Grant

Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)

by Maurice | June 7, 2023

Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP), administered by Ulnooweg, offers non-repayable business contributions to individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community owned businesses. Some of the eligible expenses for ABDP support are: business planning, establishment and operating costs, business acquisitions and expansions, local, domestic or export oriented marketing initiatives, new product or process development, adding technology to improve operations and competitiveness, financial services, business support, business-related training and mentoring services.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is a non-repayable business contribution as following:

1
up to 75% for development of business plans, marketing plans, feasibility studies,
2
up to 40% for establishment, expansion or acquisition,
3
up to 60% for marketing initiatives,
4
up to 90% for business support and project related management.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

entrepreneurs of Canadian Aboriginal status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage (on or off reserve, living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces,
community owned businesses,
Aboriginal financial organizations,
development corporations.

Application Steps:

Applicants must contact Ulnooweg for further details by submitting the Client Inquiry Form.

Documentation Needed:

No specific documentation has been identified

Other Things to Note:

The majority of ABFP funding goes towards small and medium-sized businesses.

Program Contact:

Aboriginal Business Financing Program - Ulnooweg

Additional Resources:

As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you have access to a range of resources to help you succeed. Here are some additional resources that can help you grow your business and take it to the next level.

Business Development Support

The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) provides a range of business development support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs. These services include business planning, financial management, marketing, and more. NADF also offers a range of financing options, including the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP). For more information, visit the NADF website.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is an important part of building a successful business. The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) provides networking opportunities for Aboriginal entrepreneurs through its Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP). The AEP offers a range of services, including business planning, financing, and more. For more information, visit the NACCA website.

Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)

by Maurice | June 7, 2023

Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Grants & Loan

Description:

The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth.

Comments on Funding:

Funding will take the form of:

interest-free repayable contributions for up to 50% of eligible costs for eligible businesses;
non-repayable contributions for up to 90% of eligible costs for not-for profit organizations.
Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

The JGF has a continuous intake process, meaning that applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. However, the program is set to run for three years, with an expected end date of March 31, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to allow sufficient time for processing and evaluation.

Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

Under the initiative, RDAs may contribute up to 100% of eligible project costs for projects with Indigenous clients.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling deadline

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

businesses, including co-operatives,
not-for-profit organizations and community economic development partners.

Successful applicants for the JGF will be selected based on a range of criteria, including:

The ability of the project to create jobs and support economic growth in the region
The degree to which the project aligns with the objectives of the JGF, including transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs across Canada
The extent to which the project demonstrates innovation, collaboration, and community engagement
The feasibility and sustainability of the project, including the capacity of the applicant to manage and deliver the project effectively

Among the program's eligible activities are activities that foster an inclusive recovery, including those that support businesses owned or majority-led by under-represented groups, such as Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities, women, youth, LGBTQ2, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and members of official language minority communities.

Application Steps:

Applicant must consult the applicant guide

Applicant must fill out the Jobs and Growth Fund application form online

Applicant must send the form through the application for financial assistance page or by mail to the ACOA regional office in your province.

Documentation Needed:

For-profit applicants must submit a completed application form and the following supporting documents:

1
incorporation documents and information on ownership (names and percentage of ownership),
2
financial statements (current and last two years),
3
research and development (r&d) project plan, business plan and/or marketing plan,
4
supplier quotes,
5
copies of relevant permits and licences,
6
other relevant documents (specify).

Not-for-profit applicants and other applicants must submit a completed application form and the following supporting documents:

1
constituting / incorporating documents and list of directors/members of the board,
2
financial statements (current and last fiscal year),
3
description and mandate of the applicant, including the management and qualifications of key personnel,
4
HST rebate information (I.E. rebate rate),
5
one of the following two items is required: research and development (r&d) project plan or detailed project description, including milestones, costs, financing, key partnerships established and evidence of support from the community,
6
supplier quotes,
7
copies of relevant permits and license's,
8
other relevant documents (specify).

Other Things to Note:

1
The JGF will provide $700 million over three years (2021-2022 to 2023-2024) across Canada to support business financing. This support for regional recovery and stimulus will position local economies for long-term growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs in every corner of the country.
2
Applications will be accepted on a continuous intake basis until such time as the funding is fully allocated.
3
The fund, delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), provides $700 million nationally over three years, which includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet eligibility criteria.
4
In Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is investing $70 million to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs in every corner of the country.
5
Date modified: 2022-03-15.

Program Contact:

Jobs and Growth Fund

APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE JOBS AND GROWTH FUND

JOBS AND GROWTH FUND APPLICANT GUIDE

Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF)

by Maurice | June 7, 2023

Amount:

$3,000,000.00

Type of Program:

Grants & Loan

Description:

The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) is helping Atlantic Canada compete at home and abroad by supporting the development of innovative products and services that lead to commercial success. AIF helps researchers and innovative businesses team up to develop new products and services and put them on the market.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to 80% of total eligible costs for projects led by not-for-profit organizations. Contributions to not-for-profit organizations are non-repayable

Funding is up to 75% of total eligible costs for private-sector-led projects. Contributions to the private sector are conditionally repayable based on the commercial success of a project.

It should be noted that the AIF assistance for eligible building and major renovation costs would not normally exceed 30% of the costs.

Eligible costs could include wages, salaries, capital costs and other operating expenses directly related to the project. The AIF assistance for eligible building and major renovation costs would not normally exceed 30% of the costs.

Funding for innovation project ranges from $500,000 to $3 million. Innovation projects of less than $500,000 may be eligible under ACOA’s Business Development Program.

Types of Projects Eligible for Atlantic Innovation Fund:

The AIF provides funding for a wide range of projects that support innovation and economic growth in Atlantic Canada. Eligible projects may include:

Research and development of new products, services, and technologies
Commercialization of innovative products, services, and technologies
Development of new or improved processes, systems, and technologies
Creation of research and commercialization partnerships among businesses, universities, and research institutions

Evaluation Criteria for Atlantic Innovation Fund:

The AIF evaluates applications based on several criteria. According to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), projects must meet the following essential criteria to be considered for funding:

- Be compatible with AIF objectives
- Be scientifically and/or technically sound
- Demonstrate management capability to successfully undertake the project
- Demonstrate significant economic benefits for Atlantic Canada

In addition to the essential criteria, the AIF also considers the following desirable criteria:

- Includes private sector participation (for institutional proposals)
- Fills a gap in the Atlantic system of innovation
- Improves innovation capacity of the private sector
- Is pan-Atlantic in scope

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicant must be:

private-sector businesses,
universities, colleges,
non-government research institutions,
provincial Crown corporations operating in Atlantic Canada.

Application Steps:

Applicant must complete a Project Concept Template and submit it to the ACOA office nearest to them. ACOA will contact them to confirm receipt and to discuss their project.

Applicant must complete and submit the Application for Financial Assistance form, once they have discussed their project with ACOA.

Documentation Needed:

For-profit applicants must submit a completed application form and the following supporting documents:

1
incorporation documents and information on ownership names and percentage of ownership
2
fully repayable contributions up to $500,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs
3
R&D project plan, business plan and/or marketing plan,
4
supplier quotes,
5
copies of relevant permits and licenses,
6
other relevant documents (specify).

Not-for-profit applicants and other applicants must submit a completed application form and the following supporting documents:

1
constituting/ incorporating documents and list of directors/members of the board,
2
financial statements (current and last fiscal year),
3
description and mandate of the applicant, including the management and qualifications of key personnel,
4
HST rebate information (I.E. rebate rate),
5
one of the following two items is required: (R&D) project plan or detailed project description, including milestones, costs, financing, key partnerships, established evidence of support from the community,
6
supplier quotes,
7
copies of relevant permits and licenses,
8
other relevant documents (specify).

Other Things to Note:

Date modified: 2022-08-16

Program Contact:

Atlantic Innovation Fund

Application for financial assistance

Atlantic Innovation Fund: Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Self Employment (SE) Program

by Maurice | June 6, 2023

Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Self Employment (SE) program provides entrepreneurial support and financial assistance to Labor Market Development Agreement (LMDA) eligible, unemployed Nova Scotia participants starting their own business. The maximum duration of an agreement with a participant is 40 weeks.

In addition to financial support, the Self Employment (SE) Benefit program offers training and support to help participants start and grow their businesses, including mentorship opportunities and business planning workshops.

Mentorship Opportunities

Participants can access mentorship opportunities through the program’s partnership with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED). CEED provides one-on-one mentorship to help participants develop their business plans, identify potential customers, and develop marketing strategies.

Business Planning Workshops

The Self Employment Benefit Program offers business planning workshops to help participants develop their business plans. These workshops cover a range of topics, including market research, financial planning, and marketing strategies.Workshops are led by experienced business professionals who can provide guidance and feedback as participants develop their plans.

Comments on Funding:

The applicant currently receiving Employment Insurance, may continue to receive his regular Employment Insurance benefits until the end of your benefit period, after which he may be eligible to receive a living allowance to the end of his Self-Employment agreement.

If the applicant is not in receipt of Employment Insurance benefits, he may be eligible to receive financial assistance for living expenses. Temporary financial assistance may be provided in exceptional circumstances to cover all or part of the following costs related to participation (e.g., dependent care, disability needs, tuition costs, transportation and accommodation).

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident who is currently a resident of Nova Scotia,
be unemployed or considered employed less than 20 hours per week (on average over the past year),
have a current Employment Insurance (EI) claim,
have had an EI claim that ended within the last 60 months,
have been employed with gross insurable earnings of $2000 or higher annually, in at least 5 of the last 10 years,
be starting their own business,
have had received benefits under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB),
work in conjunction with a Self Employment Service Provider who must approve his Business Concept as well as his Business Plan,
contribute $3,300, or 100% of the investment required to launch and operate the business if less than $3,300.

Application Steps:

Applicant must visit a Nova Scotia Works Centre in his local area who will advise him on his options and help him with the Self-Employment application process.

Applicant must receive an employment assessment and develop a Return to Work Action Plan with a case manager. The case manager's decision is required before Employment Nova Scotia can assess your application.

Applicant must submit the application.

Documentation Needed:

The applicant must provide proof to Employment Nova Scotia of the required client contribution amount (a bank statement, loan evidence, statement of ownership, etc.)

Other Things to Note:

Individuals who have received a payment under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are now eligible to apply for employment programs that are delivered by Employment Nova Scotia.

Program Contact:

Self Employment | Employment Nova Scotia

Self Employment Benefit Worksheet Employment Nova Scotia

Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant (CNLJG)

by Maurice | February 6, 2023

Amount:

$15,000

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant (CNLJG) provides funding to eligible businesses and organizations to help offset the cost of training for their existing and future employees.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to a maximum of $10,000 per year towards training an existing employee and up to a maximum of $15,000 for training an unemployed participant.
The employer contributes at least one-third to the cost of training, with the exception of an unemployed participant.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

be a private sector employer, not-for-profit organization, industry association, employer consortia, unions, or an Indigenous government or organization,
be incorporated or a sole proprietor
have a Canada Revenue Agency business number,
be in good standing with Registry of Companies and Deeds,
have an office location/base in Newfoundland and Labrador,
have a job for all participants at the end of training.

The participant must be:

an existing employee
an unemployed participant hired by the employer no more than 30 business days (six weeks) prior to the training date

Application Steps:

Applicant must register in LaMPSS and create an account to be able to apply online

Applicant must complete and submit an online application in LaMPSS along with required information,

Applicant must provide a Letter of Attestation and wait to be notified by email after a decision is made on the application – within 30 business days of applying,

Applicant must submit the mandatory Client Contact Form and the mandatory Client Consent Form within 21 business days from approval

Complete applications must be received at least 20 business days prior to the start of training to ensure a timely review and assessment of the request for funding and to avoid delays in processing.

Documentation Needed:

The applicant must submit:

an online application,
an Initial Client Contact Form and Client Consent Form for all employees being trained through funding provided by this program. The client consent allows for the exchange and release of information between the employee, the employer and the provincial and federal governments.
a Letter of Attestation when training an existing employee or unemployed participant.

The participant must submit proof of unemployment, if the case. Acceptable documentation includes but is not limited to Record of Employment, recent Notice of Termination from last employer, confirmation of Employment Insurance, or confirmation of Income Support.

Program Contact:

Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant Eligibility & Requirements

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