How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Northern Technology Accelerator Program?

Northern Technology Accelerator Program is funded by Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre

What are Northern Technology Accelerator Program's eligibility criterias?

For-profit business in Northern Ontario Operating full-time for at least one year Project work has not yet begun

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

Continuous Intakes

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

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

Step 1: Initial Contact
- Contact Jeremy Dutton, Business Advisor – ICT, to obtain information and guidance on the application process.
- Email jeremy@nwoinnovation.ca or call 807-768-6685.
Step 2: Discuss Project Details
- Discuss your proposed project, its objectives, and eligibility with the advisor.
- Confirm that your planned activities and vendors align with program requirements.
Step 3: Complete Application
- Work with the advisor to prepare your application, ensuring all required information is included.
- Provide necessary project documentation and details about your business and proposed activities.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application to Jeremy Dutton as instructed during your consultation (by email or as otherwise directed).

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.