We know firsthand how hard and sometimes frustrating it is when looking for Funding or Grants that you may or may not be eligible for.
Who to talk to? Where to reach out for help? What grants are out there for me?
We have compiled a one stop shop for grants available to our members for your convenience.
Grants are always changing and evolving so its best to always keep updated on the availability.
We also added a list of experts in their respective field, if you should have any questions about any of the grants available on our website contact your local CEDC, NOHFC, Ventures, Fednor and City of Thunder Bay representatives and make an appointment today!
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
Access grants and expertise to transform your business
Do you own a small or medium-sized Canadian business? We can help. Get a grant and access to expert advice to increase online sales, reduce costs, better manage inventory and more.
Grow Your Business Online Grant
Looking to implement e-commerce capabilities to remain competitive? Need to serve existing customers more effectively and attract new customers? With a micro-grant of up to $2,400, we can help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies
Boost Your Business Technology Grant
Looking to increase productivity? Need to consolidate your back office software? Need better cybersecurity tools? With a plan tailored to your business, we can help with your digital transformation. Get up to $15 000 in funding.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION GRANT
The Digital Transformation Grant application portal is now open for eligible brick-and-mortar small business to apply. Start the application process now by creating an account and completing the digital assessment. The application portal will remain open until September 30, 2023, or until the grant funds are exhausted. Check to see if you are eligible today!
2023 Financial Incentive Program – City of Thunder Bay
The following grants are available in 2023. These grants can be combined for a total maximum of $25,000 per property.
Planning and Building Fee Grant
A rebate of planning application fees and building permit fees
Commercial Conversion Grant – Main floor
A grant equal to 50% of the cost of renovating and converting main floor residential to commercial use up to a maximum of $10,000
Residential/Office Conversion Grant – Upper floor(s)
A grant equal to 50% of the cost of renovating and converting second floor or higher units to residential or office use up to a maximum of $10,000
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant
A grant equal to 50% of the cost of improvements to the façade of commercial storefront buildings up to a maximum of $10,000
Summer Company is a local and regional program administered by the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre. This funding program is supported by the Province of Ontario and provides enterprising young people, aged 15 to 29, with the opportunity to start and run their own summer businesses.
Full time students aged 15 – 29 are eligible to participate.
Starter Company Plus Applications are open
If you’re an entrepreneur in Thunder Bay or Northwestern Ontario looking to start up, expand or buy an existing business, apply for the Starter Company Plus program.
The Starter Company Plus program provides training sessions on important business topics. During the training delivery, program participants will work with the Program Coordinator to complete a business plan and financial projections for their start up, business purchase, or expansion.
Apply to the Tourism Development Fund
The CEDC Tourism Product Development Fund (formerly known as the CEDC MAT Product Development Fund) provides support to projects that enhance Thunder Bay’s tourism economy. The fund focuses on projects that create new visitor experiences and enhance existing experiences.
Designed to attract, retain, and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce by creating and sustaining new and existing jobs
Receive up to 90% of an Indigenous person’s salary of up to $52.5k a year, and up to 90% of other eligible applicants for up to $35k a year
Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
Supports business growth through business loans with competitive interest rates
Up to $1M for business expansion activities
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
This organization helps businesses based out of Northern Ontario with funding and network support.
Funding varies by program.
Support for employers providing supervised career-related work experience for youth employees
Up to 50% of employee minimum hourly rate; Non-profits can receive grants up to 100% of minimum wage plus Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs); Amount is capped at a max $300K per employer/province or territory. Maximum 40 hours/week/employee can be included.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration (EVID) Program
Supports demonstrations of next-generation and innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
Up to 50% of eligible project expenses and offers $250k – $3M in funding
Youth Employment Program (IRAP)
Designed to assist funding of hiring young Canadian post-secondary graduates
Provides up to $30,000 per graduate (up to two) for a period of 6 to 12 months.
Contact your Thunder Bay representatives and make an appointment today!
Ryan Moore -CEDC
Development Officer
Sector/area of expertise: Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Youth Entrepreneurship
Tel: (807) 621-7131
Email: ryan.moore@thunderbay.ca
Kirsten Kabernick- CEDC
Program Coordinator
Starter Company Plus, Summer Company & Tourism Development Fund
Tel: 807-632-3289
Email: kirsten.kabernick@thunderbay.ca
Kaitlyn Mosher – Thunder Bay Ventures
Business Development & Lending Officer
Tel: (807)-768-6650
Email: kaitlyn@thunderbayventures.com
Planning Services Division Development Services- City of Thunder Bay
Office 2nd Floor, Victoriaville Civic Centre
Tel: 807- 625-2216
Email: www.thunderbay.ca/CoreAreaGrants
Sean Irwin- NOHFC
Northern Development Officer
Tel: (705) 945-6700
Email: sean.irwin@ontario.ca
Jeffrey OBrien – FEDNOR
Community Economic Development
Tel:844-805-8370 or (705)-255-3837
Email: Jeffrey.OBrien2@ised-isde.gc.ca