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.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding support up to 15% of eligible project costs.
Performance-based loans available up to 15% of eligible costs, maximum of $5 million, interest-free during the project period (up to four years); up to 30% of the loan (max $500,000) may be forgiven if targets are met.
Performance-based grants up to $500,000 available for small companies in rural communities, and up to $1.5 million for strategic projects that are foreign direct investments, competing with other jurisdictions, or have significant reshoring activities with a minimum of 15 new jobs created.

Eligible projects & activities

Adoption or adaptation of innovative manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Investment in new equipment and machinery to scale operations and support business growth.
Development and implementation of skills training initiatives for workforce upskilling.
Expansion of manufacturing facilities and infrastructure to increase production capacity.
Reshoring of manufacturing activities to Ontario, including projects that return production from outside Canada.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program

The company must be a for-profit business registered and operating in Ontario within the advanced manufacturing sector (e.g., automotive, aerospace, life sciences, ICT, steel, chemical manufacturing).
The business must have a minimum of three years of operating experience, supported by three years of financial statements meeting recognized Canadian standards.
The applicant must employ at least 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees at the time of application, with all employees issued a T4.
The company must commit to creating or upskilling at least five jobs as a result of the project.
The business must be compliant with all relevant laws and not owe any fees, levies, or taxes to the Government of Ontario or its agencies.

Who is eligible?

Advanced manufacturing companies
Firms in the aerospace sector
Automotive sector businesses
Chemical manufacturing companies
Information and communications technology (ICT) companies
Life sciences companies
Steel manufacturing companies

Who is not eligible

Companies involved in ongoing operations such as maintenance or capital replacement.
Businesses engaged primarily in refinancing existing operations, acquisitions, or buyouts.
Organizations focused on primary production, retail, or construction (e.g., residential development).
Firms providing personal services, consulting, electricity generation, waste management, or recycling.
Companies planning to relocate operations to other jurisdictions within Ontario for restructuring purposes.

Eligible expenses

Construction and facility modifications or upgrades directly related to the project.
Site servicing and power service upgrades required for the project.
Purchase of new equipment and machinery essential for project execution, including new technology and high-performance equipment.
One-time labour costs and incremental specialized labour (such as research and development) directly related to the project, including direct salaries, wages, and approved employee benefits.
Direct materials used for configuring, testing production processes and systems, training employees, and for prototypes.
Costs of specialized third-party expertise required for the project (e.g., engineering services, software development, management consulting).
Skills training and employer-provided training costs related to the project, including training materials and necessary training infrastructure.
Costs of hiring external expertise for human resources strategy or succession planning, or hiring an internal HR professional for up to one year if none were previously employed.
Recruitment costs for attracting talent required for project-related company growth, with adequate description and objectives.
Permits, inspections, and fees directly attributable to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

All communities within the province of Ontario.

Eligibility criteria of the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program

Alignment with program objectives, such as technology adoption, innovation, productivity improvement, competitiveness, business growth, and reshoring.
Extent to which government support enhances project outcomes and/or influences project scope or timelines.
Demonstrated return on investment to Ontario.
Broad economic benefits, such as sector impact, supply chain strengthening, partnerships with research institutions, or regional economic contributions.
Outcomes in job creation and/or employee upskilling.

How to apply to the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program

Complete Self-Assessment

Utilize the online self-assessment tool to determine eligibility.

Consult with Provincial Advisor

Contact a provincial government advisor for assistance with your checklist and application process.

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.

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.

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.

Receive Submission Confirmation

Obtain an automated confirmation email with your application details upon submission.
Keep the confirmation for future reference.

Additional information

Applications must be submitted directly by the applicant company; applications from third parties or consultants will not be considered.
The use of external firms or consultants in preparing applications does not influence the likelihood of approval, and costs for such services are not eligible.
Applicants must provide a Tax Compliance Verification (TCV) number with their application.
Approved applicants are subject to compliance checks with various Ontario ministries after application submission.