Incorporated SMEs including Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, Inuit) businesses, with fewer than 500 employees
Services
FedNor Northern Ontario Development Program
FedNor program investing in Northern Ontario projects that facilitate access to capital, modernize operational and management processes, and increase trade, exports and access to new markets for SMEs. The Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) priority targets incorporated SMEs with fewer than 500 employees in key industry sectors, with priority to manufacturers and value-added businesses in mining supply, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy and agri-food. Repayable contributions; repayment normally begins no later than one year after project completion.
Overview
FedNor program investing in Northern Ontario projects that facilitate access to capital, modernize operational and management processes, and increase trade, exports and access to new markets for SMEs. The Business Growth and Competitiveness (BG&C) priority targets incorporated SMEs with fewer than 500 employees in key industry sectors, with priority to manufacturers and value-added businesses in mining supply, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy and agri-food. Repayable contributions; repayment normally begins no later than one year after project completion.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | repayable contribution |
| Level | federal |
| Region | Northern Ontario |
| Administrator | Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) |
| Intake status | Open but limited budget availability due to high demand; contact a FedNor officer to discuss your project before applying |
| Non-US bias | No US-specific restriction; expressly increases trade, exports and access to new markets |
Eligibility
Priority given to manufacturers and value-added businesses in mining supply, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy and agri-food sectors
Retail/wholesale, construction, tourism and service-based businesses are not eligible
Must demonstrate a sustainable business model, normally supported by 2 years of operations, and the financial capacity to complete the project
Project benefits must accrue to Northern Ontario
All applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements
What it covers
Increased trade, exports and access to new markets
Access to capital, modernization of operational and management processes
Capacity building and competitiveness improvements for SMEs in key industry sectors
Value-added product development and diversification of traditional industries
Incremental, directly project-related costs (per contribution agreement)
Market and diversification rules
Project benefits must accrue to Northern Ontario
No target-market restrictions; new markets and export growth are explicit objectives
How to apply
Contact a FedNor officer to discuss your project before submitting an application
Submit an application through the FedNor self-service portal (two-phase process)
Work with FedNor on the contribution agreement; repayment terms are set during agreement development
Stacking notes
No published stacking cap; all government funding sources must be disclosed
Repayment normally begins no later than one year after project completion
Notes
NODP also includes a Community Economic Development priority for municipalities, First Nations and non-profit organizations
FedNor separately delivers the REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity stream and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Program page (2025-12-06) notes limited budget availability due to high demand
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
Book a free readiness call
Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
Book a free readiness call