Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP)
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) provides for-profit innovative companies with non-repayable funding to support projects that promote business growth and market expansion and are critical for the development and commercialization of new innovations.
Offered by Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION)
Amount
50% of eligible costs, before tax, at one of four funding levels: $2,500 grant for a minimum project spend of $5,000 up to a $10,000 grant for a minimum project spend of $20,000; companies may access SFEP funding twice, each time for a grant of up to $10,000
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Eligible companies must meet IION’s innovation mandate and client eligibility. Companies must have invented or refreshed a product or process by having a proprietary product, software or technology that they are commercializing or significantly refreshing a process through automation / robotics. Before completing the application, confirm that you are an eligible IION client.
Eligible projects must demonstrate and create measurable results for your business and have the potential to create jobs and increase revenues.
- Innovative, growth-oriented for-profit companies
- Companies registered and operating in one of IION's service districts: Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka
- Companies operating the business full-time
- Companies must have a business model and strategy that validates forecasted sales and employment growth
- Companies seeking assistance for developing, commercializing, or scaling their innovative product or processthat has the potential to increase revenue and employment
Can my business apply if I'm pre-revenue with no employees?
- Yes, early-stage or pre-revenue businesses can apply, but only if they’ve demonstrated real progress toward launching and growth. Applicants must have a strong business case supported by market research and should have a minimum viable product. While you don’t need employees yet, your application should clearly show how the project will lead to growth and job creation within the IION catchment area. The program isn’t intended for idea-stage businesses.
Registered and operating in the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka
Have invented or refreshed a product, or process
Operate full-time, ready to act
Have the desire to scale and grow their business
For-profit, innovative businesses, with under 500 employees
A service-based business is only eligible if the service is built around something innovative that you own or control, like a proprietary product or process.
Examples of eligible vs. ineligible service companies
- Eligible:
- A marketing company that has created a proprietary analytics platform that they use internally and sell to other marketing firms.
- A health service using a patented diagnostic process and integrating the newest technologies to create their own products.
- A manufacturing company that is incorporating robots and automation into their process to increase efficiency.
About the funding
The SFEP will support 50% of eligible costs, before tax, at one of three funding levels:
- Level 1: $2,500 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $5,000
- Level 2: $5,000 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $10,000
- Level 3: $7,500 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $15,000
Show all funding details
- Level 4: $10,000 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $20,000
***Companies may access the SFEP funding twice, each time for a grant of up to $10,000. To be considered for a second grant, the proposed projects and activities must be independent from previously funded work & companies must demonstrate the impact of the initial project.
If successful, how does the funding work?
- Approved companies must register as an IION client, the registration link will be emailed to you once approved.
- Approved companies have until March 1, 2027 to complete the project(s) outlined in the application.
- IION will process one reimbursement at the end of the project. The company is required to pay the contractors invoices, including any HST applicable, then submit a claim to IION for 50% reimbursement, up to the grant amount (no HST). The claim must include all final invoices and proof of payment.
- Companies will be reimbursed via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) upon receipt of the claim with the final invoice(s) and proof of payment
The SFEP supports projects in three categories. All project costs must be with a third-party contractor/vendor.
- Market Growth & Expansion
- Product Development
- Productivity Enhancement
Market Growth & Expansion
- Tradeshow attendance/exhibiting and associated travel costs
- Design/development of branding and select promotional materials (video, print, audio)
- Market Research
- Sales/marketing plans
- Label design
Product Development
- Equipment/software to prototype
- Product certifications
- Prototype development (engineering, design, machining/fabrication)
- Software development (if it does not involve Artificial Intelligence- Ignite AI supports those costs)
- Trial testing
Productivity/Business Enhancements
- Equipment/software related to the core business offering
- Intellectual Property research & protection
- Business strategies
- Export development
- Training & certifications
- Productivity/lean manufacturing studies & implementation
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) – Business Projects | Loan, Grant | Performance-based loan of up to a maximum of 30% of eligible project costs (forgivable portion to a maximum of 50% of the loan amount) | Open |
| Grassroots Growth Initiative | Grant | Up to 50% of eligible project costs | Open |
| Ontario Together Trade Fund | Grant, Loan | Up to $5 million | Open |
| Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream | Grant, Loan | Up to 15% of eligible project costs | Open |
