If your business operates in Northern Ontario, the INVEST North Program is one of the province’s most important funding tools. Delivered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), INVEST North supports business growth, new startups, expansion into the region, and commercialization of innovation. Each stream targets a different stage of business — and choosing the right one can mean the difference between a strong application and a rejected one.
Below is a clear, practical breakdown of the Grow, Launch, Locate, and Innovation streams, with a detailed overview of Invest North – Grow, the most commonly used option by established businesses.
INVEST North is a competitive, province-backed funding program for businesses located in eligible regions of Northern Ontario. You may receive funding as a conditional contribution, a repayable loan, or both. The stream and project risk determine the type.
All streams focus on:
The Invest North – Grow stream supports existing businesses that are scaling operations in Northern Ontario.
You may qualify if:
Funding is structured in three possible ways:
Applications are reviewed in competitive rounds, with detailed business plan deadlines typically on:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your expansion project fits the Grow stream before you invest time in a full business plan.
The Launch stream supports startups and new businesses establishing operations in Northern Ontario.
Typical use cases include:
Funding amounts are smaller than Grow, but expectations around job creation and owner involvement are similar.
The Locate stream helps businesses relocate or open a new facility in Northern Ontario.
It is commonly used by:
Eligible costs often include relocation expenses, facility setup, and equipment purchases.
The Innovation stream supports technology development and commercialization, either by a private business alone or through a public–private partnership.
The Innovation stream also includes sub-streams that support Industrial Research Chairs. These sub-streams may offer funding of up to $1 million, covering up to 50% of eligible costs for a period of up to five years. However, eligibility for Industrial Research Chair funding generally requires a partnership between a post-secondary institution and industry, and specific application guidelines apply. For the latest eligibility details, consult the NOHFC or Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
Applying under the wrong stream
Grow is for expansion — not startups. Launch is for startups — not scale-ups.
Underestimating private funding requirements
INVEST North rarely covers more than 20–50% of total costs.
Weak job creation justification
Projects must show clear, measurable economic impact in Northern Ontario.
Missing competitive intake deadlines
Late business plans are not reviewed.
Q: Is INVEST North a grant or a loan?
It can be either. Funding may be a conditional contribution, a repayable loan, or a combination, depending on the stream and project risk.
Q: Can I apply if my business is outside Northern Ontario?
Only if the project involves locating or relocating operations into an eligible Northern Ontario region.
Q: Do I need a full business plan?
Yes. Grow and Locate streams require a detailed business plan as part of competitive intake rounds.
Q: Can marketing costs be funded?
Yes, but only up to 20% of eligible costs or $75,000 under the Grow stream.
Q: Can I stack INVEST North with other grants?
Often yes, but total government funding caps apply. Stacking must be disclosed and approved.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada — including regional programs like INVEST North — so you can quickly see what stacking options fit your business profile.
If you’re expanding, launching, relocating, or commercializing innovation in Northern Ontario, the INVEST North Program should be on your shortlist. Matching your project to the correct stream and applying at the right time is essential. GrantHub offers resources to compare INVEST North with other provincial and federal programs, helping you make informed decisions about your funding options.
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