Eligibility
Businesses growing their existing business operations in Northern Ontario are eligible to apply.
Applications under the NOHFC’s Invest North – Grow stream will be evaluated in competitive rounds.
- Round 1: Detailed business plan submission deadline April 30.
- Round 2: Detailed business plan submission deadline July 31.
- Round 3: Detailed business plan submission deadline October 31.
- Round 4: Detailed business plan submission deadline January 31.
Before you begin, check if you fall within the eligible region of Northern Ontario.
What is eligible?
Eligible projects, activities and associated costs include, but are not limited to:
- Building construction
- Upgrading leased spaces
- Buying new or used equipment
- Land development costs
- Investments in IT and communications
- Marketing new products or businesses (up to 20% of eligible costs or $75,000)
- Third-party training costs (up to 20% of project costs)
Funding for each project is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, and limited funding is available. Not all projects meeting the criteria will necessarily receive funding.
What is not eligible?
Project costs that are not eligible include, but are not limited to:
- Retail and consumer service businesses that primarily earn revenue by providing products and services directly to individuals
- Ongoing operating costs including maintenance
- In-kind contributions
- Restructuring or refinancing of existing business operations
- Accommodation & food service businesses
- Land purchase/lease
- Working capital
For a more comprehensive list of ineligible project costs, view our full program guidelines.
Process
Applications to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation take the following path:
Apply
Submit your application and we’ll review it and make sure your project meets our program guidelines.
Evaluation
We’ll get some additional information on your project and review it in greater detail.
Decision
We’ll share our review with our board of directors, who will make the final decision on your application.
Documents
Use the following documents to guide you through the application process:
