Closed
Source verified July 20, 2026
Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program
Defence sector support for Northern Ontario SMEs
Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program supports small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ontario with non-repayable assistance of up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per business. It helps businesses build capacity to serve Canada’s defence industry through certifications, market exposure, supplier qualification, market diversification, and equipment and technology upgrades.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- North Bay
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499-499 employees
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Certifications
- Market Exposure
- Supplier Qualification
- Market Diversification
- Equipment & Technology Upgrades
Documents Needed
- NODO Program Application
- Evidence of readiness
- Project cost breakdowns
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with 499 employees or less
- For-profit incorporated SMEs
- Businesses actively operating within Northern Ontario
- Businesses that operate in or directly support defence-related or dual-use sectors
Who is not eligible
- Not-for-profits, charities, educational institutions, and public sector organizations
Eligible expenses
- Costs associated with obtaining essential industry certifications and gating requirements
- Third-party contractor services to undertake the certification process
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Travel costs and wages for market exposure activities
Selection criteria
- Priority consideration is given to projects with a clear defence or dual-use application, a defined path toward commercialization or deployment, and readiness-building activities such as certifications, technology and equipment upgrades, or market entry
How to apply
- Review the full information package before applying
- Complete and submit the NODO Program Application, including supporting documents such as evidence of readiness and project cost breakdowns
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants may be contacted by the NODO Program Coordinator to clarify application details or confirm program eligibility
- The external, independent Steering Committee reviews and assesses applications, and the NODO Program Coordinator formally notifies applicants of the decision
- Approved participants must sign a Contribution Agreement and a Release and Consent & Enrollment Agreement before commencing the project
- Selected businesses must provide EFT details, verified receipts, invoices, and bank statements showing that 100% of project costs have been fully paid, then submit progress updates, a final program report, and an outcome survey
Additional information
- The program is delivered locally by The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.
- Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance or funding.
- The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound and the Steering Committee reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to determine if a particular business or project is not suitable for the program.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program Program
What is the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program?
Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program supports small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ontario with non-repayable assistance of up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per business. It helps businesses build capacity to serve Canada’s defence industry through certifications, market exposure, supplier qualification, market diversification, and equipment and technology upgrades.
How much funding can be received?
Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program program?
To be eligible for the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program program, you must:
For-profit incorporated SMEs with 499 employees or less
Businesses actively operating within Northern Ontario
Established businesses beyond the exploratory phase with a clear defence-sector value proposition and demonstrated industry engagement
What expenses are eligible under Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program?
Certifications
Market Exposure
Supplier Qualification
Market Diversification
Equipment & Technology Upgrades
Who can I contact for more information about the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program?
You can contact The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound by email at uphar@tbcnps.ca or by phone at 705-474-0400 ext. 2441.
Where is the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program available?
The Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities (NODO) Program is a Grant and Funding