Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario.
Offered by Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Amount
Up to 15% of eligible project costs; loans up to 15% to a maximum of $5 million, interest free during the project period (up to four years), with up to 30% of the loan (to a maximum of $500,000) forgivable; grants only in specific circumstances, up to 15% to a maximum of $500,000 for small companies in rural communities or $1.5 million for strategic projects
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
The fund supports business and organizations in advanced manufacturing sectors, including:
- aerospace
- automotive
- chemical
- information and communications technology (ICT)
- life sciences
- steel
To be eligible, businesses need to:
- have at least three years of operations/financial statements
- employ at least 10 people
- commit to creating at least five new jobs and/or upskilled current jobs
- invest at least $500,000 in their project
- be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in Ontario
Restrictions
You are not allowed to combine (or stack) AMIC funding with funding from other provincial programs.
Successful projects must:
- align with the fund’s goals of supporting advanced manufacturing
- support job creation or upskilling
- provide economic benefits
- be achievable (for example, applicants need to have the necessary financing, project management structure and experience to implement the project)
- Is your organization an incorporated for-profit business in the Advanced Manufacturing sector with a plan to invest in Ontario?
Note: sole proprietorships and start-ups are not eligible for the program.
- Does your organization (or parent company) have a minimum 3 years of substantive operations supported by 3 years of externally reviewed financial statements? Applicants will be required to supply financial statements.
- Is your project an eligible project that will be completed in 3-4 years? (see definitions of eligible and ineligible projects below)
Eligible projects include:
- adopt/adapt innovative technologies that support productivity, improve competitiveness
- invest in new equipment to scale up and grow their business increase exports to global markets, and reshore jobs and production
- accelerate growth through new enhanced processes and more efficient and cost-effective ways of working
About the funding
Up to 15% of eligible project costs.
Loans
Up to 15% of funding to a maximum of $5 million, interest free during the project period (up to four years).
If you achieve your investment and job or upskilling targets, up to 30% of the loan (to a maximum of $500,000) may be forgiven.
Show all funding details
Grants
Grants are available only for specific circumstances, up to 15% to a maximum:
- of $500,000 for small companies located in rural communities
- small and rural is defined as: a company and any of its related companies totaling less than 100 FTEs; and located in a municipality with a population of less than 100,000 people, or a population density of 100 people per square kilometre or less, as identified in the most recent Statistics Canada Census of Canadian population
- of $1.5 million for strategic projects that are foreign direct investments or from companies competing against other jurisdictions or companies with significant reshoring projects
- strategic projects are foreign direct investments or from companies competing against other jurisdictions or companies with significant reshoring projects
- reshoring is defined as a company: bringing manufacturing (for example, a full line or component) in house that is currently manufactured, outsourced or subcontracted at a location outside of Canada or manufacturing a product/component in Ontario to supply an Ontario manufacturer that currently sources that component from outside of Canada
- to be viewed as significant, the project must lead to a minimum of 15 new jobs in Ontario
Complementary supports and services
Complementary supports and services are available when you submit a completed application. This could include:
- advisory services to help you navigate other government programs, such as guidance on compliance approvals
- help with skills and talent
- health and safety
- environmental
These services are available for the duration of your project regardless of the funding outcome. Services will be coordinated by working with partner ministries until they are delivered, closed-out or finalized.
It will provide investments in:
- capital equipment
- technology adoption
- skills development
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AgriScience Program – Projects | Grant, In-Kind Support | Up to $5 million per project and $10 million per applicant over the program's duration (2023 to 2028) | 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 |
| BDC Small business loan | Loan | Up to $350,000 per BDC Small Business Loan: up to $100K (up to 6 months interest-only payments, 5-year amortization) or over $100K and up to $350K (up to 12 months interest-only payments, up to 8-year amortization) | Open |
| 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 |
