September 24, 2026

Provincial funding will help two businesses launch and expand operations, creating good-paying jobs and supporting a strong northern economy

HORNEPAYNE — The Ontario government is investing $377,440 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support two business development projects in northeastern Ontario. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is making strategic investments across the North to help companies grow, stay competitive and create good-paying jobs.

“Our government is supporting projects that help small businesses grow into their full potential,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With this NOHFC investment, one company will be able to expand, while another takes flight, further enhancing the communities of Hornepayne and Hearst as great places to live and work.”

Frantik Motorsports Inc. is receiving $200,000 to upgrade its facility and acquire specialized equipment to establish a paddle tire manufacturing operation in Hornepayne. The high-performance paddle tires, used for sand dune riding and sand drag racing, will be sold to powersports dealers, specialty off-road retailers and performance parts distributors.

“The NOHFC funding will help significantly reduce the monthly cash-flow burden associated with establishing our manufacturing operation,” said Steve Renaud, President of Frantik Motorsports Inc. “This will allow us to retain more working capital within the company, enabling us to grow and expand the business more quickly, purchase the materials and equipment needed to increase production, and hire local staff sooner than we otherwise could. The funding is helping us build a strong, sustainable manufacturing operation in Hornepayne while accelerating our ability to create local jobs and increase production.”

SS Logging, a forestry company based in Hearst that provides logging and harvesting services, is receiving $177,440 to purchase new equipment. The new forwarder will help alleviate bottlenecks in the harvesting process, enabling the company to increase its production capacity.

“Congratulations to Frantik Motorsports Inc. and SS Logging on your NOHFC funding for the facility upgrades and the purchase of specialized equipment to support your businesses in Hornepayne and Hearst,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin. “Innovation and determination are the backbone of small business ownership, and I am thrilled to celebrate this funding with our community. I hope this investment is a positive addition to your operations and helps support your continued growth and accomplishments. Please accept my best wishes for continued success!”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s increased investment, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.