Funding Sources
Start with Government Funding!
Our funding search engine enables business-support organizations to help business owners effortlessly find, organize, and apply for the most relevant government funding available.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/women-entrepreneurship-strategy/en
The full and equal participation of women in the economy is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.
Studies show that by advancing gender equality and women’s participation in the economy, Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP. Only 17% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women, and the Government of Canada is working to change that.
The government is advancing women’s economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), representing nearly $7 billion in investments and commitments. WES aims to increase women-owned businesses’ access to the financing, talent, networks and expertise they need to start up, scale up and access new markets.
Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/women-entrepreneurship-strategy/en/women-entrepreneurship-loan-fund
Check out the site as there are other partnership loan opportuntities
Tourism and Hospitality Student Work Placement Program
Aimed squarely at the tourism and hospitality sector, the Propel Student Work Placement Program is helping the hardest-hit sector recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic
Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, Propel offers post-secondary students opportunities to develop the work-ready skills required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation.
Qualifying employers are provided with a wage subsidy for each qualifying student hired through the program.
Learn more by selecting the applicable category below or watch a recording of our info sessions, which includes an overview of the eligibility criteria and application process.
Canada Summer Jobs wage subsidy
CLOSED FOR 2025 However this will re-open later in November for 2026.
Welcome to the NOW Program! Our goal is to foster the growth and success of women-owned/women-led businesses throughout Northern Ontario. Whether you’re a startup founder looking to launch your business or an established entrepreneur seeking to scale up , the NOW Program is here to help you achieve your goals.
As of March 8, 2024 (International Women’s Day!!) the NOW Program has two funding initiatives in place which you can learn all about by clicking HERE. Our SME Initiative allows Northern Ontario women entrepreneurs the chance to apply for funding to assist with the cost of one-time professional services, the cost of setting up mentoring/coaching relationships and the cost of furthering their business knowledge via education courses. NOTE: Although the program is currently closed, it is anticipated to reopen again around April 1st, 2025.
The HRdownoads Subscription Initiative allows Northern Ontario women entrepreneurs the opportunity to apply for a subscription that will assist them and their business will all of their HR needs. This portion of the program is available until July 2026
PARO
The PARO program offers a grant/loan program. The first level is $1000 (50% grant that is not paid back, 50% paid back), the second level is $2000 (50% grant and 50% paid back). The program is managed through PARO who provide the grant and LAMBAC who manage the loan portion.
LAMBAC
LAMBAC. The contact person is Carolyn and she can be reached at 705-282-3215. Email carolyn@lambac.org. LAMBAC is a Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) sponsored by Innovation Science And Economic Development / FedNor, created to support small and medium-sized business and community economic development. LAMBAC supports businesses through small business loans and resources. The organization administers local investment funds to help finance new or existing small and medium sized business and social enterprises for start-up, expansion or stabilization that will maintain or create jobs. LAMBAC is a one-stop source for information and guidance on starting, expanding and operating a business in the LaCloche Manitoulin region. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or existing business owner, we are here to help.
Hiring and training incentives for employers
Hire an apprentice
Find out how to hire and train an apprentice and how it benefits you as an employer.
Canada-Ontario Job Grant
Get money to help pay for training of existing and new employees.
Hire a young person
Hire a young person through Employment Service, Youth Job Connection or Youth Job Connection Summer – see how these programs can benefit you as an employer and learn more about financial incentives for businesses.
Request an appointment
Request an appointment with Employment Ontario – find out if your business can get help covering training and hiring costs.
NOHFC
NOHFC The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) was established in 1988 with a mandate to promote and stimulate economic development initiatives in Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects that stabilize, diversify and foster the economic growth and diversification of the region. Contact person is Kristen Luoma (Gore Bay office) Kristin.luoma@ontario.ca 705-282-1429
FEDNOR
FedNor to check out their programs. FedNor is the Government of Canada’s economic development organization for Northern Ontario. Through its programs and services, and through its financial support of projects that lead to job creation and economic growth, FedNor works with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario. The contact person is Johnathan Nadeau and he works out of the LAMBAC office in Gore Bay and he can be reached at 705-677-5671 or 1-866-694-8389 extension 5671
Angel Investing
An angel investor, (also known as a business angel), is an individual or group of individuals who provide investment capital to new or growing businesses and expect a percentage of ownership equity in return.
Angel investing is a common business practice throughout North America and Europe. Most angels invest their own capital, although there are some angel groups (or angel networks) where several investors combine their capital so they can invest in more opportunities.
Angels typically seek investment opportunities in high growth, small-medium enterprises that are too young to qualify for bank loans or other traditional means of financing.
Angel investments in Northern Ontario provide a greater pool of capital and access to equity for innovative start-up and/or growing companies.
Northern Ontario Angels – LINK to their website
The Northern Ontario Angels is the #1 Angel Organization in North America for Northern Ontario entrepreneurs (looking for growth capital) and angel investors (looking for investments). The creative concept and foundation of this network was developed to take Northern Ontario businesses to the next level. NOA is continually growing, developing and updating it’s Angel Investment Groups throughout the north and around the World. Presently, NOA supports Angel Investment Groups in Sudbury, North Bay, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins/Kapuskasing and Kenora.
Blue Sky Net BTIF Program
BTIF is a FedNor-funded initiative which assists businesses develop their capacity for e-business and in effect their ability to compete and thrive in the digital age. Blue Sky Net, through BTIF, is committed to helping small-to-medium-sized businesses in the Blue Sky Net region within Northeastern Ontario who are looking to enhance their capacity for business technology and their ability for technology adoption. The BTIF grant helps to alleviate the costs of implementing innovative technology solutions for your business that will help take you to the next level.
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (R.A.I.S.E.) is a service and grant program developed and administered by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and in partnership with the Parkdale Centre for Innovation (PCI) to support Indigenous, Black and other Racialized entrepreneurs in Ontario to start and scale a business. R.A.I.S.E. will provide access to business development training, culturally responsive support services and access to grant funding. The program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
Access to capital and tailored solutions
We understand women’s barriers in accessing financing and solutions for the business they own and lead. If you’re a woman entrepreneur looking for access to capital for your business or ESG-focused services for your company, we’re here to help. As a program participant, you get access to a financial partner who can help support your growth and financial future. We offer creative financing solutions tailored to your strategic priorities, including working capital and inventory financing, funding for capital projects, expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and much more.
LINK to Scotiabank Women Iniative website
Equipment Purchase Financing
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Buying new or used equipment can help you pursue growth opportunities and improve competitiveness. However, it can also put a strain on cash flow. Count on a BDC loan* to cover past or upcoming expenses related to:
Get up to:
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Carrot Cache
Carrot Cache
Carrot Cache is a non-profit organization that supports small projects in Ontario working toward a sustainable and just regional food system.
Over the last 18 years Carrot Cache granted over $2.1 million to organizations and individuals. These monies are given to people who are working on organic agriculture initiatives and developing regional food economies.
The Forum: Our One & Only Mission
To unlock access to wisdom, financial and social capital for self-identifying women, trans-femme and non-binary entrepreneurs across Canada
DELIA Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The DELIA Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is accepting applications from across Canada! Discover how your woman-owned business can receive a
$15k loan to help you start, scale, and grow your venture. Ready to get started? Join our upcoming free webinar info session on
To learn more and apply now, visit ncfdc.ca/delia.
Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative – Apply Now!
This $10 million Program funded by the Canadian and Ontario governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is focused on supporting projects that prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions by investing in new technology and equipment, as well as building or facility modifications. Eligibility Eligible applicants include Ontario food processors. Applications will be assessed […]
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Bringing the arts to life
We’re proud to be Canada’s public arts funder. We contribute to the vibrancy of a creative and diverse arts and literary scene through our grants, services, prizes and payments to Canadian artists and arts organizations.
Ontario Arts Council
OAC is an agency that operates at arm’s length from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. The OAC’s grants and services to professional, Ontario-based artists and arts organizations support arts education, Indigenous arts, community arts, crafts, dance, Francophone arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theatre, touring, and visual arts. The OAC is directed by 12 volunteer board (council) members who come from communities throughout the province. They are appointed by the Government of Ontario for a three-year term. The OAC’s board is responsible for setting OAC’s policies and oversees the organization’s operation.
- Dance
- Literature
- Media Arts
- Multi and Inter-Arts
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Link to OAC Website
FAIR FINANCE FUND
The Fair Finance Fund is a social finance fund for Ontario’s local food and farm sector. The Fund supports local food and farm social enterprises in accessing the capital and mentorship they need to grow and thrive. Together, alongside our investors, we help build sustainable local food systems, grow local economies and strengthen climate resilience.
Access the capital you need to grow and thrive
APPLY
PROJECT LEARNING TREE CANADA
We offer a 50% or 80% wage match, with up to $32,000 CAD in reimbursements, to employers hiring youth aged 15-30 into Green Jobs. A Green Job is one that supports nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet. Green jobs are typically involved in, but not limited to, jobs in the forest sector, parks, conservation, natural resource management, environmental education, sustainable food systems, climate change, carbon sequestration, species maintenance and recovery, water quality and quantity, and more.
Follow link to to see samples of eligible employment opportunities
Indigenous Specific Funding
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program (CNW Group/National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association)
The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) announced the establishment of a new $5 million Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund. AFIs across the country are now delivering the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund on behalf of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED). First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women entrepreneurs from across the nation are now able to access loans up to $50,000 dollars to start or grow their business. Learn more here.
Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation
Description:
Wakenagun CFDC’s Investment Fund – “Women in Business” Loan provides funding for women to enter into business ownership. Funds may be used for new or existing businesses.
Indigenous women in the Wakenagun catchment area of Northern Ontario who have a great idea for a new business are in luck.
The Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation will give you up to $150,000 to start your women-owned or led business as long as you have 10% cash equity you can put up.
Waubetek
Waubetek
waubetek.com. The Waubetek Business Development Corporation is an Aboriginal-owned and controlled organization that delivers business financing and economic development services to First Nations and Aboriginal entrepreneurs in North-Eastern Ontario
NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
NACCA.CA. NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, is a network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada.
Age Specific Funding 18-39
Join the many aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-39 we’ve helped turn great ideas into thriving businesses. FUTURPRENEUR CANADA – LINK
You’re not afraid of working hard, taking risks and disrupting the status quo. In fact, you don’t know any other way to live. You’ve got great ideas and all the passion in the world. You just need some help getting started.
- Apply for up to $60,000 to launch or buy a new business or to grow one that’s been fully operating for less than 12 months.
- Get matched with an experienced mentor to help you build confidence and tackle your toughest challenges for up to two years.
- Learn key skills like business planning, marketing and cash flow management through our online and in-person business resources.
Futurpreneur Canada is a non-profit organization helping Canadians become business owners with loan financing, mentoring and business resources.
Join the many Canadians aged 18-39 we’ve helped create their own future.
LAUNCH YOUR DREAM BUSINESS WITH SUPPORT FROM AN EXPERT TEAM WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE. LINK
Our team will guide you through all the steps to embark on your business journey—from planning to financing to launch. Our program for Black entrepreneurs age 18-39 provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, plus access to resources and networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs across Canada.
With Diversity & Inclusion as core values, Futurpreneur supports young Canadian entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, helping them launch and grow successful businesses.
We launched this tailored version of our core Startup Program specifically to help address some of the barriers to success faced by many aspiring Black entrepreneurs.
This program is funded by RBC, with additional loan financing from BDC.
Futurepreneur
INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS AGED 18-39
At Futurpreneur Canada, we support Indigenous entrepreneurs aged 18-39, helping them launch or buy their own business. With up to $60,000* in financing, an expert mentor for up to two years, and access to resources, we’re here to help young entrepreneurs bring their business plan to life.
Take the first step in turning your dream into reality.