FAQs - Home | NOHFC

Q: Are tourism businesses potentially eligible given that the Invest North - Launch program guidelines reference accommodation services as ineligible?

Many tourism businesses that offer accommodation may qualify for the program. This includes businesses that serve as destinations for visitors who stay for longer periods (like remote outfitters or family vacation resorts). However, businesses that mainly provide overnight stays for travelers (such as hotels and motels) do not qualify.

Q: How long will I have to retain the assets acquired with NOHFC’s funding support to ensure I do not have to repay any of my funding to NOHFC?

If you want to sell or move assets funded by NOHFC outside of Northern Ontario, you'll need to get NOHFC consent first. This rule applies for up to three years, and the details will be in your funding agreement.

Q: Do I have to work at my business on a full-time basis to receive NOHFC assistance?

Business owners must work at their business on a full-time basis.

Q: My business is currently a hobby-business. Am I eligible to apply for launch funding to make my hobby-business to a full-time sustainable business?

Yes. NOHFC will consider an application to transition a hobby-business to a full-time sustainable and commercially viable business, if the owner plans to work at the business full-time.

Q: What does NOHFC consider as a “new business” under the Launch Program?

NOHFC will consider businesses as new businesses if they have been operating for 6 months or less before they submit their initial application to NOHFC for funding.

Q: Are beverage alcohol manufacturing companies, including spirit distilleries, breweries, wineries and cideries, eligible for support under NOHFC’s Launch, Grow or Locate programs?

No, beverage alcohol manufacturing companies are not considered eligible under NOHFC’s INVEST North – Launch , Grow or Locate programs. However, Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness has a number of resources available on their website in support of beverage manufacturing in Ontario.

Q: If I receive NOHFC funding, can I access funding from other federal and provincial sources to finance the remainder of my project?

Combined federal and provincial government funding may not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.

Q: How do I recruit an intern that self-identifies as Indigenous for the Indigenous Workforce Development program?

NOHFC doesn’t give advice on recruitment. We recommend you consult with your own employment or HR advisors. You can also find useful information on the Ontario Human Rights Commission and Canadian Human Rights Commission websites, depending on your business's location.

Q: Who is eligible for a second-year internship?

You may be eligible for a second year when the intern must complete a minimum number of hours of professional experience that is greater than 52 weeks of full-time employment to obtain a certification, designation, or for a registered apprenticeship.

Q: What is a fair and transparent selection/hiring process?

You are required to post a job advertisement in at least one public forum (e.g. job bank). NOHFC will require proof of the posting, including the opening and closing dates of the posting.