries Innovation Fund
Overview
Up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of applied research and development, new or improved products and services, and testing of innovative equipment or technologies to support capital investment decisions.
At a glance
Funding available
- Research and experimental development
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- British Columbia
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- $ 100,000,000 maximum revenue
- 500 employees maximum
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- All structures
- Regional
Activities funded
This grant supports activities that boost the innovation and competitiveness of businesses in Northern B.C.'s traditional industries. The funding is aimed at mitigating economic impacts such as those caused by the pine beetle epidemic through various innovative projects.
- Applied research and development projects.
- Creation or enhancement of products and services.
- Testing innovative equipment or technologies to inform capital investment decisions.
- Projects led by community-based innovation hubs contributing to industrial growth.
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's location, organizational structure, and industry involvement.
- The applicant must be located or headquartered within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
- The business must be privately owned and incorporated.
- The applicant must have less than 500 employees.
- The business must have revenues less than $100 million.
- The applicant can be a registered non-profit organization engaged in industrial activities.
- Post-secondary institutions must work with a private sector partner or on an applied research project with private sector implications.
- Community contribution companies are eligible.
- Priority is given to companies operating in regions most impacted by the pine beetle epidemic.
Who is eligible?
Small and medium-sized businesses, as well as other eligible groups, may apply to the Northern Industries Innovation Fund if they meet certain criteria. Eligible applicants include:- Businesses located or headquartered within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.- Privately owned companies that are incorporated.- Companies with fewer than 500 employees and revenues less than $100 million.- Registered non-profit organizations that are engaged in industrial activities.- Post-secondary institutions collaborating with a private sector partner or involved in applied research projects with private sector implications.- Community contribution companies.Additional consideration is given to companies operating in regions significantly impacted by the pine beetle epidemic. Applications from community-based innovation hubs may also be considered if their project deliverables directly support industry development.Who is not eligible
This grant does not specify explicit restrictions on industries or company types other than requiring applicants to be part of eligible industries and meeting specific eligibility criteria. There are no clearly outlined exclusions or restrictions on particular company activities or statuses.
Eligible expenses
The Northern Industries Innovation Fund supports a range of innovation projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and economic viability of businesses in Northern B.C. These projects include applied research and development as well as the trial and testing of new technologies and equipment.
- Applied research and development to enhance traditional industry practices.
- Development and introduction of new or improved products and services.
- Testing of innovative equipment to assist in capital investment decisions.
- Implementation of technology trials to improve industry processes.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies headquartered or located within a specific region, as defined by the funding body, to align with regional economic development strategies.
- The Northern Development Initiative Trust region in Northern British Columbia, Canada.
Selection criteria
The Northern Industries Innovation Fund (NIIF) grant has evaluation and selection criteria:
- Applicants must be located/headquartered within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
- Priority is given to companies operating in regions most impacted by the pine beetle epidemic.
- Projects must increase the competitiveness of local businesses in traditional industries across Northern B.C.
- Applicants must contribute a minimum of 10% of the project budget.
- Projects should support economic diversification and the viability of businesses.
How to apply
Review Program Guidelines
- Visit the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) website to access program guidelines.
- Ensure your organization's eligibility according to the specified criteria.
- Understand the funding terms and eligible activities.
Prepare Documentation
- Download the necessary forms and templates from the NDIT website, including the Application Guide and Project Expenses Template.
- Gather required documentation such as financial statements, project plans, and supporting research.
Project Discussion with Northern Development Staff
- Contact Northern Development staff via email or phone to discuss your proposed project and determine eligibility.
- Request the official application form and any additional resources.
Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the application form with detailed information about your project objectives, budget, and expected outcomes.
- Include all required documentation as attachments to your application.
Submit Application
- Ensure all sections of the application are completed accurately.
- Email your completed application and all supporting documents to info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca.
- Confirm submission with the Northern Development staff if necessary.
Confirmation and Follow-up
- Await confirmation of receipt from the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
- Keep a copy of the submission for your records.
- Follow up for any additional information or steps if advised by staff.
Additional information
The Northern Industries Innovation Fund provides additional relevant details for applicants to be aware of:
- The program is designed to mitigate economic impacts, specifically addressing challenges such as the pine beetle epidemic.
- The program supports projects that align with economic diversification and viability.
- There is an emphasis on funding projects that contribute to capital investment decisions through the testing of innovative technologies and equipment.
- Community-based innovation hubs are considered if their project deliverables have industry development impacts.
