Northern Ontario Grants & Financial Programs 2025

A complete guide to grants, loans, and financial programs available to businesses and residents of Northern Ontario — including NOHFC funding up to $500,000.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is the Ontario government's primary economic development agency for Northern Ontario, covering the vast region north of the French River. NOHFC offers grants and conditional loans totalling hundreds of millions of dollars annually to support job creation, infrastructure, and economic diversification across Northern Ontario communities from North Bay to Kenora.

NOHFC Program Overview 2025

Program	Max Funding	Eligible Applicants	Type
Grow Northern	Up to $500,000	Businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits	Grant (up to 50% of costs)
Young Entrepreneur	Up to $200,000	Entrepreneurs age 18–40	Grant + conditional loan
Invest Northern	Up to $500,000	Large business projects	Conditional loan
Sprout	Up to $25,000	Start-ups, new businesses	Grant (up to 50% of costs)
Indigenous Community	Varies	Indigenous communities and businesses	Grant

NOHFC Grow Northern Program Details

The flagship Grow Northern program supports economic development projects across eligible Northern Ontario communities. Key eligibility criteria:

• Project must be located in Northern Ontario (north of the French River / Nipissing District)
• Must create or retain jobs in Northern Ontario
• Maximum grant of 50% of eligible project costs, up to $500,000
• Applicant must provide matching funding (typically from bank financing, equity, or other sources)
• Eligible costs include: capital equipment, building construction/renovation, technology systems
• Not eligible: working capital, wages (generally), land purchase

NOHFC Young Entrepreneur Program

One of NOHFC's most popular programs, the Young Entrepreneur program specifically targets residents aged 18–40 who want to start or grow a business in Northern Ontario. Up to $200,000 in combined grants and conditional loans (interest-free loans repayable after a grace period) is available. The program has helped thousands of young Northern Ontarians launch businesses in sectors from mining services to tourism to technology.

Other Northern Ontario Financial Programs

• FedNor (Federal Economic Development Initiative) — Federal grants and loans through ISED for Northern Ontario businesses and communities
• Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) — R&D funding for innovation-focused Northern Ontario companies
• Canada Small Business Financing Program — Federal loan guarantee program through chartered banks, up to $1M for equipment and leasehold improvements
• BDC (Business Development Bank) — Flexible small business loans with Northern Ontario focus
• Northern Ontario First Nations Economic Development — Indigenous-specific programs through various federal and provincial agencies

How to Access NOHFC Funding

• Visit nohfc.ca to review current program guidelines and eligibility
• Contact your local NOHFC regional office (Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, North Bay, Kenora)
• Prepare a business plan, financial projections, and evidence of matching funding
• Work with your bank or credit union to secure the matching financing NOHFC often requires
• Submit application through the NOHFC online portal