Businesses growing existing operations in Northern Ontario (all areas north of and including the Districts of Parry Sound and Nipissing; eligibility expanded to include the District of Muskoka in 2025-26)
Services
NOHFC Invest North - Grow
Northern Ontario funding (conditional contribution and/or loan, up to 50% of eligible costs) that helps existing northern businesses grow, boost competitiveness and build export capacity, including marketing for new products and business initiatives.
Overview
Northern Ontario funding (conditional contribution and/or loan, up to 50% of eligible costs) that helps existing northern businesses grow, boost competitiveness and build export capacity, including marketing for new products and business initiatives.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | conditional contribution and/or term loan |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | Ontario |
| Administrator | Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth |
| Cost share | 20% |
| Max per project | $1,000,000 |
| Budget | $110,000,000 |
| Intake status | Open - four competitive rounds per year (detailed business plan deadlines Jan 31, Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31) |
| Non-US bias | Tariff-response refocus: prioritizes domestic (interprovincial) partnerships, procurement from Ontario and Canadian businesses, and fast-tracking sectors or communities impacted by U.S. tariffs |
Eligibility
Retail and consumer service businesses that primarily earn revenue directly from individuals, accommodation and food service businesses are ineligible
Beverage alcohol manufacturing (distilleries, breweries, wineries, cideries) is not eligible under Invest North; the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness has separate beverage supports
Business owners must work at the business on a full-time basis
Projects must demonstrate job creation, investment leverage, a strong business plan, net economic benefits to Northern Ontario, and no unreasonable impact on existing northern businesses
The NOHFC Board may consider exceptions for projects addressing a priority economic need in Northern Ontario
What it covers
Building construction and upgrading of leased spaces
Purchase of new or used equipment
Land development costs
Investments in information technology and communications
Marketing for new products and business initiatives (limited to 20% of eligible project costs or $75,000, whichever is less)
Third-party training costs (limited to 20% of eligible project costs)
Ineligible
ongoing operating costs including maintenance, in-kind contributions, restructuring or refinancing of existing operations, land purchase/lease, and working capital
Market and diversification rules
Funding options
(1) conditional contribution up to 20% of eligible costs to a maximum of $400,000; (2) contribution up to 20% (max $400,000) plus a term loan up to 30% of eligible costs (max $600,000); (3) term loan only up to 50% of eligible costs (max $1,000,000)
Marketing support is limited to 20% of eligible costs or $75,000; used to launch new products or businesses into new markets
NOHFC consent is required to sell or move funded assets out of Northern Ontario for up to three years after funding
Program explicitly supports revenue growth and export capacity development
How to apply
Check regional eligibility for the Northern Ontario service area
Submit an initial application via the NOHFC portal (myportal.nohfc.ca)
NOHFC reviews the application against program guidelines and may request additional information
For eligible projects, submit a detailed business plan by the round deadline (Round 1
April 30, Round 2: July 31, Round 3: October 31, Round 4: January 31)
The NOHFC Board of Directors makes the final funding decision; funding is not guaranteed and limited funding is available
Stacking notes
NOHFC accepts stacking of other government funding; combined federal and provincial funding limits vary by stream (check program guidelines for the applicable cap)
Applications are evaluated in competitive rounds; limited funding is available
Notes
NOHFC annual budget of $110 million in 2025-26 through 2026-27 (an additional $30 million over three years announced January 2025)
Invest North Program has six streams
Innovation, Innovation - Industrial Research Chair, Investment - Launch, Investment - Grow, Investment - Locate, and Regional Tile Drainage
Innovation stream also supports commercialization costs including in-person or virtual trade show assistance and marketing material design (limited to 20% of eligible costs)
Refocused in June 2025 to prioritize investments protecting northern industries and jobs and mitigating the impacts of U.S. tariffs; 2026-27 letter of direction prioritizes domestic supply-chain partnerships and Ontario/Canadian procurement
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.
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