Trade Mission Support Program
ON, Canada
Export assistance for not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJune 06, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario's North Economic Development Corporation
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Connect with buyers in specific export markets, and offset costs associated with organizing and hosting both inbound visits by foreign buyers (or their representatives) and with leading multi-party missions to target markets outside of Ontario.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is aimed at supporting companies and organizations looking to export from Northern Ontario. Eligible geographical areas include various locations throughout Northern Ontario.
- Export-ready SMEs located in Northern Ontario.
- Industry associations active in Northern Ontario.
- Not-for-profit organizations operating within the Northern Ontario region.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$10,000
Toronto
Hosting an inbound visit by European automotive parts buyers for networking and business development
$10,000
Ottawa
Hosting a US food industry delegation to develop export opportunities for local organic farm products
$10,000
Waterloo
Developing a digital marketing strategy to expand export markets in the technology sector
$10,000
Mississauga
Leading a trade mission to Mexico to explore export opportunities for clean tech solutions
$10,000
Toronto
Organizing an inbound visit by Japanese investors to explore joint ventures in advanced manufacturing
$10,000
Thunder Bay
Leading a trade mission to Scandinavian markets to explore new partnerships in renewable energy projects
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Northern Ontario Exports Program is based on specific requirements relating to the applicant's representation and activities.
- The applicant must be an ONEDC municipality, trade association, or not-for-profit representing exporting sectors and companies in Northern Ontario.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Northern Ontario Exports Program is open to export-ready Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities represented by ONEDC municipalities, trade associations, or not-for-profits that are active in the exporting sectors within Northern Ontario. The program supports these entities by providing financial assistance for various export-related activities such as trade missions and marketing initiatives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant offers financial assistance and support for initiatives focused on trade mission activities to enhance the export capabilities of Northern Ontario. Eligible projects facilitate international networking and engagement for export-ready companies.
- Organizing and hosting inbound visits by foreign buyers or their representatives.
- Leading and coordinating group participation in trade missions to target markets outside Ontario.
- Event hosting related to connecting Northern Ontario SMEs with prospective international buyers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses are for offsetting costs associated with organizing and hosting trade missions and related events.
- Costs related to organizing inbound visits by foreign buyers or their representatives.
- Expenses for leading multi-party missions to target markets outside of Ontario.
- Event hosting expenses.
- Costs for coordinated group participation in new domestic and in-market events.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Northern Ontario Exports Program has evaluation and selection criteria for grant applications. Please see below for details:
- Eligible projects must align with the program's objectives and focus on export-building initiatives in Northern Ontario.
- Projects will be assessed based on their potential for market expansion, innovation, and impact on the Northern Ontario economy.
- The capacity of the applicant to successfully implement the proposed project will also be considered.
- Applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Trade Mission Support Program:
- Step 1: Contact Program Manager
- Email Jenni Myllynen, Program Manager, at jenni.myllynen@investnorthernontario.com to express your interest in the Trade Mission Support Program.
- Alternatively, call at 705-674-4455 x4428 for more information and to request an application form.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Identify eligible expenses for your organization’s trade mission such as event hosting costs and group participation fees for events.
- Compile required information and documents to support your application, detailing how the funding will help connect Northern Ontario SMEs with foreign buyers.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Complete the application form provided by the program manager.
- Submit the completed application form along with any supporting materials as instructed by the program manager.
- Step 4: Application Assessment
- Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis by the NOEP Advisory Committee.
- Await communication from the program regarding the status of your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program has been operational since 2011, supporting over 700 initiatives.
- Maximum funding for projects under various segments is specified, with the Trade Mission Support Program offering up to $10,000.
- The program is executed on behalf of the Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation and is funded by FedNor and NOHFC.
- For the Trade Mission Support Program, funding is limited and approval is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply to this program
Supporting Northern Ontario's Export Ambitions
The Northern Ontario Exports Program offers pivotal financial aid and strategic training to SMEs and organizations poised to venture into global markets. The program is crafted to bolster export initiatives across diverse sectors, ensuring local enterprises can make a significant mark on the international stage.
Detailed Insights on the Northern Ontario Exports Program
The Northern Ontario Exports Program is fundamentally structured to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario to break into international markets with confidence and capability. Since its inception in 2011, the program has facilitated over 700 export-related initiatives, a testament to its pivotal role in enhancing Northern Ontario's trade presence globally. Supported sectors include mining, forestry, manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy, among others, underscoring the program's commitment to diversifying the regional economy's export potential.
One of the cornerstone components of the Northern Ontario Exports Program is the Trade Mission Support Program. This initiative specifically assists organizations such as ONEDC municipalities, trade associations, and not-for-profits in establishing and nurturing connections with international buyers. By subsidizing costs up to $10,000, the program makes it feasible for these entities to host potential foreign buyers and organize outbound trade missions to critical markets. This not only facilitates invaluable face-to-face interactions but also strategically positions Northern Ontario’s companies for competitive entry into new markets.
The Export Marketing Assistance (EMA) Program once open, aimed at enhancing marketing efforts of companies by offering up to $10,000 or covering 50% of project costs. This financial support was geared towards activities such as market research, development of multimedia marketing tools, participation in international trade events, and efforts to secure necessary certifications for the new markets. Such initiatives are designed to fortify the marketing presence of Northern Ontario's exports effectively.
For those firms seeking a robust development of their internal capabilities, the Customized Export Development Training (CEDT) program, now closed for applications, provided up to $21,000 for strategic export planning, sales skills enhancement, and operations management, among other areas. This particular financial aid was aimed at firms looking to refine their strategic approach and operational processes, thereby optimizing their readiness and ability to compete in global markets effectively.
Throughout its various offerings, the Northern Ontario Exports Program remains fundamentally driven by its objective to make the regional economy globally competitive and sustainable. This is achieved not solely through financial assistance but also through the development of supportive infrastructures and networks that enable export-ready enterprises to thrive internationally. The collaboration with Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation, FedNor, and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation exemplifies a concerted effort towards sustaining economic growth and fostering innovation within the region.
The application process, now closed, highlighted a sense of urgency, as funds were approved on a first-come, first-served basis. This encouraged swift action from interested parties and underscored the competitive nature of securing such financial aid. Entities were encouraged to prepare their applications meticulously, aligning their proposals with the eligibility criteria and objectives outlined by the program.
Ultimately, the Northern Ontario Exports Program not only provides substantial financial injections to deserving entities but also aligns with broader economic strategies aimed at elevating Northern Ontario’s presence on the international trade map. This strategic focus not only cultivates regional growth but also enhances the global competitiveness of Canadian exports, sustaining long-term economic vitality for businesses in Northern Ontario.
