How much funding can be received?

Your advanced manufacturing company can get the funding, tools, technology and talent needed to grow, compete and innovate in an increasingly competitive global market.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers a variety of financing modalities to support projects in advanced manufacturing sectors, emphasizing strategic investments and job creation. The modalities are structured to encourage significant investments and provide interest-free options.

Funding up to 15% of eligible project costs.
Performance-based loans covering up to 15% of funding, capped at $5 million, with the possibility of interest-free status during the project period (up to four years).
Grants up to 15%, with a cap of $500,000 for small rural companies and $1.5 million for strategic projects meeting specific criteria.
Loan forgiveness up to 30% (maximum $500,000) contingent upon meeting investment and job creation targets.

grant_single_labels|projects

Projects eligible for this grant under the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream are those that promote growth, competitiveness, and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises within Ontario's advanced manufacturing sectors. These projects should aim to enhance technology adoption, investments in capital equipment, and skills development.

Investments in new capital equipment to improve production capabilities and operational efficiency.
Adoption and implementation of innovative technologies to boost competitiveness and productivity.
Development and execution of skills enhancement programs for workforce upskilling.
Projects that focus on reshoring production, bringing manufacturing operations back to Ontario from abroad.
Initiatives that create new jobs or upskill existing employees within the advanced manufacturing sectors.
Collaboration and partnership-based projects that encourage cluster development and innovation.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 500,000

Implement automation technology to enhance production efficiency and create new skilled jobs

$ 500,000

Create a research lab for developing advanced materials and fostering innovation

$ 500,000

Upgrade factory machinery to increase production capacity and create more jobs

$ 500,000

Expand our tech startup by adopting cloud technologies and hiring skilled IT professionals

$ 500,000

Develop a training center to upskill workers with advanced manufacturing skills

$ 500,000

Launch a green energy project to retrofit manufacturing facilities and create sustainable jobs

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business profile, sector, and project plan.

The business must be a for-profit entity registered to operate in Ontario and belong to an advanced manufacturing sector such as automotive, aerospace, life sciences, ICT, steel, or chemical manufacturing.
The business must employ at least 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, with all employees issued a T4.
The business must have a minimum of three years of substantive operating experience supported by financial statements prepared in accordance with recognized audit standards.
The applicant must commit to a minimum project investment of $500,000 in eligible costs.
The business must create at least five net new jobs and/or upskill existing jobs by the project's end.
The project must be based in, or planning to be based in, a community within Ontario.
The applicant must be compliant with all applicable laws and not have overdue fees, levies, or taxes to the Government of Ontario.
Applicants may not combine this funding with other provincial sources except for eligible tax credits and supports.
Previous recipients of funding must have completed their project before applying again, unless in good standing with at least 50% of a previous loan repaid.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream is open to eligible businesses and organizations operating in the advanced manufacturing sectors within Ontario. This includes industries such as:aerospaceautomotivechemicalinformation and communications technology (ICT)life sciencessteelTo qualify for the AMIC Stream, businesses must meet specific requirements, including:- Having a minimum of three years of operational experience with complete financial statements.- Employing at least 10 full-time staff.- Committing to creating at least five new jobs or upskilling current positions.- Planning to invest a minimum of $500,000 in their project.- Being located in or planning to locate within an Ontario community.Ineligible projects primarily include those related to ongoing operational costs, refinancing, acquisitions, retail, personal services, and any non-manufacturing industries such as primary production or construction, among others.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant program does not support certain projects and industries that do not align with its strategic goals. The exclusions help to ensure that resources are allocated to activities that contribute to economic growth and competitiveness.

Projects involving ongoing operations including maintenance and capital replacement.
Refinancing of existing business operations, acquisitions, and buyouts.
Restructuring or relocating to other jurisdictions within Ontario.
Primary production, retail, and construction (e.g., residential development).
Personal services, consulting, electricity generation, waste management, and recycling sectors.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Construction and project facility modifications or upgrades.
Site servicing and power service upgrades.
Equipment and machinery necessary for project completion, including new technology and high-performance equipment.
One-time labour directly related to project costs.
Incremental specialized labour for project-related research and development for up to two years.
Costs of direct materials necessary for configuring, testing, training, or prototypes.
Specialized expertise including third-party engineering and software development services.
Skills training and associated costs related to the project.
Training infrastructure costs, such as building retrofits for training rooms or equipment.
Costs for recruitment to attract necessary talent for company growth.
Costs for permits, inspections, and fees directly related to the project.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located within a specific geographic area. The eligible locations encompass the entire region of Ontario.

All communities within Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

Alignment with program objectives related to technology adoption, productivity, innovation, improved competitiveness, growth, and reshoring.
Extent to which government support improves project outcomes and/or impacts the project’s scope or timelines.
Return on investment to Ontario.
Broad economic benefits, such as sector or cluster impacts, strengthening value/supply chain, partnering with research institutions, and regional impact.
Job creation and/or upskilling outcomes.
Project risks, including management, financial, and market risks.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Complete Self-Assessment
Utilize the online self-assessment tool to determine eligibility.
Step 2: Consult with Provincial Advisor
Contact a provincial government advisor for assistance with your checklist and application process.
Step 3: Register on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
Create an account on TPON, the online application system, and gather necessary information and documents such as business registration numbers.
Ensure data is entered accurately to prevent delays.
Step 4: Complete Application Form
Work with your advisor to fill out and complete the application form and supplemental information required.
Ensure all necessary attachments are included before finalizing.
Step 5: Submit Application
Log into TPON, navigate to the 'Submit for Funding' section, and find the AMIC program.
Upload your completed application form and all supporting documents.
Ensure submission is before the application deadline.
Step 6: Receive Submission Confirmation
Obtain an automated confirmation email with your application details upon submission.
Keep the confirmation for future reference.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here is additional relevant detail for this grant:

Applications must include letters of support from project partners or financial institutions, though such letters are optional.
Cash flow projections should cover receipts and payments for both the project period and the loan repayment period.
The primary contact for the application must be an employee of the applicant company, as third-party submissions are not accepted.
Key project risks are assessed including management, financial, and market risks.

grant_single_labels|documents

Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC)

grant_single_labels|contact

rdp@ontario.ca

1-800-267-6592

Apply to this program

Strengthen Your Manufacturing Competitiveness with the AMIC Stream

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream offers vital financial assistance to advanced manufacturing enterprises in Ontario, focusing particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises. Its goal is to help these companies invest in essential technology, capital equipment, and skills development to enhance their competitive edge.

Understanding the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream

The AMIC Stream is a strategic funding initiative designed to bolster the capabilities of Ontario’s advanced manufacturing industry. This program provides financial support to companies keen on adopting new technologies, investing in crucial equipment, and fostering skill development within their workforce. It plays a crucial role in rejuvenating the economic landscape of Ontario by ensuring its manufacturing sectors remain globally competitive and resilient.

Eligible participants include those in key sectors like aerospace, automotive, chemical, information and communications technology (ICT), life sciences, and steel manufacturing. The program is meticulously structured to support projects that focus on job creation, skills enhancement, and sustainable business growth, thereby fostering a conducive environment for innovation and private sector investment.

The AMIC Stream provides up to 15% of eligible project costs with a cap set to ensure broad accessibility, while performance-based loans offer additional financial flexibility. These loans can reach up to $5 million, interest-free during the project phase, with portions potentially forgivable upon achieving specific job creation or upskilling milestones. This financial model is particularly advantageous for small companies in rural areas, allowing for grants of up to $500,000, recognizing both the unique needs and potential of these communities.

Strategic projects that involve significant reshoring or foreign direct investments can qualify for higher grant amounts, demonstrating the fund's adaptability to diverse scales and scopes of innovation. Reshoring initiatives that bring critical manufacturing processes back to Ontario are especially supported, aligning with broader economic strategies to strengthen domestic production capabilities.

Complementary supports accompany financial aid, offering a spectrum of services from advisory on government programs to assistance with health, safety, and compliance matters. These resources ensure that funded projects are not only financially viable but also operationally robust, addressing various logistical and regulatory requirements seamlessly.

The application process is streamlined through the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system, requiring companies to demonstrate clear project feasibility and alignment with the program's strategic goals. Successful projects must showcase tangible outcomes such as job creation, economic benefits, and alignment with advanced manufacturing objectives, with the provincial government providing advisory support to enhance application strength.

Applications are rigorously assessed against criteria like innovation, economic impact, and execution capability, ensuring a high standard and strategic alignment with Ontario’s economic rejuvenation goals. The transparency and accountability built into the program underscore its commitment to maximizing public benefit and fostering a sustainable, innovation-driven economy.