At NorthBridge, we keep up to date on all the most recent government funding updates, intake announcements and upcoming deadlines so you don’t have to. Each month, we provide 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: Collaborative Innovative Projects in Canada’s Ocean Sectors
Ocean Supercluster Resilience (OSCR)
The Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced a call to invest up to $15M into projects that demonstrate strong private-public sector collaborations and tackle challenges in Canada’s ocean industries. The call is seeking projects that leverage digital innovation and business reform to deliver changes in customer value, global competitiveness, and connectivity across and between sectors. OSC will be holding multiple ideation events during the Expression of Interest phase to encourage members to pitch ideas and foster new partnership opportunities. The program will fund up to 50% of eligible project costs to a minimum and maximum of $250,000 and $5M. The deadline to submit an EOI is February 19, 2021 at 2pm Atlantic Time.
For: SMEs in Southern Ontario impacted by the economic effects of COVID-19 that do not qualify for other support measures
FedDev Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund offers support to businesses and organizations affected by COVID-19, that are unable to access other federal relief measures, or required additional support. On January 20, 2021, the program announced some key new features for liquidity support. These features include an increase in the conditionally repayable loan size from $40,000 to $60,000; an additional top-up to recipients who have already received RFFF to a maximum of $60,000; and support for fixed operating costs incurred during the pandemic up to a maximum of $1M. The RFFF funding remains interest-free and covers 100% of eligible costs. The deadline to apply for partially forgivable RRRF funding is March 31, 2021.
For: High-growth Southwestern and Eastern Ontario-based companies looking to grow, improve productivity, invest in innovation and skills development and expand into new markets
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) & Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF)
New intake periods for SWODF and EODF opened on January 20, 2021, and will close on March 4, 2021. Loans of up to 15% to a maximum of $5M are available for projects that aim to improve a company’s competitiveness and productivity, while allowing them to pursue new markets or expand the business through the introduction of new products or services. This program is aimed towards high-growth companies with at least three years of substantial operating experience.
For: Companies looking to hire post-secondary students for the winter term
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) (Employment and Social Development Canada)
SWPP provides wage subsidies to employers offering work placements for post-secondary students in their field of study. The subsidy typically covers up to 50% of wages (up to $5,000) per new placement, and 70% of wages (up to $7,000) for students in select underrepresented groups. As part of the Government of Canada’s response to COVID-19, a temporary increase has been put in place whereby employers can receive 75% of the cost of wages (up to $7,500) per placement. These measures will be in effect until April 30, 2021. Application intakes are currently open for the winter term (January – April 2021). SWPP is offered through a number of Employer Delivery Partners, each focused on a specific sector or industry.