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list of business subsidies in Ontario

This is a list of direct business support programs available from the Ontario provincial government and the Canadian federal government to give financial assistance to businesses in Ontario. It is current to September, 2012. The shaded entries at the end of each section represent programs that are currently fully subscribed or programs with deadlines that have passed. These programs may accept additional applications in the future. The programs have been divided into the following categories:

category

number of programs

A. Employment Subsidies 23 B. Start-up and Entrepreneurial Funding 8 C. Environmental Sustainability Funding 8 D. Science and Technology Funding 4 E. Innovation Funding 9 F. Research Funding 8 G. Agricultural Sector Funding 9 H. Export Funding 4 I. Market Development Funding 7 J. Media Funding 7 K. Tourism and Infrastructure Development Funding 4 L. General Financing and Tax Refunds 5

The programs identified offer grants, loans, loan guarantees, equity investments or (in some cases) tax refunds in differing amounts and subject to various eligibility criteria and conditions. The list excludes indirect financial support programs which utilize tax credits, tax exemptions, export guarantees, etc. and also excludes programs offered by local municipal governments. While the list is comprehensive, it may not be exhaustive, since the array of direct financial support programs is so large and diverse. The list only covers subsidies for private businesses, and excludes programs for municipalities, universities, schools, hospitals, etc.

For more information on this topic, please contact:

Toronto David E. Thring 416.307.4028 [email protected]

a cautionary note

This list provides only summary descriptions and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, government-issued publications and websites for the applicable programs should be reviewed and specific legal advice should be obtained.

© McMillan LLP 2012

http://www.mcmillan.ca/davidthring

mailto:[email protected]


Program Name Sponsor Description

A. Employment Subsidies

1. Employer Signing Bonus

Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities - Employment Ontario

Funding: $2,000, payable in two equal installments.

Details: To receive the first installment, the employer must (1) meet all the specific apprenticeship requirements to provide training in the trade and (2) hire and register an apprenticeship scholarship candidate as an apprentice.

To receive the second installment, the employer must continue to employ the apprentice and provide on-the-job training for at least six months from the date that the apprentice was registered.

2. Enterprises North Job Creation Program

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

Funding: 50% of eligible costs, up to $1 million.

Details: Eligible costs are those that result in job creation in Northern Ontario and include: capital construction costs related to the establishment or expansion of a business, leasehold improvements, purchase of new or used equipment, intellectual capital, staff training, marketing and land servicing.

Note: Up to half of the funding may be in the form of a conditional grant with the remainder in the form of a repayable loan.

3. Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund

Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation

Funding: Discretionary grant and loan program designed to support leading-edge investments and jobs in Ontario.

Details: Must be in one of the following sectors: Clean/Green Technologies, Financial Services, Information and Communication Technology or Life Sciences.

Must make an investment in Ontario that builds long-term prosperity and global competitiveness (minimum threshold of $10 million or create 50 new high-value jobs).

4. Youth Employment Program

National Research Council Canada

Funding: A cost-share of a portion of the salary costs of a post-secondary graduate between 15 and 30 years old.

Details: The company must be incorporated and employ 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

The internship must be at least six and no longer than twelve months.

5. Northern Ontario Development

Industry Canada - FedNor

Funding: Non-repayable contribution of up to $27,500 (50% of associated costs) towards youth internships.



Program – Business Growth and Competitiveness Program

Details: The company must have fewer than 500 employees and must be located in Northern Ontario.

The project must be related to helping the business grow and increase its competitiveness in key sectors, such as the mining and forest industries, tourism, agri-food, information and communications technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.

6. Industrial R&D Fellowships

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Funding: $30,000 per year for two years to hire a PhD graduate to conduct research that will provide the business with new technology.

Details: Must be a financially sound Canadian company with research facilities on its property. Additionally, the company must contribute at least $10,000 per year towards the graduate's salary.

7. MITACS-Accelerate Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems — MITACS

Funding: $7,500 to hire a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow for a four month internship. Longer research projects are possible as multiples of four month internships.

Details: Open to all disciplines and all industry sectors. Must be a Canadian company or a Canadian business location of a foreign-owned company and must contribute $7,500 to the graduate student or postdoctoral fellow’s salary.

8. MITACS – Enterprise

Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems — MITACS

Funding: Maximum of $30,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs) to fund a six month internship for graduates of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.

Details: Must be a company in Southern Ontario with fewer than 1,000 employees operating in the areas of science, technology, engineering or math.

9. Career Focus Service Canada Funding: Non-repayable funding for employers and organizations to create career-related work experiences for post-secondary graduates. Amount varies based on proposed budget.

Details: The company must provide monetary or in-kind contributions that reflect a commitment to the success of the project.

10. Ontario Job Ministry of Funding: The program will pay the employee’s salary.



Creation Partnerships

Training, Colleges and Universities

Details: The project should be for a fixed term, be newly created, offer meaningful work experience and benefit the community or the local economy.

11. Skills Link Service Canada Funding: Up to $25,000 to hire and train a Canadian between ages 15 and 30 for projects that last up to 52 weeks.

Details: The company must hire youth who are registered with the Skills Link program and provide experience that will help the youth to find future employment.

12. Science and Technology Internship Program

Natural Resources Canada

Funding: $1,100 per month (maximum of $13,200) to hire a recent university or college graduate in a natural science field for an internship of up to 52 weeks.

Details: The company must hire and train an intern who is 30 years of age or younger, plan a project that lasts six to twelve months and pay at least 50% of the intern’s salary.

13. Northern Ontario Youth Internship and Co-op Program


Funding: Conditional grant of up to $6.00 per hour (up to a 50% wage subsidy) to hire post-secondary students from Northern Ontario.

Details: Company must be located in Northern Ontario and involved in health care, social services, value-added manufacturing, emerging technologies, environmental sciences, or other activities that will result in an economic or social development advantage for Northern Ontario.

14. Ontario Labour Market Partnerships

Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Funding: Amount varies depending on the project costs.

Details: Program supports partnerships among employers, employer/employee associations, and community organizations to address a labour market issue. Project should have a clear start date and end date and the partners must contribute financial or in-kind resources.

15. Sectors Initiative Fund


Funding: Maximum of $250,000 (up to 50% of eligible project costs) for a sector-based program planning and curriculum development project.

Details: The organization must represent a sector of the Ontario economy. The project should use innovative learning techniques or materials, promote national standards, promote alternative delivery mechanisms, or improve labour mobility, health and safety and consumer protection.



16. Small Business Internship Program

Industry Canada Funding: Maximum of $10,000 (up to 75% of the eligible wages and related expenses) to hire a student intern.

Details: Must be a Canadian company with fewer than 500 employees and must have been in continuous operation for at least one year. The company must also have an existing website and wish to enhance its e-business capability.

17. Connect Canada Internship

Connect Canada Funding: Maximum of $10,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs) towards an intern’s salary.

Details: Eligible companies must operate in Canada and must derive revenues from the sale of products and services. Interns must be full-time graduate students enrolled in, or postdoctoral fellows working in, a Canadian participating institution in any area of research.

18. Ontario Centres of Excellence – Talent Programs - First Job

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)

Funding: grant of up to $25,000 towards a master’s or Ph.D. graduate’s first-year salary.

Details: The company must have worked on an OCE research or commercialization project within the last five years and must have a significant presence in Ontario. Additionally, the company must focus on technology and research and the position must have a significant research component.



19. Next Generation of Jobs Fund

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

and

Ministry of Research and Innovation

*The fund was established in March 2008 as a 5 year program. In order to continue to accept applications, the program must be extended.

There are three streams:

(1) Biopharmaceutical Investment Program – goal is to increase the level of new biopharmaceutical Research and Development and advanced manufacturing in Ontario and to create high value jobs in Ontario.

(2) Jobs and Investment Program – supports projects that create or retain at least 100 jobs or projects that invest $25 million over five years in green auto research, clean fuel, environmental technologies, creative industries and financial services.

(3) Strategic Opportunities Program – supports projects that lead to job growth and development in bio-economy and clean technologies, advanced health technologies and digital media and information and communications technology.

20. Canada Summer Jobs 2012

Service Canada *Deadline was February 29, 2012, but may be offered again in 2013.

Funding: Up to 50% of the salary of an eligible full-time student.

Details: The student must be between 15 and 30 years of age and the company must have fewer than 50 full-time employees.

21. Summer Jobs Service (Ontario)

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

*Deadline was in April 2012, but may be offered again in 2013.

Funding: $2 per hour hiring incentive for a summer job placement (maximum of 16 weeks).

Details: All businesses may apply for acceptance into the program. The summer student employee should be between the ages of 15 and 30.

22. Summer Jobs Service (Northern Ontario)

Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry

*Deadline was April 30, 2012, but may be offered again in 2013.

Funding: $2 per hour hiring incentive for a summer job placement (maximum of $1,120).

Details: All Northern Ontario businesses may apply for acceptance into the program. The summer student



employee should be between the ages of 15 and 30.

23. Northern Training Partnership Fund


*All committed funds have been distributed –government must commit additional funding in order for program to continue.

The program provided grants of up to 75% of eligible project costs to train Northern Ontarians in project-based skills.

B. Start-up and Entrepreneurial Funding

1. Northern Ontario Entrepreneur Program


Funding: Conditional grant of up to 50% of eligible costs (maximum of $125,000).

Details: Must be a resident of Northern Ontario planning on starting a new business in the North (cannot be an expansion of a current business owned by the entrepreneur or his/her relatives). The proposed business must operate full time and create jobs in Northern Ontario. Additionally, the entrepreneur must make a cash investment in the business of at least 10% of the conditional grant amount.

2. Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur Program


Funding: Conditional grant of up to 85% of eligible costs (maximum of $25,000).

Details: Must be a resident of Northern Ontario between ages 18 to 29 planning on starting a new business in the North (cannot be an expansion of a current business owned by the entrepreneur or his/her relatives). The proposed business must operate full time and create at least one new job in Northern Ontario. Additionally, the entrepreneur must make a cash investment in the business of at least 10% of the conditional grant amount.

3. New Entrepreneur (CCR)

Ontario Centres of Excellence

Funding: Loan of up to $6,000 to each entrepreneur involved in the project (maximum of $18,000).

Details: Program supports pre-incorporated and early stage start-ups with unique and proprietary offerings which will have a national or worldwide market. Must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a Canadian college or university and be prepared to work on the project full time for a minimum of three months.


4. Start-up Financing Program

Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF)

Funding: Loan of up to $45,000 to launch a business.

Details: Must be between 18 and 39 years old with a complete and viable business plan. Must also live or operate the business in a community which offers the CYBF program through a community partner. Additionally, the business idea must create full-time sustainable employment for the applicant.

Note: If the applicant has received financing through this program and the business has been operating for 36-60 months, he/she may qualify for the CYBF Expansion Program, which provides up to $30,000 of additional loans.

5. Ontario Self-Employment Benefit


Funding: $423/week for 42 weeks to cover basic living expenses while the applicant develops and starts his/her business. An additional $1,000/month in dependent care costs (maximum of $2,000/household/month) is also available.

Details: The business must be a new business or an existing business in which the individual had no prior ownership. The applicant must be unemployed and

(a) have an established unemployment insurance (EI) benefit period;

(b) have had their EI benefit period end within the past three years; or

(c) was paid EI maternity or paternity benefits within the past five years and is re-entering the labour force.

6. VentureStart Program

Ontario Regional Innovation Centres

Funding: Maximum of $30,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs) to start a new technology business.

Details: Applicant must reside in Southern Ontario and intend to start the business in Southern Ontario. Further, the applicant must have graduated from a post-secondary program in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The business must have been in operation for less than a year and have received no more than $100,000 in investment or revenue.

7. Ontario Centres of Excellence – Talent Programs - Martin Walmsley Fellowship


*Application deadline was August 10, 2012, but may be offered again next year.

Funding: $50,000 per year for two years and up to 10% for pre-approved expenses (legal, consulting and patents).

Details: The program supports the transition of OCE-


funded research into innovative business ventures. Applicants must be nominated by OCE Business Development Managers.

8. Ontario Centres of Excellence – Talent Programs – OCE-OBI Entrepreneurial Fellowships


*Application deadline was May 28, 2012, but may be offered again next year.

Funding: $50,000 to pursue entrepreneurial/ commercialization endeavours.

Details: The fellowship’s goal is to establish neuroscience-related companies in Ontario. Applications are assessed based on the background and network of the applicant and the opportunity, concept/technology and the business plan.

C. Environmental Sustainability Funding

1. Northern Energy Program – Renewable Energy Planning Program


Funding: Up to 50% of eligible project costs (maximum of $100,000) for any renewable energy planning project.

Details: Must be a business in the energy sector that can demonstrate the capacity to bring the capital project to fruition.

Note: Assistance will take the form of forgivable performance loans or conditional contributions.

2. Northern Energy Program – Internal Energy Generation Program


Funding: Up to 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $250,000 for any one internal energy generation project.

Details: The company must intend to establish energy generation systems for its own use to reduce demand on external energy sources. The project must generate energy and result in energy and financial savings.

Note: Assistance will take the form of forgivable performance loans or conditional contributions.

3. Ontario Innovation Demonstration Fund


Funding: Up to 50% of eligible costs (minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $4 million per project).

Details: Must be an Ontario company with a Pilot Demonstration Project that commercializes “Green” processes or products in Ontario.

The project must provide a competitive advantage for Ontario or other significant benefits (environmental, economical, social, etc.) and must have proven to be viable.


4. Conservation Fund Ontario Power Authority

Funding: 50% to 100% (maximum of $250,000 to $1 million) of eligible costs.

Details: The project must develop innovative conservation initiatives and technologies, promote energy conservation and benefit one or more sectors of the economy.

5. NextGen Biofuels Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Funding: Repayable loan to help bridge the high capital expenditure financing gap for emerging technologies.

Details: The project must be located in Canada and proven to be profitable at a commercial scale. Additionally, it must be a First-of-Kind facility that primarily produces a Next-Generation Renewable Fuel at Large Demonstration-Scale and use feedstocks of Canadian biomass.

6. Sustainable Development Technology Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Funding: Non-repayable funding of up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing a product that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality.

Details: Must be part of a project consortium, must have expertise in sustainable development technology and must create a product or process that is used to produce and distribute energy, create electricity or remove pollutants in certain industry sectors.

7. ecoEnergy Efficient for Industry Program: ISO 50001

Natural Resources Canada

Funding: Maximum of $25,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs) to implement the CAN/CSA-ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard.

Details: Must be registered with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) as a Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) Leader and have its proposal approved by NRCan before any work begins.

8. ecoAgriculture Biofuels Capital Initiative

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

*The deadline for the construction or expansion of projects funded by this program is Sep. 30, 2012. However, only 36% of the $200 million in funding available to the program has been allocated.

Funding: Repayable contribution of up to $25 million to build or expand a biofuel factory using agricultural materials to make fuel for transportation.

Details: Must build the facility in Canada, supply at least 5% of the costs of the project and keep the factory for at least two years after construction is done and biofuel is being produced. Additionally, the company must use plant material, like corn, to make fuel like ethanol or biodiesel


and produce at least three to five million litres of fuel per year.

D. Science and Technology Funding

1. Investment Accelerator Fund


Funding: Up to a $500,000 investment to accelerate growth in manufacturing, information technology, cleantech or life sciences.

Details: Must have a total addressable market of at least $20 million, a viable plan to penetrate it and defensible intellectual property or a sustainable competitive advantage.

The company must pay 50% or more of its wages, salaries and fees to employees and contractors in Ontario.

The company’s total revenue must be less than $500,000 from the time of its incorporation until the time of investment by the program and the value of its total tangible assets must not exceed $500,000.

2. Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund


Funding: Initial investment of up to $5 million; aggregate investment of up to $25 million.

Details: The company must carry on business solely in clean technology, life science and advanced health technologies, or digital media and information communications technology. Must also have a Qualified Investor to co-invest.

3. Emerging Technology Program (Northern Ontario)


Funding: Non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 and repayable loans of up to $1 million for up to 50% of eligible costs.

Details: The company or consortium of companies must have operations located in Northern Ontario or the project must be undertaken in Northern Ontario. The project must create direct jobs and must be for the research, development and commercialization of technologies that results in net economic benefits for Northern Ontario.

4. Health Technology Commercialization Program

Ministry of Research and Innovation

*Deadline was Sep. 2011, but may be future rounds of funding.

Funding: Maximum contribution of 50% of total project funding for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and 15% of total project funding for the Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). Funding will take the form of (1) performance based loans, (2) convertible debentures, or


(3) performance based grants.

Details: Must be an Ontario based corporation operating in the Medical Technology sector. Must also commit to job creation and retention, have at least one partner and provide a portion of the total project funding through cash or in-kind contributions.

There are four streams of funding for projects at different stages of commercialization.

(1) Innovation and Development Program – for SMEs to advance a prototype towards commercialization.

(2) Technology Acceleration Program – for SMEs to advance through the development stage.

(3) Technology Implementation Program – for SMEs to perform clinical evaluations or technical assessments of innovation Medtech products.

(4) Ontario Flagship Program – for MNEs to support global research and development mandates in Ontario.

E. Innovation Funding

1. Ontario Centres of Excellence Commercialization Programs

Ontario Centres of Excellence

Funding: Loan of up to $100,000 to achieve a commercialization milestone.

Details: The company is required to match the loan. Further, it must have a unique and proprietary offering with a defensible IP that is the direct result of publicly funded research and a clearly identified addressable market.

2. Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Government of Canada

Funding: Loan of up to $500,000 to help develop, commercialize and market new products, processes, ideas and technologies.

Details: The company must employ a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 500 employees within the term of the loan. Additionally, it must operate in Southern Ontario and demonstrate job creation or retention in Southern Ontario.

3. FedNor Innovation Fund

Industry Canada - FEDNOR

Funding: Repayable and non-repayable contributions of up to 33% of eligible capital costs and up to 50% of eligible non-capital costs.

Details: The company must be located in Northern Ontario, have fewer than 500 employees and provide a minimum of 10% of the costs. Additionally, it must create or adapt technologies that can be marketed and create


jobs and financial growth in Northern Ontario.

The funding is to increase innovation in key industry sectors, such as biotechnology, the mining and forest industries, agri-food, information and communications technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.

4. Investing in Business Innovation

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Funding: Repayable contributions up to $1 million for no more than one third (33⅓% ) of total eligible and

supported project costs.

Details: The company must have fewer than 50 employees and be a registered business planning to undertake the commercialization activities in Southern Ontario.

Additionally, there must be an angel or venture capital investor committed to providing at least two thirds (66⅔% ) of the cash contribution toward eligible and

supported project costs.

5. Northern Ontario Development Program – Innovation Program

Industry Canada - FedNor

Funding: Repayable contributions for up to 33% of eligible capital costs and up to 50% of eligible non-capital costs.

Details: The company must have fewer than 500 employees and be located in Northern Ontario.

The project should be related to applied research and development (R&D) with commercial market potential and should increase the level of innovation, productivity, quality and competitiveness in key sectors, such as biotechnology, the mining and forest industries, agri-food, information and communications technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.

6. Level-Up! Ontario Regional Innovation Centres

and

MaRS

Funding: Maximum of $15,000 toward a business development project for early stage technology entrepreneurs.

Details: Applicant must commit $5,000 to the project and must be based in Ontario. The project must be completed within four months. Each round of funding has a different sector focus. The June 2012 round funded Life Sciences, Healthcare, Cleantech and Advanced Manufacturing. The next round will be in October 2012.

7. Achieving Innovation & Manufacturing Excellence – Northern Funding

Yves Landry Foundation

Funding: Grant of up to $50,000 to foster training that will lead to advancements in innovation within the manufacturing sector in Northern Ontario.

Details: The project must lead to growth in domestic or global export opportunities or create new or expanded


global markets.

The company must have between 10 and 500 employees, must have been continuously in business in Northern Ontario for at least three years and must have a manufacturing facility located in Northern Ontario.

Additionally, manufacturing must be the company’s only, or primary line of business.

8. Achieving Innovation & Manufacturing Excellence – Global Funding

Yves Landry Foundation

*Global funding program for Southern Ontario is fully subscribed, but a waiting list is being kept.

Funding: Grant of up to $50,000 to foster training that will lead to advancements in innovation within the manufacturing sector in Ontario.

Details: The company must have between 15 and 1500 employees, must have been continuously in business in Southern Ontario for at least three years and must have a manufacturing facility located in Southern Ontario.

The innovation must lead to new global export opportunities or create new global markets.

9. Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy


*Program has been paused as of 2010, but may continue in the future.

Funding: Loans of up to 10% of total project costs (maximum of $10 million per project).

Details: Must be a manufacturing company located in Ontario with a minimum project value of $50 million and must create/retain 150 or more high value jobs.

F. Research Funding

1. International Science and Technology Partnerships Program

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Funding: Up to 50% of the costs of the joint research project.

Details: Must partner with researchers in Brazil, China, India or Israel.

The project must be technologically feasible, for non-military purposes and have potential for commercial success.


2. Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Funding: Grant of up to 50% of eligible costs.

Details: Must have a research project in natural sciences or engineering that is scientifically and technically feasible. The project must also benefit Canada.

Must partner with a university and contribute at least half the costs.

3. Industry Partnership Programs – Engage Grants


Funding: Grant of up to $25,000 for up to six months. Funding is to foster the development of new research partnerships between an academic researcher and a company in the natural sciences or engineering fields.

Details: The company must operate from a Canadian base and demonstrate clear intentions to further develop and apply any technology for the benefit of the Canadian economy.

Additionally, an in-kind contribution from the company, reflecting their involvement in the project, is required.

4. Industry Partnership Programs – Collaborative Research and Development Grants


Funding: Grant of up to $500,000 per year for one to five years.

Details: The company must be Canadian-based and able to exploit the research results for the economic benefit of Canada. Additionally, the company must contribute to the direct project costs in an amount equal to, or greater than, the amount requested.

The project must be a collaboration between a business and an academic researcher at any point in the research and development spectrum.

5. Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative

Industry Canada Funding: Repayable loan of up to 30% of eligible project costs.

Details: The company must be a Canadian incorporated company that conducts research and development in the aerospace and defence industries.

The project must comprise either industrial research or pre-competitive development and must include strategic research and development activities. Further, it must comprise research and development that takes place in Canada and must involve collaboration with academia in Canada.

6. Global Commerce Support Program –

The Canadian Trade

Funding: Up to 75% of the eligible expenses (minimum of $5,000, maximum of $75,000).


Going Global Innovation

Commissioner Service

Details: Must be a Canadian researcher from a private company with fewer than 500 employees and less than $50 million in annual sales.

Must work with a foreign partner to solidify an international partnership for future research and development collaboration.

7. Industrial Research Assistance Program

National Research Council Canada

Funding: Non-repayable financial contributions for the research, development and commercialization of new technologies and to accelerate the adoption and adaption of these technologies.

Details: The business must have fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees. Its objective must be to grow and generate profits through development and commercialization of innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.

8. New Directions Research Program

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

*2011-2012 Call is closed. The next call will “likely be issued in the Summer of 2012”. (No further information as of 8/27/2012).

Details: Must be an organization with a demonstrated capacity to perform quality research. The proposed research must provide significant benefits or a unique competitive advantage for Ontario’s agri-food industry.

G. Agricultural Sector Funding

1. AgriProcessing Initiative


Funding: Grant of up to $2,000,000 or 50% of the cost of buying new equipment to update the manufacturing process.

Details: The company must transform raw agricultural products as the main part of its business and operate a processing facility in Canada.

Additionally, the company must have been in business as an agricultural processor for at least one year and buy equipment that is different from the kind the company already uses.

2. Matching Investment Fund

Canadian Diary Commission

Funding: Non-repayable contributions of up to $150,000 for product development projects on a matching basis.

Details: The company must make food, drinks or other products using milk, create a product that increases the use of milk and provide 50% of the costs of the project.


3. Agricultural Innovation Program – Knowledge Creation and Transfer Stream


Funding: Non-repayable support of up to $4 million, or up to 50% of eligible costs per project.

Details: Project must accelerate the pre-commercialization of new agri-practices, products and processes.

Note: Projects must be completed by March 31, 2013.

4. Agricultural Innovation Program – Commercialization Stream


Funding: Interest-free, repayable funding of up to $10 million, or up to 50% of eligible costs.

Details: The project must encourage the development and identification of new agricultural market opportunities.

Note: Projects must be completed by March 31, 2013.

5. AgriInvest Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Matching amount of up to $22,500 per year for agricultural producers that set aside savings to protect themselves against a decline in profits.

6. Farm Credit Canada Products and Services

Farm Credit Canada

Loan to a Canadian producer or agri-business to purchase and install on-farm energy sources such as biogas, geo-thermal and wind or solar power.

Loans or equity financing to purchase or improve land, buildings or equipment, buy quotas or livestock, expand a business domestically or export products, make environmental improvements, or fund diversification projects.

7. Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program


Repayable loan guarantee to help agricultural producers secure easier access to credit. Maximum of $500,000 for land and construction and $350,000 for all other loan purposes.

8. Advance Payments Program


Cash advance of up to 50% of the average market price of stored crops or unsold livestock. The limit on cash advances is $400,000 — the first $100,000 of which is interest-free.

9. Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program


*No longer accepting proposals, but may accept new proposals in the future.

This program provides repayable funding to help Canadian agricultural farmers and processors adapt to change.

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H. Export Funding

1. Export Market Access - A Global Expansion Program

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Funding: Grant of up to 50% of eligible costs incurred to develop export sales.

Details: The company must have a minimum of five employees to a maximum of 500 employees or be a partnership or consortium of small to medium sized exporters. Additionally, the applicant must have annual sales of $500,000 or more and be currently established and operating in Ontario. Further, the company must have been registered (federally or provincially) for minimum of two years.

2. Ontario Exporters Fund

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

and


Funding: Grant of 50% of eligible costs associated with hiring an experienced Export Manager (maximum of $80,000).

Details: The company must have a minimum of five employees to a maximum of 500 employees and have between $1 million and $20 million in sales. It must also operate in Ontario and must have been a registered company (federally or provincially) for a minimum of two years.

Additionally, the company must be in one of the following sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Building Products and Construction, Clean Technology (including renewable energy, smart grid and environmental technologies), Exportable Professional Services (e.g., Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning), Information and Communications Technology (including Digital Media), or Life Sciences.

3. Export Marketing Assistance Program

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

Funding: Up to 50% of eligible project costs (maximum of $10,000) for export marketing financial assistance.

Details: Must be a mining supply and services company established and operating in Northern Ontario with minimum annual sales of $500,000. Additionally, the company must have been registered (provincially or federally) for a minimum of two years.


4. Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters SMART Prosperity Now


Funding: Contribution of 33.3% of eligible costs (maximum of $75,000).

Details: Program is administered by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. Must be a manufacturer in Southern Ontario with between 15 and 1,000 employees. Further, must be an exporter or implementing a program that would make it an exporter and must have been incorporated for at least two years.

I. Market Development Funding

1. Prosperity Initiative – Regional Diversification


Funding: Repayable contributions of up to 50% of direct eligible capital project costs and up to 75% of direct eligible non-capital costs (maximum of $20 million).

Details: The company must have fewer than 1,000 employees and be based in Southern Ontario. Further, it must undertake projects that will establish new industries and diversify the economy of a region or community in Southern Ontario.

Note: All project activities must be completed by March 31, 2014.

2. Prosperity Initiative – Building a Competitive Advantage


Funding: Repayable contributions of up to 50% of direct eligible capital project costs and up to 75% of direct eligible non-capital project costs (maximum of $20 million).

Details: The company must have fewer than 1,000 employees and be based in Southern Ontario. The project must enhance economic clusters in Southern Ontario that are developing a significant position within the global economy.

Note: All project activities must be completed by March 31, 2014.


3. Eastern Ontario Development Program


Funding: The fund is administered by the 15 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC) in Eastern Ontario. Exact details on funding depends on one’s local CFDC office. Generally, funding is assessed on a first come first serve basis until all funding is committed and is capped at $100,000 per year and 50% of eligible costs.

Details: The program promotes economic development in Eastern Ontario. The project should be in the area of business development (projects that lead to the growth of businesses in Eastern Ontario), community innovation (projects that enhance and diversify local economies) or collaborative projects that involve or benefit multiple communities.

4. Health Technology Exchange Ontario Sells Program

The Health Technology Exchange

Funding: Performance-based loans of up to 50% of total project value, which is expected to be around $100,000.

Details: Funding is for projects targeting international sales of Ontario developed medical and assistive technologies (MATs) products. Applicant must be an Ontario based small to medium sized enterprise developing innovative MATs.

5. Eastern Ontario Development Fund – Business Stream


* To continue operation, the program requires an extension through Bill 11, Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act, 2012. The bill is currently before the Ontario Legislature, which resumes business in the fall of 2012. New guidelines could be implemented if Bill 11 is passed, but for reference purposes, the information for the previous year’s program is below.

Funding: Conditional grant of up to 15% of eligible project costs (maximum of $1.5 million per approved project) to promote the expansion and attraction of investment or business in Eastern Ontario.

Details: The company must be located in Eastern Ontario by the time the project starts. Further, the company must be in one of the following sectors: manufacturing, processing, business services, tourism, cultural industries, technology or green technologies.


6. VQA Wine Support Program


*Deadline was July 2012, but the program will run until 2014.

Funding: Grant of up to 30% of the supplier quote of Vintners Quality Alliance table wine sold through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario during the previous fiscal year.

Funds must be used for business development purposes only, such as product and sales growth, capital investment and marketing.

Details: Company must be a licensed winery or a corporation with a controlling interest in one or more licensed wineries. It must also have production and sales of Ontario Vintners Quality Alliance wines in Ontario. Further, the company must have certified the accuracy of sales data for Vintners Quality Alliance table wines sold through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario for the previous fiscal year with the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation.

7. Rural Economic Development Program

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

*Currently fully subscribed, but can apply to the program for next year.

This program provides up to 50% funding support to projects that benefit rural Ontario. All applicants must share in the risks of the project, invest in the project and have a vested interest in completing the project.


J. Media Funding

1. OMDC Interactive Digital Media Fund

Ontario Media Development Corporation

Funding: Non-refundable contribution of up to $150,000 to a maximum of 50% of the project budget to create a market-ready interactive digital media content product.

Details: Must be a screen-based company that is involved in the creation of complete content products. The company must be Ontario-based and Canadian-owned and-controlled. Further, the company must have demonstrated in-house expertise in the creation of content for interactive platforms, networks or devices and must be an ongoing entity with a plan to continue creating interactive digital media content products.

2. Canada Media Fund – Convergent Stream

Canada Media Fund

Funding: Licence-fee top-ups, equity investments, and repayable contributions that are paid directly to applicant producers.

Details: Project must be a multi-platform Canadian project that provides content on at least two distribution platforms, one of which is television. Further, the digital media component must be rich, interactive content such as games, interactive web content, on-demand content, podcasts, webisodes, and mobisodes. The project must be in one of the following genres: drama, documentary, children’s and youth, and variety and performing arts.

3. Canada Media Fund – Experimental Stream

Canada Media Fund

Funding: Repayable advance, recoupable investment or recoupable advance for up to 75% ($1 million maximum) of eligible project costs.

Details: The project must be digital media content or application software that is innovative, interactive and connected to the Canadian cultural sector.

The business must be a taxable Canadian corporation that is Canadian-controlled and has its head office based in Canada, or a Canadian broadcaster licensed to operate by the Canadian Radio-television & Telecommunications Commission.


4. Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada Funding: Repayable advance for a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of 80% of eligible project costs.

Details: Business must be a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation with a head office located in Canada. It must operate as a feature film production company. Further, it must have produced at least one Canadian fictional film that was theatrically released in Canada in the last five years, and own at least 20% of the Canadian copyright in such film(s).

5. Canada Periodical Fund

Canadian Heritage

*Deadline was December 12, 2011, but may be offered in the future.

Details: The fund provides financial assistance to Canadian print magazines, non-daily newspapers and digital periodicals.

The Aid to Publishers funding component is distributed proportionally according to the number of eligible copies distributed by each recipient. The funds can be used for the creation of content, production, marketing, distribution, website development, or to create a digital periodical.

The Business Innovation component provides up to $25,000 (up to 75% of eligible costs) to small and mid-sized print magazine and digital periodical publishing firms.

The Collective Initiatives component provides up to 75% of eligible costs for projects designed to increase the overall sustainability of the Canadian print magazine, digital periodical and non-daily newspaper industries.

6. Canada Book Fund Canadian Heritage

*Deadline was April 1, 2012, but may be available next year.

Funding: Maximum financial contribution of $905,000 to produce, market and distribute Canadian-authored books.

Details: Publisher must be at least 75% Canadian-owned and controlled, have its headquarters and at least 75% of its employees based in Canada, be a private-sector firm or university press and have fulfilled all contractual obligations with respect to author royalty payments or other method of payment to authors, from the beginning of the reference year through to the end of any contribution agreement.


7. OMDC Export Fund Ontario Media Development Corporation

*Deadline was May 2012, but may be available next year.

Funding: Up to 50% of eligible expenses (monetary maximum varies depending on company specific details).

Details: Program is open to export-ready film and television producers, music companies, book publishers and interactive digital media content producers.

The company must be Ontario-based and Canadian-controlled and must have been in operation in Ontario for at least one year. Additionally, the company must have an export development plan for a slate of products or projects with defined, achievable and measurable business development goals.

K. Tourism and Infrastructure Development Funding

1. Infrastructure and Community Development Program


Funding: Funding includes conditional contributions, forgivable performance loans and repayable loans.

Infrastructure projects: Up to 50% of project costs (maximum of $1 million).

Community Development Projects: Up to 50% of project costs (maximum of $50,000).

Details: Eligible infrastructure projects include but are not limited to: industrial parks, winter road projects, waterfront development and community facilities for economic development purposes (e.g. call centres).

Eligible community development projects include but are not limited to: identifying sectoral research projects, small capital projects, and development opportunities which contribute to the program’s overall objectives and create direct jobs.

2. Tourism Development Fund

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Funding: Grant contribution (no maximum amount).

Details: Project should enhance the competitiveness of Ontario’s tourism products and experiences and support industry development and increased visitation. Eligible initiatives include tourism planning, tourism training, product and experience development and activities that support tourism investment or reinvestment.


3. Tourism Event Marketing Program

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership

Funding: Non-repayable grant of up to $200,000 toward the cost of marketing and promoting the event or festival in Ontario.

Details: Must be an Ontario based public tourism event that is either a new event, an existing event targeting a new market, or an existing event using a new advertising medium.

4. Industry Partnership Proposal Program

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership

Funding: Maximum of $60,000 (up to 40% of eligible project costs).

Details: Must be an Ontario tourism industry marketing organization (individuals and individual businesses are not eligible). Project should support the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Marketing Plan, develop Ontario as a four season destination, increase the number of tourists or their length of stay or lead to increased tourism revenues.

L. General Financing and Tax Refunds

1. BDC Financing Business Development Bank of Canada

Financing available to buy a business, sell a business, obtain working capital, finance an equipment purchase, finance land and building purchases, or expand into new markets.

2. Canada Small Business Financing Program

Industry Canada Funding: Maximum loan of $500,000, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment.

Details: Must be a small businesses in Canada with gross annual revenues of $5 million or less and must not be a farming business. Loans may be used for purchasing or improving land, real property or immovables, purchasing new or existing leasehold improvements and purchasing or improving new or used equipment.


3. Community Futures Program

Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

and


Funding: Repayable financing of up to $150,000 through loans, loan guarantees or equity investments.

Details: Must be located in rural Eastern and Southern Ontario or Northern Ontario and be a small or medium sized business. Funding decisions are made by local Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC). The program supports start-up, expansion or stabilization plans that help maintain or create jobs.

4. Gasoline used in Unlicensed Business Equipment

Ministry of Revenue (Ontario)

Funding: Tax refund of the taxes paid on gasoline used in unlicensed business equipment. Must apply for the refund within four years of the date the tax was paid.

Details: Must have used the gasoline in Ontario for business, industrial or institutional purposes and must have paid tax to Ontario on the gasoline used. Additionally, the equipment used must not be licensed or required to be licensed under the Highway Traffic Act. Further, the equipment must not be used for recreation or pleasure.

5. Tax Refund for Power Takeoff Equipment

Ministry of Finance (Ontario)

Funding: Tax refund of the taxes paid on fuel used in power takeoff (PTO) equipment. Must apply for the refund within four years of the date the tax was paid.

Details: Must use the PTO equipment in Ontario and the power from the PTO equipment must not propel the motor vehicle. The PTO equipment must use fuel from the licensed vehicle’s operating fuel tank and the motor vehicle must not be used to transport passengers. Additionally, the PTO equipment must not be used for personal use, pleasure or recreation.

sources

Ontario Business Program Guide, online: <http://www.ontario.ca/en/business_program/categories/ONT04_036384.html?category=&sOrder=Asc&itemCount=200>.

Canada Business Network, online: <http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/program/search/>

http://www.ontario.ca/en/business_program/categories/ONT04_036384.html?category=&sOrder=Asc&itemCount=200

http://www.ontario.ca/en/business_program/categories/ONT04_036384.html?category=&sOrder=Asc&itemCount=200

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/program/search/

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