If you operate a manufacturing business in Northern Ontario and want to boost productivity, the Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario – Productivity Improvements may be right for you. This program supports established manufacturers by offering repayable funding for projects that modernize operations, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. This checklist outlines who qualifies and what your project must include before you apply.
Check the list below to see if your business and project meet the requirements for the Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario.
To qualify, your business must:
Be located in Northern Ontario
Your operations and project activities must take place in Northern Ontario, as defined by FEDNOR.
Be an established manufacturer
Your main business activity must be the manufacture of a commercial product, not distribution or retail.
Be currently operating
The program is for businesses with active operations and a proven track record. Startups and pre-revenue companies are not eligible.
Have plans for growth
FEDNOR prefers businesses that aim to scale production, improve efficiency, or strengthen competitiveness.
Your project must focus on productivity improvements. Eligible activities usually include:
All project benefits must remain in Northern Ontario, so the economic impact stays in the region.
Before applying, make sure you understand the funding terms:
This program works best for businesses with steady cash flow and clear productivity gains tied to revenue growth.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs like this by province, industry, and funding type.
You may be able to combine this initiative with other government support, but:
Check eligibility early if you plan to use more than one funding source.
Applying as a non-manufacturing business
If manufacturing is not your main activity, your application will likely be declined.
Proposing general expansion costs
This program is for productivity improvements, not marketing, real estate purchases, or working capital.
Thinking the funding is a grant
The contribution is repayable. Plan your cash flow carefully.
Overlooking the regional benefit requirement
Projects that shift jobs or production outside Northern Ontario do not qualify.
Q: Who is eligible for the Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario?
Established manufacturers in Northern Ontario with a primary business activity in manufacturing commercial products are eligible.
Q: How much funding can my business receive?
You can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs as a repayable contribution.
Q: Is this program a grant or a loan?
It is a repayable contribution, meaning the funding must be paid back under agreed terms.
Q: What types of equipment are eligible?
Production equipment, installation and commissioning costs, and related training tied directly to productivity improvements are typically eligible.
Q: Do project benefits need to stay in Northern Ontario?
Yes. All economic and operational benefits must remain in Northern Ontario to meet program requirements.
If your business meets most of these requirements, the Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario could be a strong option for your next productivity project. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and repayable funding programs across Canada—including support specific to Northern Ontario manufacturing—so you can see which ones match your business profile before you apply.
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