Urgent, Apply Now! Limited Support Available

The Starter Company Plus program provides grants of 75% up to $5000 to entrepreneurs aged 18 and over to start and expand a business. The program also encourages the progression of new entrepreneurs through various workshops as well as one-on-one peer mentoring with successful entrepreneurs. Start-ups must be in their first 5 years of operation and currently generating income to be considered for funding.  Applications are to be submitted through local business development centres.  The program application deadline is different for each area. Funding is extremely limited.

Less than 30 Days to Apply!

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP)  offers 50% grant funding up to $100,000 to automotive parts suppliers for:

• technology adoption: e.g. implementing advanced manufacturing hardware, software and/or training to improve processes and enhance competitiveness. This might include using logistical systems and investing in production hardware or software that digitize production tracking
• lean manufacturing: e.g. improving operational efficiency and competitiveness by using lean manufacturing techniques or hiring the services of a mentor/consultant to help with lean implementation.

Applicants must have two years financials, less than 500 employees and revenues not exceeding $1 billion, of which 50% must be generated from the automotive supply sector. Larger companies can apply in partnership with one or more small-medium supplier.

Applications need to address the following program objectives:

• Reduced design cycle times to rapidly respond to market changes and business opportunities with auto assemblers.
• Encourage the adoption of new technologies (i.e., software and hardware) towards increasing efficiency and decreasing costs
• Increase sourcing capabilities to enhance export capabilities.
• Help identify and solve manufacturing problems, such as production bottlenecks and other inefficiencies
• Develop supplier capabilities, qualifications and innovation to support the competitiveness of Ontario auto assemblers.

Funding is extremely limited! The application deadline is Friday, October 18, 2019.

Up to $75,000 for Export Market Development

The CanExport program offers funding of up to 75% to a maximum of $75,000 for projects related to new export market development (i.e. in markets generating less than 10% of total annual sales). Supported expenditures include, but are not limited to:

• Travel to target markets
• Tradeshow attendance and product promotion
• Market research
• Development of new marketing tools for international markets (e.g. translation of brochures into another language)
• Legal/advisory fees, such as for securing a distribution agreement or IP protection

Eligible applicants are limited liability partnerships/incorporated businesses with less than 500 full time employees and annual sales of $100,000 to $100 million. Project expenses must be at least $20,000 to be considered for funding. Companies can submit more than one application, but must complete their initial export project before receiving any additional funding from CanExport.  

Program Supports Ontario Companies Impacted by Trade Restrictions

The Market Access Initiative offers grants of 75% up to $30,000 for Ontario-based organizations involved in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector to develop domestic and export markets. Eligible applicants include businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have been directly impacted by trade restrictions (e.g. tariffs). Funding is available for the following project types:

1. Assessment and Planning for Market Development: 75% up to $20,000 for plans/assessments that lead to the development of new domestic/export markets (e.g. export plans, market analysis)
2. Accessing Domestic or International Markets and Development of Products/Processes: 75% up to $30,000 for market development activities. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
   • Packaging, label and brand development
   • Product testing, samples and demonstrations 
   • Travel and tradeshow participation 
   • Translation services 
   • Sales, marketing and promotional activities/materials

Cost incurred before receiving approval are ineligible for reimbursement, as are ongoing operational expenses. Projects that last more than 6 months or that aim to promote Ontario products over those of other provinces/territories will not be considered for funding.  

New Program Aims to Reduce Environmental Impact of Canadian Businesses 

The Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF) offers grants of 25% up to $250,000 for businesses to reduce energy usage, costs and/or GHG emissions. Eligible project types include, but are not limited to:

• Retrofitting, Upgrading and Improving Processes, Transportation and Buildings (e.g. energy efficient heating systems and process equipment, vehicle retrofits)
• Adopting New Electricity, Energy and Fuel Production Systems (e.g. solar photovoltaic, wind energy and micro-hydro systems)
• Waste Management (e.g. efficient use of inputs, reducing waste)

Funding is provided for expenditures such as:

• Capital Costs (e.g. equipment, materials, supplies)
• Salaries and Benefits
• Contracted Services (e.g. audits, engineering)
• Other Direct Project Costs (e.g. travel, licensing/permits, training)

Applicant companies must have less than 500 employees and be operating in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan or New Brunswick. Up to 5 applications may be submitted by one company, however total funding from CAIF will not exceed $250,000.  To be considered for funding, businesses must be requesting at least $20,000 for projects ending no later than March 31, 2021

Program Supports Youth Working in the Agriculture and Agri-food Sector

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Youth Employment and Skills program contributes 50% up to $14,000 towards the wages and benefits of a new hire. Eligible employees are Canadian citizens and permanent residents up to 30 years of age who are unemployed, underemployed or students. Positions must be full-time (30+ hours/week), last a minimum of 4 months and provide work experience towards increasing employability in the agriculture/agri-food sector. Applicants that hire youth facing employment barriers (e.g. people living with disabilities, single parents) are eligible to receive an additional $5000.