Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program
At a glance
- Max. $10,000
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : August 30, 2022
- All industries
- Innovation Initiatives Ontario North
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) aims to enhance innovation and commercialization for for-profit businesses in specific districts, focusing on those driving market growth and job creation.
- The applicant must be an incorporated for-profit entity.
- The applicant must be registered, located, and operating in the district of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka.
- The program does not support businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers.
- Staff wages, administrative costs, and internal project costs are not eligible.
Who is eligible
Eligible companies for this grant must be incorporated for-profit entities registered, located, and operating in the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka. The program does not apply to businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers.
- Incorporated for-profit entities
- Registered, located, and operating in Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Eligibility restrictions include:
- Businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers
Eligible expenses
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) offers funding for various eligible expenses including:
- Trade Shows
- Marketing / marketing materials
- Website development / updates
- Training, certifications or licenses
- Market/product research or market-entry fees
- Intellectual property costs / legal fees
- Business growth expertise
- Export development
- Business opportunity assessments
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects and activities for this grant:
- Trade Shows
- Marketing / marketing materials
- Website development / updates
- Training, certifications or licenses
- Market/product research or market-entry fees
- Intellectual property costs / legal fees
- Business growth expertise
- Export development
- New: Business opportunity assessments
Eligible geographic areas
Eligible geographic areas for this grant are Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka. Businesses must be registered, located, and operating within these districts to qualify.
- Nipissing
- Timiskaming
- Parry Sound
- Muskoka
Evaluation & selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include the following:
- Applicant is an incorporated for-profit entity
- Applicant is registered, located, and operating in the district of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka
- Program is not intended for businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers
- Internal costs associated with the project are not eligible for funding
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact IION for clarity on the program and its qualifying conditions before applying
- Implication: Helps ensure understanding of eligibility and requirements
- Step 2: Submit the application to SFEP before the monthly deadline
- Implication: Applications are subject to a competitive review process
- Implication: Submitting in advance allows time for IION feedback
- Step 3: Complete the project within a 6-month time frame
- Implication: Projects must be completed within the specified timeframe
- Implication: Reimbursement is dependent on final invoice(s) and proof of payment
- Step 4: Register as an IION client and fulfill post-project surveys
- Implication: Mandatory to continue receiving ongoing support from IION
Additional information
There is no additional information provided for this grant.
Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) Grant Summary:
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) offers funding opportunities to incorporated for-profit businesses in specific districts to support innovation, job creation, and economic growth. The program provides grants at varying levels to assist with projects such as marketing, trade shows, website development, and more.
Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) Grant Details:
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) is designed to empower incorporated for-profit entities in the Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka districts by offering financial support for projects aimed at innovation, market expansion, and job creation. Eligible businesses can receive grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 based on their project spend before tax, with funding support up to 50% of eligible costs.
Qualifying businesses can use the grant to cover expenses related to trade shows, marketing initiatives, website development, training, market research, intellectual property costs, business growth expertise, export development, and business opportunity assessments. The SFEP aims to encourage businesses that challenge conventional practices, introduce new products or services, and demonstrate a potential for economic impact.
Applicants must meet certain criteria, including being registered, located, and operating in the specified districts, and must not be distributors or re-sellers. The program does not cover staff wages, administrative costs, rolling stock, or internal project expenses. While applications undergo a monthly review process, companies have the flexibility to apply for funding multiple times for distinct projects, provided they complete the current application and claim before submitting a new one.
Successful recipients are required to register as an IION client, participate in post-project surveys, and annual assessments to ensure ongoing support from the Innovation Initiatives Ontario North team. For additional details and to clarify program requirements, applicants are encouraged to contact IION before applying for the SFEP grant.
