FAQs - Home | NOHFC

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.

Q: Can we hire an intern before we receive a decision on our application?

If you hire an intern before getting funding approval and your application is denied, NOHFC is not responsible for any costs related to the intern. If your application is approved after hiring, NOHFC will only cover the intern if you can prove that the hiring process was fair and transparent, the intern meets the program guidelines, and all other program requirements are met. Exceptions might be made for apprenticeship internships.

Q: What type of insurance is my organization required to maintain?

If you receive funding, you must show that you have the right insurance to run your business and employ the intern. This includes at least $2 million in commercial general liability insurance. You’ll need to provide an insurance certificate that names the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and its staff as additional insureds. The certificate should also include a cross-liability clause, contractual liability coverage, and a 30-day notice period for cancellations or changes.

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?

Mike Orazietti2024-09-09T18:53:09-04:00September 9th, 2024|

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

Mike Orazietti2024-11-23T14:50:31-05:00September 9th, 2024|

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

Mike Orazietti2025-03-21T08:38:00-04:00September 9th, 2024|

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

Mike Orazietti2024-09-09T18:49:08-04:00September 9th, 2024|