How much funding can be received?

Get a repayable contribution of up to $500,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs for a project that focuses on growth, productivity, technology adoption, market development and investment attraction.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant focuses on supporting companies that are located in a specific region to align with its strategic economic goals. Eligible geographical areas are defined to ensure benefits accrue to targeted locations.

Northern Ontario

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$300,000

Toronto

Implement advanced robotics systems to increase manufacturing capacity

$225,000

Thunder Bay

Demonstrate new energy-efficient processes in a lumber mill

$450,000

Montréal

Adopt new manufacturing processes for high-efficiency solar panels

$400,000

Calgary

Upgrade IT infrastructure for enhanced productivity in the workplace

$350,000

Hamilton

Increase manufacturing capacity for eco-friendly textiles

$250,000

Vancouver

Develop a market strategy for new bio-degradable packaging products

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and project location.

Applicants must be incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) businesses and organizations.
Applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
Applicants must demonstrate a sustainable business model, typically supported by two years of operations.
Applicants must show financial capacity to complete the project and repay the contribution in full.
Applicants must present managerial, technical, and operational capacity to achieve the project's objectives in a timely manner.
Applicants must demonstrate market or industry demand, showing potential for market growth and participation in global value chains.
Projects must be located in Northern Ontario and show that benefits will accrue to the region.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream include incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) businesses and organizations. Retail and service-based businesses are not considered eligible under this program.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies from eligibility due to their status or the nature of their main activity. These restrictions are tailored to ensure the funding is targeted toward innovative and growth-oriented sectors.

Retail businesses.
Service-based businesses.
Smaller startups and entrepreneurs (who are directed to other streams like the Regional Innovation Ecosystems).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible activities for this grant revolve around enhancing the technological capabilities and market presence of businesses in Northern Ontario. These projects aim to improve productivity through advanced techniques and market expansion initiatives.

Technology demonstration, adoption, and adaptation.
Assessing, acquiring, adapting, or adopting new technologies/processes and related skills development.
Process re-engineering.
Increasing/improving manufacturing capacity.
Advanced manufacturing capacity development.
Productivity improvement.
Late-stage product, process, or service development geared towards market diversification and growth, such as technology showcasing.
Market diagnostics, development, and expansion.
Integration in domestic and global value chains.
Demonstration of new technologies/processes in an operational setting.
Building high-performance teams.
Adopting best management practices, processes, and systems.
Improving governance and investment readiness.
Business opportunity development.
Increasing manufacturing capacity.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible expenses for the grant include direct costs related to labor, materials, capital investments, and various professional services.

Project-specific cost of labour (e.g., wages and benefits) and of material used.
Capital costs: purchase of machinery, equipment and infrastructure.
Operating costs that are incremental, measurable and directly related to the project.
Professional, advisory and technical services fees.
Costs related to intellectual property.
Preproduction costs (e.g., technological development and commercial demonstrations).
Commercialization costs.
Costs related to expanding or maintaining markets.
Subcontracting costs.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant primarily focus on their potential benefits to Northern Ontario and alignment with the program’s goals, though specific point scores for each criterion are not detailed in the provided context.

Demonstration of a sustainable business model with typically two years of operational history.
Strong financial capability to complete the project and repay contributions.
Managerial, technical, and operational capacity to meet project goals promptly.
Clear evidence of market/industry demand and potential for market growth or diversification.
Viable project plan with achievable outcomes supported by verified cost estimates.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Initial Contact
- Call FedNor at 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your project proposal with a FedNor Officer in your area.
- Ensure your project aligns with the program's objectives and requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Proposal
- Draft a detailed project proposal outlining the technology adoption or market expansion strategy.
- Include financial forecasts, expected results, and a demonstration of management capacity.
- Compile necessary supporting documents, such as financial statements or business plans.
Step 3: Submission Process
- Follow the instructions provided by the FedNor Officer regarding the specific submission method.
- Ensure all documents are complete and meet the specified requirements.
- Submit your application before the stated deadline, if applicable.
Step 4: Await Feedback
- Once submitted, wait for confirmation of receipt from FedNor.
- FedNor may contact you for additional information or clarification during the assessment process.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Interest rates and terms of repayment for the financial assistance will be determined individually during the development of the contribution agreement.
Applicants are encouraged to secure advice from a tax professional due to possible tax implications of receiving financial assistance from government programs.
FedNor specifically notes the importance of discussing project details with a FedNor officer before proceeding with the application, due to high demand and limited budget availability.

grant_single_labels|documents

REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity

grant_single_labels|contact

1-877-333-6673

Apply to this program

Empowering Northern Ontario's Business Growth

The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream by FedNor offers valuable financial assistance to Northern Ontario businesses aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness utilizing innovative technologies. This grant program is particularly focused on helping businesses scale up, improve productivity, and explore new markets, both domestically and globally.

Detailed Insight Into the FedNor Business Scale-up and Productivity Stream

The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream by FedNor is a strategic initiative crafted to empower businesses in Northern Ontario to seize economic opportunities through technological advancements. This program is pivotal for incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Indigenous businesses, excluding retail and service-based enterprises, actively seeking to commercialize new technologies, develop new markets, and improve productivity through technological adoption and process re-engineering. By enabling businesses to integrate into domestic and global value chains, this grant facilitates expansion and operational excellence in a competitive market landscape.

Eligible activities under this stream span from technology demonstration and advanced manufacturing capacity development to business management improvement initiatives. Projects may include the demonstration of new technologies in operational settings, scaling manufacturing capabilities, or improving governance structures to enhance investment readiness. This holistic approach ensures that businesses are not only adopting cutting-edge technology but also equipped to handle the operational challenges accompanying rapid growth.

FedNor's BSP Stream emphasizes measurable and project-specific costs, offering funding coverage including labor, capital investments, and commercialization expenses. However, it imposes strict criteria against funding routine operational costs, to ensure that investment spurs genuine growth and innovation. Funding conditions necessitate substantial involvement from other sources, expecting applicants to secure at least half of the project's eligible costs before receiving up to a $500,000 contribution from FedNor, which is generally repayable.

To apply, businesses must articulate a clear business case that demonstrates market demand and potential for growth, alongside a sustainable business model fortified by two years of operations. The review process critically evaluates the project's feasibility, potential impact, and contribution to economic diversification within Northern Ontario, thereby assuring that only the most promising projects receive assistance.

In a landscape marked by rapid technological shifts and competitive pressures, the BSP Stream stands out as a beacon for Northern Ontario businesses, aimed at catalyzing growth and sustaining competitive advantage. It not only facilitates access to necessary resources and technologies but also plays a crucial role in helping businesses navigate through market expansion challenges and establish a robust presence in global markets.