Support Geared to Increase Use of Underutilized Tree Species and Forest Biomass.

The Ontario Forest Biomass Program offers non-repayable (i.e., grants) of up to $10 million towards that will expand the sustainable use of forest biomass and enhance the provinces forest biomass supply chain.

Eligible applicants include Ontario businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations.

The program consists of four streams:

1. Indigenous Bio-Economy Partnerships: Up to 80% funding to a maximum $250,000 for projects that support Indigenous-owned businesses operating in Ontario’s forest sector and bioeconomy, as well as lead to social, economic and environmental benefits for Indigenous communities. As well as eligible expenses listed below, the program will also support land leases for demonstration plants.
2. Exploring Biomass Pathways: Up to 80% funding (maximum $130,000) for private sector projects that improve public/private sector understanding about the feasibility, capacity, economics, and environmental impacts of forest biomass technologies. Funding is for engineering and feasibility studies, pre-commercial and commercial scientific trials as well as operational and technical requirement assessments, for projects that use forest biomass as a primary feedstock. As well as eligible expenses listed below, the program will also support land leases for demonstration plants.
3. Innovative Bioproduct Manufacturing Up to 50% project funding (maximum of $5 million) for the development and commercialization of new and/or innovative technology that will increase the use of forest biomass in Ontario (e.g., replacing another material with bio-mass resulting in a reduction in GHG emissions, and/or commercializing other novel uses of biomass. In addition to the below-list eligible expenses, plant retrofits and 3^rd party R&D/validation costs are covered under this stream.
4. Modernization: Up to 35% funding (maximum $10 million) for projects focused on the modernization and expansion of existing bioeconomy facilities, infrastructure, and technologies (e.g., upgrading production processes, improving efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices).

Eligible project costs include, but are not limited to:

• professional, technical, and legal services
• salaries and benefits
• planning and design
• training and skills development
• equipment purchase, and installation
• facility rentals
• permits and approvals.
• project-related overhead

Office equipment, land and vehicle purchases are ineligible.

Applications will be accepted until funding has been fully allocated or until September 29, 2023.