Starting a business in Northern Ontario often means higher upfront costs and fewer local funding options. Invest North – Launch is designed to help new businesses cover early capital expenses so they can start operations and create local jobs. The program is delivered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and is currently open to eligible startups.
Invest North – Launch is a non-repayable funding program for businesses starting up operations in Northern Ontario. It supports a wide range of industries, including retail and service-based businesses, not just tech or innovation-focused startups.
To be eligible, your business must meet all of the following:
Operate in Northern Ontario
Your project location must fall within the NOHFC’s defined Northern Ontario region. This is a strict requirement.
Be a startup or early-stage business
The program targets businesses that are launching or in the very early stages of operations.
Be a for-profit business
Not-for-profits are not eligible under Invest North – Launch.
Operate in an eligible sector
Eligible sectors include:
Funding amounts are not fixed. The total contribution for each project is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, and funding is competitive. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval.
Invest North – Launch focuses on capital and startup-related costs, not day-to-day operations. Eligible expenses include:
The program does not fund ongoing operating costs or routine maintenance.
If you’re unsure whether a cost qualifies, GrantHub’s program details can help you compare eligibility by expense type, location, and business stage.
Applications are reviewed in steps by NOHFC:
Confirm regional eligibility
Before starting, confirm your project address is within Northern Ontario. Applications outside the region are screened out early.
Prepare your project plan and budget
You will need:
Submit your application to NOHFC
Applications are submitted directly through the NOHFC intake process.
Staff review and due diligence
NOHFC staff assess:
Board decision
Final funding decisions are made by the NOHFC Board of Directors. Funding is limited, and not all eligible projects receive approval.
Applying without confirming your location
Many applications fail because the business is outside the Northern Ontario boundary.
Including ineligible operating costs
Rent, utilities, and ongoing expenses weaken your budget and can delay review.
Underestimating documentation
Missing quotes or vague budgets raise red flags during due diligence.
Assuming funding amounts are guaranteed
There is no standard maximum. The board decides funding levels case by case.
Q: Is Invest North – Launch a loan or a grant?
Invest North – Launch is a non-repayable grant, subject to NOHFC terms and board approval. Repayment is not required if you meet all program conditions.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
There is no fixed maximum amount. Funding levels vary by project and are determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors.
Q: Can retail and service businesses apply?
Yes. Retail and service-based startups are explicitly eligible under Invest North – Launch.
Q: Are in-kind contributions allowed?
Yes. In-kind contributions may be included but must be clearly documented and approved as part of your application.
Q: What expenses are most commonly approved?
Equipment purchases, building upgrades, IT investments, and limited marketing and training costs are commonly funded when tied directly to launching operations.
If you’re planning a startup in Northern Ontario, Invest North – Launch can help offset major upfront costs during your first phase of growth. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including regional programs like this one, so you can see which options match your business profile before you apply.
See also:
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