At NorthBridge, we keep up to date on all the most recent government funding updates, intake announcements and upcoming grant deadlines in Canada so you don’t have to. Each month, we will be providing a summary of the most important news in government funding. Get in touch today to learn more about each program and assess your eligibility.

For: Southern Ontario-based companies looking to take on innovative projects

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) has opened applications for the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program, which provides interest-free loans to develop, commercialize, or produce innovative products, processes, and services; improve productivity, capacity, and competitiveness; or scale-up and expand to develop new business opportunities, enter new markets, or reach new customers. Spring 2024 intake priorities include clean economic growth, growth companies, technology, and industrial transition; this includes projects that support zero-emission vehicles, housing manufacturing innovation, and inclusive growth and regional coverage.

Applications to the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program will be accepted until June 24, 2024.

For: Indigenous-owned businesses looking to work on sustainability projects

Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Designated and First Nations streams of the Indigenous Leadership Fund provides support to Indigenous organizations, including businesses and corporations, in undertaking renewable energy, energy efficiency, or low-carbon heating projects that provide benefits to Indigenous peoples. Both streams are accepting applications on an ongoing basis until March 31, 2027, or until the $7.399 million in funding for the Designated stream and $73.9 million in funding for the First Nations stream are fully allocated.

Full applications to the Indigenous Leadership Fund are due by May 7, 2024.

For: Nova Scotia-based agri-businesses looking to increase competitiveness and adaptivity

Through the $3.5-billion Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Planning New Opportunities Program supports Nova Scotia farms and agri-businesses in increasing competitiveness, managing transition, developing risk management strategies, and responding to change. Applications to the program are due by September 30, 2024.

Applications to the Planning New Opportunities Program will be accepted until September 30, 2024.

For: BC-based collaborations looking to develop a solution to an industry problem in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences

Delivered through Innovate BC, Ignite BC funds collaborative projects working to develop innovative technologies which solve industry problems in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences. The program aims to strengthen academic-industry partnerships, talent development, and market-driven research and development, while enhancing British Columbia’s economic development.

Applications to Ignite BC are due by July 8, 2024.

For: Black and POC-owned production companies looking to complete French or English language linear audiovisual projects

Through the Canada Media Fund, the Program for Racialized Communities provides support to production companies owned and controlled by people of colour. Up to 60% of development or production costs can be covered in genres including Drama, Documentary, Children and Youth, and Variety and Performing Arts.

Intake to the Program for Racialized Communities will open on May 21, 2024, and close on June 6, 2024.

For: Southern Ontario-based SMEs looking to commercialize genomics and engineering biology technologies

The $11.6-million BioCreate program, funded through Ontario Genomics and FedDev, aims to boost the Ontario genomics industry by providing funding and mentorship to SMEs completing projects in the health, food and agriculture, and cleantech sectors related to genomics/engineering biology-enable products and technologies. Projects with TRLs of 4 are higher may be eligible for up to $150,000 in grants.

EOIs to BioCreate are due by June 23, 2024, for consideration in the Spring/Fall 2024 cohort.

If you’re interested in any of these program offerings, or have questions about deadlines, eligibility, or other government funding programs in Canada, contact NorthBridge for a free assessment with one of our experts.