INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream
Get up to $200,000 back for launching a new operation in Northern Ontario. This matching grant covers 50% of eligible costs, but you must pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; applications are open.
How we verify funding records →
“Funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $200,000.”
Before you spend a dollar
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.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →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, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $5,000 back.
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
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs your branding and digital marketing materials for your new Northern Ontario location, using the project's marketing budget to draw customers from day one.
- BBN sets up your business website and Local SEO so your new location ranks on Google and captures local search traffic immediately.
- BBN implements a Google review system and digital marketing campaigns to build trust and drive sales for your new market entry.
- BBN deploys modern POS and automation systems that streamline operations and reduce manual work for your new team.
- BBN coordinates the interior build-out and construction trades so you manage one project lead instead of multiple contractors.
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?
Usually not a contest if you qualify, apply before the budget runs out, and follow the rules; the real risks are starting too early, an incomplete application, or the budget being committed.
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.
Related BBN services
Automation & AI Workflows
Follow-ups, reminders, lead routing and reporting that run themselves. Practical automation without the AI theatre.
Business Websites
Fast, search-ready websites your customers can actually use. Built, hosted and maintained by one accountable team.
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
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.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.