Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program
At a glance
- Max. $10,000
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : August 30, 2022
- All industries
- Innovation Initiatives Ontario North
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) aims to enhance innovation and commercialization for for-profit businesses in specific districts, focusing on those driving market growth and job creation.
- The applicant must be an incorporated for-profit entity.
- The applicant must be registered, located, and operating in the district of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka.
- The program does not support businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers.
- Staff wages, administrative costs, and internal project costs are not eligible.
Who is eligible
Eligible companies for this grant must be incorporated for-profit entities registered, located, and operating in the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka. The program does not apply to businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers.
- Incorporated for-profit entities
- Registered, located, and operating in Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Eligibility restrictions include:
- Businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers
Eligible expenses
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) offers funding for various eligible expenses including:
- Trade Shows
- Marketing / marketing materials
- Website development / updates
- Training, certifications or licenses
- Market/product research or market-entry fees
- Intellectual property costs / legal fees
- Business growth expertise
- Export development
- Business opportunity assessments
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects and activities for this grant:
- Trade Shows
- Marketing / marketing materials
- Website development / updates
- Training, certifications or licenses
- Market/product research or market-entry fees
- Intellectual property costs / legal fees
- Business growth expertise
- Export development
- New: Business opportunity assessments
Eligible geographic areas
Eligible geographic areas for this grant are Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka. Businesses must be registered, located, and operating within these districts to qualify.
- Nipissing
- Timiskaming
- Parry Sound
- Muskoka
Evaluation & selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include the following:
- Applicant is an incorporated for-profit entity
- Applicant is registered, located, and operating in the district of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka
- Program is not intended for businesses operating as distributors or re-sellers
- Internal costs associated with the project are not eligible for funding
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact IION for clarity on the program and its qualifying conditions before applying
- Implication: Helps ensure understanding of eligibility and requirements
- Step 2: Submit the application to SFEP before the monthly deadline
- Implication: Applications are subject to a competitive review process
- Implication: Submitting in advance allows time for IION feedback
- Step 3: Complete the project within a 6-month time frame
- Implication: Projects must be completed within the specified timeframe
- Implication: Reimbursement is dependent on final invoice(s) and proof of payment
- Step 4: Register as an IION client and fulfill post-project surveys
- Implication: Mandatory to continue receiving ongoing support from IION
Additional information
There is no additional information provided for this grant.