If your business or organization operates in Northern Ontario, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) can be a significant funding source for eligible businesses. The fund supports job creation, business growth, and community development across the region through a mix of grants, loans, and forgivable loans.
Unlike one-off grant programs, NOHFC is an ongoing funding body with multiple streams. That means knowing how to apply and whether you’re eligible matters just as much as having a strong project idea.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is a Government of Ontario agency dedicated to economic development in Northern Ontario. It funds projects that strengthen local economies, create jobs, and attract long-term investment.
NOHFC funding is delivered through several program streams, which may offer:
The exact funding type and amount depend on the stream and your project.
Before you start an application, use this checklist to see if your project is likely to qualify.
✅ Your business or organization is located in Northern Ontario
NOHFC only funds projects physically based in Northern Ontario communities.
✅ You are an eligible applicant type, such as:
✅ Your project supports economic development, including:
✅ Your project costs are eligible
Eligible expenses vary by stream but often include equipment, construction, and some labour costs. Operating expenses are typically limited or excluded.
If you’re unsure which stream fits your situation, GrantHub lists programs by province and business type.
The NOHFC application process has more steps than some other grants. Start early to avoid delays.
NOHFC does not use a single application for all funding. Each stream has its own focus, eligibility rules, and assessment criteria.
Your project scope, budget, and job impact will determine which stream you should apply to.
Most applications require:
Strong applications clearly show how the project benefits the Northern Ontario economy.
Applications are submitted online through NOHFC’s official portal. Intake periods may vary by stream, and some funding decisions are made on a rolling basis.
After submission, NOHFC staff review your application. According to NOHFC guidance, decisions can take several weeks to a few months depending on project size and complexity.
There is no single funding amount under the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Funding levels depend on:
Some streams provide smaller grants for early-stage projects, while others support large-scale investments through loans or forgivable loans.
Applying without a Northern Ontario location
Virtual offices or future plans to relocate are usually not enough. Your project must be based in Northern Ontario.
Overstating job creation numbers
NOHFC closely reviews employment projections. Inflated numbers can hurt your credibility.
Submitting incomplete financials
Missing budgets or weak cash flow projections are a common reason for delays or rejection.
Choosing the wrong funding stream
Each stream has different goals. A mismatch can sink an otherwise strong project.
Q: Is NOHFC funding a grant or a loan?
NOHFC funding can be a grant, a loan, or a forgivable loan depending on the program stream and project outcomes.
Q: Who can apply for NOHFC funding?
Eligible applicants include Northern Ontario businesses, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profits, and public sector entities.
Q: What types of projects does NOHFC fund?
NOHFC supports projects focused on business growth, job creation, infrastructure, and community economic development.
Q: How long does the NOHFC application process take?
Timelines vary, but decisions often take several weeks to a few months after submission, depending on project size and complexity.
Q: Is NOHFC funding taxable?
Funding may be considered taxable income in some cases. Always confirm with your accountant before accepting funding.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is a valuable resource, but it’s not the only funding option available to Northern Ontario businesses. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada, including provincial and regional funding.
You can use GrantHub to find programs that fit your location, industry, and growth stage—so you spend your time on the applications that fit your business best.
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