Open
Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program
Money for innovation and commercialization enhancement
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 30, 2022
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Receive funding to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs to demonstrate the potential of your business to create jobs, grow the economy, reach new markets, expand sales, innovate and create new products and services.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 30, 2022
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) provides funding to support for-profit companies in market growth, product development, and productivity enhancement. Eligible activities are aimed at promoting business growth, creating jobs, and driving revenue increases.
- Market Growth & Expansion: Attendance and exhibiting at new trade shows and associated travel costs.
- Design and development of branding and promotional materials (video, print, audio).
- Conducting market research and creating sales/marketing plans.
- Label design for products.
- Product Development: Achieving product certifications and prototype development (engineering, design, machining/fabrication).
- Software development and trial testing.
- Purchasing equipment/software for prototyping.
- Productivity/Business Enhancements: Conducting intellectual property research and protection.
- Development of business strategies and feasibility analysis.
- Training and certifications for enhanced skills.
- Studies and implementation of productivity/lean manufacturing processes.
- Acquisition of equipment/software related to the core business offering.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The SFEP is targeted towards incorporated for-profit businesses that are registered, located, and operating in the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka, Canada. It is specifically designed for those businesses that aim to innovate, create new products and services, disrupt existing industries, or demonstrate potential for job creation and economic growth. Companies must not operate as distributors or re-sellers to be eligible.Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies based on their primary business activities. The restrictions are designed to focus support on innovative and job-creating businesses rather than those involved in distribution.
- Businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers.
Eligible expenses
Eligible projects under the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) aim to enhance innovation and market reach for businesses. These projects focus on various growth-oriented activities that can significantly contribute to economic expansion and job creation.
- Participation in trade shows to explore new markets and business opportunities.
- Development and distribution of marketing materials to increase brand visibility.
- Website development or updates to enhance online presence and user experience.
- Provision of training, certifications, or licenses to improve business capabilities.
- Conducting market or product research, including covering market-entry fees.
- Managing intellectual property costs and legal fees.
- Engaging business growth expertise to foster strategic planning and expansion.
- Pursuing export development initiatives to enter and expand in international markets.
- Performing business opportunity assessments to identify potential for new advancements.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas determined by the funding body. The eligible locations are targeted to ensure alignment with regional development goals.
- Companies registered and operating in one of IION's service districts: Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka.
Additional information
Here are some additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applicants are encouraged to apply early to get feedback from IION, enhancing the chances of application approval.
- Funding is reimbursed only after final invoices and proof of payment are submitted and approved.
- Each company can apply multiple times for separate and independent projects, offering ongoing support for business growth.
- Successful applicants have an obligation to participate in post-project and annual surveys to evaluate project outcomes and impacts.
- Businesses are required to register as an IION client, which facilitates ongoing support and engagement with the innovation network.
- The program does not cover certain internal costs and distributions, ensuring focus on external growth and innovation expenditures.
- There is a specific focus on job creation and economic growth, meaning applications should emphasize these potential outcomes.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program?
Receive funding to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs to demonstrate the potential of your business to create jobs, grow the economy, reach new markets, expand sales, innovate and create new products and services.
How much funding can be received?
Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program program?
To be eligible for the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program program, you must:
The company must be a for-profit entity operating in IION's service districts: Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka.
Annual revenue of the company should be under $5 million.
The company must have a business model and strategy that demonstrates potential for sales and employment growth.
What expenses are eligible under Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program?
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) provides funding to support for-profit companies in market growth, product development, and productivity enhancement. Eligible activities are aimed at promoting business growth, creating jobs, and driving revenue increases. Market Growth & Expansion: Attendance and exhibiting at new trade shows and associated travel costs.
Design and development of branding and promotional materials (video, print, audio).
Conducting market research and creating sales/marketing plans.
Label design for products.
Product Development: Achieving product certifications and prototype development (engineering, design, machining/fabrication).
Software development and trial testing.
Purchasing equipment/software for prototyping.
Productivity/Business Enhancements: Conducting intellectual property research and protection.
Development of business strategies and feasibility analysis.
Training and certifications for enhanced skills.
Studies and implementation of productivity/lean manufacturing processes.
Acquisition of equipment/software related to the core business offering.
Who can I contact for more information about the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program?
You can contact Innovation Initiatives Ontario North by email at emily@iion.ca.
Where is the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program available?
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program is a Grant and Funding