
Northern Technology Accelerator Program
Last Update: July 23, 2025
ON, Canada
Supports Northern Ontario SMEs adopting innovative technology solutions
Northern Technology Accelerator Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $10,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
Program status
Open
Overview of the Northern Technology Accelerator Program program
The Northern Technology Accelerator Program provides non-repayable funding covering up to 50% of eligible technology project costs, to a maximum of $10,000, for Northern Ontario SMEs. The program supports initiatives such as advanced website development, software and hardware integration, cybersecurity improvements, and internal broadband networking to foster business growth and innovation.
Financing terms and conditions
- Non-repayable grant covering up to 50% of eligible technology project costs.
- Maximum grant contribution of $10,000 per project.
Eligible projects & activities
- Advanced website development, including e-commerce and booking integrations.
- Design and implementation of custom software or integration of new software solutions.
- Integration of specialized hardware beyond standard office equipment, such as POS and industry-specific devices.
- Development and enhancement of cybersecurity measures for business operations.
- Upgrading internal broadband networking to improve business connectivity.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 35,900
Upgrading accessible entryways and washrooms in a community arts centre
$ 99,000
Implementing solar panels on dairy farm to lower energy costs
$ 59,900
Launching a mobile digital literacy van to reach underserved seniors
$ 39,800
Deploying a bilingual e-commerce training platform for rural artisans
$ 47,000
Installing an energy-efficient refrigeration system in a grocery store
$ 50,000
Developing a circular textile waste reduction program in fashion sector
Eligibility criteria of the Northern Technology Accelerator Program program
- The applicant must be a for-profit private sector business (not-for-profit organizations and municipalities are ineligible).
- The business must be located in Northern Ontario (within the federal boundary).
- The business must be operating on a full-time basis for a minimum of one year with a valid Canadian business number (established seasonal businesses are also eligible).
- The proposed project must not have started prior to application (no products or services have been paid to a vendor for the project).
Who is eligible?
- For-profit private sector businesses
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Northern Ontario
- Established seasonal businesses operating on a full-time basis for at least one year
Who is not eligible
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Municipalities
- Businesses located outside of Northern Ontario
Eligible expenses
- Advanced website development, including e-commerce integrations, inventory management and CRM integrations, booking/scheduling platforms, responsive design, SEO, website analytics, and vendor-provided training on website management
- Custom software solutions, mobile application development, software purchases and integration, and vendor-provided software training
- Purchase and implementation of point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management devices, and specialized industry-specific hardware/software, as well as fleet management hardware/software
- Cybersecurity expenses such as risk/vulnerability assessments, cybersecurity tools (e.g., firewalls, endpoint detection and response software, encryption tools), cybersecurity awareness training, penetration testing, cloud security, data loss prevention, cyber insurance audits, and the development and implementation of cybersecurity policies and procedures
- Internal broadband networking expenses including ethernet cable runs and termination, wireless access point setup, router and switch configurations, and procurement of related devices and materials
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario (federal boundary)
- Muskoka District
- Parry Sound District
- Nipissing District
- Cochrane District
- Greater Sudbury
- Sudbury District
- Manitoulin District
- Timiskaming District
- Algoma District
- Thunder Bay District
- Rainy River District
- Kenora District
How to apply to the Northern Technology Accelerator Program program
1
Confirm eligibility criteria
- Ensure your business is for-profit and operates in the private sector
- Confirm your business is located within the Northern Ontario federal boundary
- Verify you have been operating on a full-time basis for at least one year
- Confirm your Canadian business number is valid
- Ensure project work has not yet begun
2
Assess project eligibility
- Determine if your technology project aligns with eligible categories (e.g., advanced website, software, hardware, cybersecurity, internal broadband networking)
- Ensure all project work will be completed by an approved NTAP vendor from Northern Ontario
- Confirm your project does not include ineligible expenses, such as in-house labour, computer purchases, or ongoing website costs
3
Prepare application documents
- Gather required details about your business and proposed technology project
- Prepare a clear project plan, including vendor selection and estimated costs
- Ensure the project will be completed within three months of approval
4
Initiate application with advisor
- Contact Jeremy Dutton, Business Advisor – ICT, at jeremy@nwoinnovation.ca or 807-768-6685
- Discuss your application and project details for the NTAP grant
- Request official guidance or next steps for submitting your application
Additional information
- All projects must be completed by an outside vendor from the approved NTAP vendor list of Northern Ontario; exceptions may be considered if no suitable vendor is available.
- Once a project is approved for funding, it must be completed within 3 months of approval.
Contact Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
jeremy@nwoinnovation.ca
1-807-768-6685
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