How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Trail Blazer?

Trail Blazer is funded by Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre

What are Trail Blazer's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must have an innovative idea that is scalable or intend to manufacture a product in the region. The applicant must be coachable and willing to engage with customers. The applicant must be fully committed to moving their idea forward.

Trail Blazer

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Training for early-stage startups in Northwestern Ontario

Trail Blazer at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : July 9, 2024

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre

Status

Open

Overview of the Trail Blazer program

A three week program at a cost of $25 that helps entrepreneurs identify their market and validate their business model.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers support to participants who successfully complete the Trailblazer + ProtoZone program, enabling them to further develop innovative ideas or products. Funding provides financial assistance directed at approved project costs.

Eligible participants can apply for Next Level funding up to $5,000 towards approved expenses.

Eligible projects & activities

The Trailblazer + ProtoZone program is designed to nurture innovative ideas and assist in developing them into scalable businesses or products. Eligible activities focus on key aspects of business validation and preparation for investment.

Participating in a workshop series that focuses on customer validation and business idea assessment.
Developing a comprehensive business model canvas.
Engaging in peer-to-peer learning sessions.
Receiving mentorship and 1-on-1 support from experienced mentors.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 5,000

Creating an online platform to teach coding to underserved youth communities

$ 5,000

Establishing a co-working space equipped with 3D printers for local startups

$ 5,000

Starting a community-driven organic vegetable garden to promote sustainable agriculture

$ 5,000

Developing a new biodegradable packaging solution to replace plastic in grocery stores

$ 5,000

Launching a mobile app that connects local farmers with restaurants for direct produce sales

$ 5,000

Implement a smart home system for energy conservation in residential areas

Eligibility criteria of the Trail Blazer program

Eligibility for the Trailblazer + ProtoZone grant program is based on specific criteria related to the applicant's innovation potential and commitment level.

The applicant must have an innovative idea that is scalable or a plan to manufacture a product in the Northwestern Ontario region.
The applicant must be coachable.
The applicant must be willing to engage with customers.
The applicant must be fully committed to moving their idea forward.

Who is eligible?

The Trailblazer + ProtoZone program is designed for individuals or companies with an innovative and scalable idea or those planning to manufacture a product in the Northwestern Ontario region. Participants must be open to mentorship, active customer engagement, and committed to advancing their business ventures.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant. For example:

Non-profit organizations
Government entities
Individual sole proprietors

Eligible expenses

The Trailblazer + ProtoZone grant program is designed to support innovative projects that show potential for scalability and regional impact. Eligible activities focus on development and commercialization efforts, guiding participants from idea validation to investment readiness.

Validation of groundbreaking business ideas through detailed customer research and feedback.
Assessment of business model profitability with expert mentor guidance.
Development of a comprehensive business model canvas tailored to market needs.
Participation in interactive workshops for peer-to-peer learning and expert mentorship.
One-on-one technical and business support from the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre team.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is tailored for individuals or companies that plan to manufacture a product within the region defined by the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre. The focus is on supporting innovation and business development in Northwestern Ontario.

Individuals or companies within Northwestern Ontario.

Eligibility criteria of the Trail Blazer program

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Trailblazer + ProtoZone program and subsequent funding hinge on the innovation, scalability, and regional impact of the business ideas presented by participants.

Innovation and originality of the business idea or product.
Scalability and market potential of the proposed business.
Commitment and coachability of the participant, including active engagement in workshops.
Alignment with regional manufacturing and industry needs.
Completeness and feasibility of the developed business model canvas.
Successful completion of all program sessions and demonstrated application of learned concepts.

How to apply to the Trail Blazer program

Contact Carole Long at carole@nwoinnovation.ca if you have questions about eligibility or if the workshop is a fit for you.
Purchase your ticket for the Trailblazer + ProtoZone workshop series.
Make the payment of $25 plus HST.

Attend Workshop Sessions

Participate in all four sessions held on September 10th, 17th, 24th, and October 1st from 4 - 5 pm EST.
Engage with mentors, peers, and the Innovation Centre team.
Complete the tasks assigned in the workshops, such as developing a comprehensive business model canvas.

Develop Your Business Idea

Validate your business idea through customer feedback and peer-to-peer learning.
Assess the profitability and investment readiness of your concept.

Apply for Next Level Funding

Upon completion of the workshops, request details for the Next Level funding application process from the Innovation Centre.
Complete and submit your application for funding covering approved costs up to $5,000.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this program:

The workshop series specifically targets individuals looking to innovate or manufacture locally within Northwestern Ontario.
The program integrates peer-to-peer learning, which may help in networking and forming collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs.
Participants are required to have a commitment to actively engage with customers as part of the validation process.
One-on-one support from the Innovation Centre is tailored to individual needs, allowing for more personalized guidance and mentorship.

Apply to this program