How much funding can be received?

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) offers up to $150,000 to support small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers in Ontario in their modernization efforts, such as technology adoption, new product development, and lean manufacturing enhancements. The program aims to improve competitiveness and responsiveness within the automotive supply chain by funding eligible projects that align with its goals.

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The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) funds projects that advance technology adoption, support new product development, and enhance operational efficiency within the automotive supply chain. These projects aim to boost competitiveness and adaptability.

Technology adoption for process efficiency, implementing advanced manufacturing hardware, software, and training.
Adoption of tools and technologies for new product development, including CAD/CAM systems and other engineering tools.
Improvements in operational efficiency through lean manufacturing techniques and consulting services.

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business characteristics and financial background.

The applicant must be a for-profit business with a business number.
The applicant must have less than 500 employees in Ontario.
The applicant must have less than $1 billion in global revenues.
The applicant must have a minimum of two consecutive years of financial statements, which are either audited or accountant-reviewed.
At least 50% of the company’s total sales revenue must come from the auto supply sector.
The applicant must have a manufacturing location in Ontario by the time the project starts.

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Eligible applicants for the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) include small- and medium-sized Ontario-based businesses that are part of the automotive supply chain to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of passenger and commercial vehicles. Applicants must be for-profit businesses with a business number, have less than 500 employees in Ontario, less than $1 billion in global revenues, and must have a minimum of two consecutive years of financial statements that are auditor or accountant reviewed. Additionally, at least 50% of the company's total sales revenue must come from the auto supply sector, and they must have a manufacturing location in Ontario by the time their project starts.

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Certain companies and industries are not eligible for this grant based on their primary activities and the program's focus. These restrictions help ensure the grant supports the designated sectors effectively.

Aftermarket parts industry companies are not eligible.

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Eligible expenses under the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) encompass costs related to adopting new technologies and methodologies for enhancing manufacturing efficiency and developing new automotive products.

Costs related to implementing advanced manufacturing hardware and software.
Expenses for training to improve manufacturing processes and competitiveness.
Costs for adopting technologies that assist in the engineering and design of new products, such as CAD/CAM systems, FEA software, and DFM tools.
Expenditures on rapid-prototyping tools and NPI process support.
Costs associated with hiring services for lean manufacturing implementation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is targeted towards small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers based in Ontario, Canada. Eligibility is specifically for those with a manufacturing location in Ontario.

Ontario, Canada

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The evaluation and selection criteria for the O-AMP projects are based on the overall merits and alignment with the program's objectives, although specific point allocations are not provided in the context.

Alignment with O-AMP's goals: job creation, revenue increases, cost savings, contributions to regional or automotive sector development.
Achievability of the project: applicants need to have the necessary financing, project management structure, and experience to implement the project.

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Step 1: Preliminary Consultation
Contact the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association at o-amp@apma.ca for assistance with your application.
Alternatively, get in touch with the Ministry’s Senior Business Advisors for support in your region.
Step 2: Review Eligibility and Guidelines
Carefully read the O-AMP Applicant Guide.
Ensure your project does not stack with other provincial programs and that funding from all sources does not exceed 50% of total project costs.
Step 3: Registration
Register with Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) to create your ONe-key account and ID.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Obtain a copy of your Articles of Incorporation.
Prepare financial statements for the last two fiscal years.
Acquire an Ontario Tax Compliance Certificate.
Obtain quotes from contractors/vendors for budget items.
Secure a letter of attestation from the signing authority of the company.
Prepare project team member resumes.
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Application
Compile your application with all the necessary documents in PDF format.
Submit the application through Transfer Payment Ontario.
Step 6: Await Assessment
Your application will be assessed and a decision will be made within 60 business days of the application deadline.
Step 7: If Approved
Enter into a funding agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Provide evidence of project financing, proof of insurance, and Ontario tax compliance verification.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applicants can consult with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association for help in developing and strengthening their application.
Ministry's Senior Business Advisors are available for assistance in application development across different regions in Ontario.
Applications are assessed and decisions are made within 60 business days after the application deadline.
The use of consultants or external firms for application preparation is allowed but not covered by the program, nor does it affect the application's success.
O-AMP is a discretionary, non-entitlement program with limited funding, meaning that approval is not guaranteed even if criteria are met.

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o-amp@ontario.ca

416-314-8880

Apply to this program

Transform Your Automotive Supply Chain with O-AMP Funding

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) provides financial support to small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers in Ontario who are looking to modernize and become more competitive through technological advancement and process improvement. Eligible businesses can receive up to $150,000 to cover 50% of the project costs, aimed at adopting new technologies, tools for product development, or lean manufacturing practices.

In-depth Insights into the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) is a pivotal initiative tailored to foster innovation and operational efficiency amongst small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers across Ontario, Canada. Aimed at strengthening the province's supply chain networks, O-AMP supports enterprises that play a crucial role in advancing the automotive sector's global competitiveness. By providing up to $150,000 in funding, the program emphasizes cost-sharing, covering up to 50% of project expenses, which necessitates applicants to leverage either internal capital investment or secure external financing to meet the remaining project costs. This collaborative financial structure encourages companies to prioritize sustainable financial planning while embarking on their modernization projects.

The significance of O-AMP lies in its multi-faceted approach to enhancing technological readiness and process efficiency within the automotive sector. Eligible projects under this initiative include technology adoption for improved process efficiency, utilizing advanced manufacturing tools such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and other production tracking technologies. Such projects are central to driving companies towards a future-ready operational model, poised to tackle modern manufacturing challenges. Furthermore, O-AMP backs efforts towards new product development by integrating tools and technologies like CAD/CAM systems and rapid prototyping, which are indispensable for engineering innovative automotive solutions that meet evolving market demands.

Enhancing operational efficiency through lean manufacturing practices is another cornerstone of the O-AMP, emphasizing waste reduction and productivity optimization. The program encourages businesses to employ mentors or consultants to ensure effective implementation of lean techniques—thereby catalyzing cost-effective, streamlined production processes.

To qualify for O-AMP, businesses need to align their projects with the program's broader goals, such as job creation, revenue enhancement, cost-efficiency, and regional sector development. This alignment underscores the program's focus on not merely advancing individual businesses but also contributing positively to the regional economic landscape and Ontario's automotive sector's competitiveness.

Applicants must also ensure their projects are well-structured and feasible. This involves demonstrating capability in project management and securing necessary project financing, alongside adhering to compliance standards as set out by Ontario's tax guidelines and maintaining proper insurance.

While the process of applying for O-AMP support requires thorough documentation and strategic planning, the rewards of participating in this transformative initiative are manifold. Automotive suppliers that successfully leverage O-AMP funding can expect not only to modernize their operations and expand their technological capabilities but also to enhance their market positioning and value proposition to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). In doing so, participating firms can better meet the burgeoning demands of the automotive industry, characterized by rapid technological evolution and heightened competition.

Ultimately, the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program stands as an exemplar of public-private collaboration geared towards fostering a dynamic, innovative, and growth-oriented automotive supply ecosystem in Ontario. By enabling automotive part suppliers to upgrade their processes, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and cultivate lean production mechanisms, O-AMP is charting a path for sustained economic growth and international competitiveness, making it an invaluable asset to Ontario's automotive industry stakeholders.