INVEST North Program: Investment – Launch Stream
Invest North Launch The Invest North Program is designed to boost economic growth in Northern Ontario by encouraging businesses to invest in transformative, strategic and complementary business development opportunities in Northern Ontario communities. The program will support productivity, innovation, business competitiveness, revenue growth, export capacity development, job creation and retention. The Launch program is designed specifically to assist with the launch of new businesses in Northern Ontario.
Offered by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
Amount
Up to $200,000
Conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $200,000
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Businesses starting up operations in Northern Ontario.
Before you begin, check if you fall within the eligible region of Northern Ontario.
Are professional service businesses eligible for funding under this program?
Yes, professional service businesses, as defined by NOHFC, are eligible for funding under this program, where the new business is starting operations in a small community with no existing full-time service provider or no reasonable access to those services is available within an adjacent urban centre. Your proposal must demonstrate how the additional service offering will improve quality of life.
Are tourism businesses potentially eligible given that the Invest North – Launch program guidelines reference accommodation services as ineligible?
Many tourism businesses that offer accommodation may qualify for the program. This includes businesses that serve as destinations for visitors who stay for longer periods (like remote outfitters or family vacation resorts). However, businesses that mainly provide overnight stays for travelers (such as hotels and motels) do not qualify.
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.
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.
About the funding
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.
Funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible
project costs to a maximum of $200,000.
Combined Federal and Provincial government funding may not exceed 50%
Show all funding details
of eligible project costs.
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 project costs or $75,000)
- Third-party training costs (up to 20% of project costs)
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| INVEST North Program: Investment – Grow Stream | Grant, Loan | Conditional contribution only of up to 20% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $400,000 | Open |
| INVEST North Program: Investment – Locate Stream | 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 |
| Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program | Grant, Loan | AAFC contribution normally not exceeding $1 million per project, generally not more than $5 million over 5 years for each applicant | Open |
