INVEST North Investment Program: Launch Stream
Get up to $200,000 back for launching a new operation in Northern Ontario. This matching grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs, but you must pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Applications are open.
“Funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $200,000.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come BEFORE you spend; money spent before approval usually does not count.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are moving a new business operation to Northern Ontario.
- You have a solid plan and the cash to cover costs before getting reimbursed.
- Your project involves construction, leasehold improvements, or specific tech investments.
Probably not the right fit if
- You run a retail or consumer service business that earns revenue from individuals.
- You are a beverage alcohol manufacturer or a hotel serving overnight travelers.
- You need funding for operating costs, working capital, inventory, or land.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, a new website with online booking:
Project cost
$15,000
Program pays
$7,500
You pay
$7,500
Illustration using this program's published rate and cap; amounts and eligibility are decided by the program.
Up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $200,000.
What may be supported
- Capital construction
- Leasehold improvements
- Land servicing costs
- Information & communications technology (ICT) investments
- Marketing for new products and business initiatives
- Training costs incurred with third parties
What's excluded or restricted
- Retail and consumer service businesses that primarily earn revenue by providing products and services directly to individuals
- Ongoing operating costs including maintenance
- In-kind contributions
- Restructuring or refinancing of existing business operations
- Accommodation & food service businesses and related business activities
- Businesses that are primarily involved in wholesale activities
- Business plans / strategic plans / feasibility studies etc.
- Assets acquired through operating leases
- Research and development
- Land purchase/lease
- Rolling stock (e.g. cars, trucks & boats and motors)
- Project management costs / consulting costs / administration costs
- Mineral exploration, mine development and milling operations
- Working capital
- Cost of inventory
- Cellular and internet service projects
- Capital projects or leasehold improvements to residential or personal properties
- Acquisitions and buy-outs of existing businesses
- Electricity generation projects
- Beverage alcohol manufacturing companies
How applying works
Effort: involvedRequires a pre-application consultation, a detailed business plan, and securing balance of funding.
- 01Schedule a pre-application consultation by contacting NOHFC at 1-800-461-8329.
- 02Submit an initial application online via the NOHFC Portal.
- 03If eligible, submit a detailed business proposal for the project.
- 04Secure the balance of funding/financing necessary to implement the project.
- 05Wait for approval from the Board on a case-by-case basis before spending.
Who to ask: https://nohfc.ca/en/pages/contact-us
Documents commonly required
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of securing balance of funding/financing
- Project cost breakdown
- Pre-application consultation notes
What to know before you count on it
- You must pay the full cost first and then claim your share back, so you need the cash flow up front.
- The program is budget-limited and first-come; if the budget is committed, you wait for the next round.
- The reimbursed grant portion is generally taxable income; ask your accountant.
- You may be required to reimburse NOHFC if assets financed by NOHFC are sold after project completion.
What are your odds?
The NOHFC Board reviews each project case by case, so meeting the rules does not mean approval. The budget is limited, so apply early, send a complete application, and do not spend anything before you are approved.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this for my existing business expansion?
No, this is for businesses locating new operations to Northern Ontario. Restructuring or refinancing existing operations is excluded.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is published; confirm on the official page.
Can I fund marketing costs?
Yes, marketing for new products and business initiatives is eligible, limited to a maximum of 20% of all other eligible project costs, or $75,000, whichever is less.
Do I need to have the money ready before applying?
You must secure the balance of funding/financing necessary to implement the project, but approval must come before you spend.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Combined Federal and Provincial government funding may not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.