The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP)

The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) provides for-profit innovative companies with non-repayable funding to support projects that promote business growth and market expansion and are critical for the development and commercialization of new innovations.

Grant Deadline

2024-09-30

Funding Amount

$19,998

Type of Grant

Funding, Market Expansion

Sectors

Demographics

Incorporation

For Profit

Perks

Region Restriction

This grant is restricted to whole of Canada This grant is restricted to whole of Canada This grant is restricted to whole of Canada This grant is restricted to whole of Canada

Keywords

marketing project, Software, Commercialize Products, Market-Expansion

Age Restriction

This grant is age restricted from 18 to 100

Eligibility and Requirements

Who is eligible?

• Innovative, growth-oriented for-profit companies who have under $5 million in annual revenue
• Companies registered and operating in one of IION's service districts: Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka
• Companies must have a business model and strategy that validates forecasted sales and employment growth
• Companies seeking assistance for developing, commercializing, or scaling their innovative product, process or service that has the potential to increase revenue and employment

What is the application process?

1. The company contacts the program lead (Emily Ryan) to determine eligibility and discuss the proposed project(s)
2. If the company and project(s) are eligible, the company must register as an IION client. Once this is completed, the application link will be emailed to the company. The company will complete the application and submit it online
3. The program lead will review one draft submission (will all required quotes) by providing comments about application completeness
4. The application deadline for each intake will be indicated on the program website. It is recommended companies submit applications in advance of this date to allow IION time to review the draft submission. Applications must be received prior to incurring costs associated with the project. If applicants choose to do so, they can begin incurring costs once IION has the final application submission. IF the application is approved, the costs, up to the grant amount, will be reimbursed.
5. The SFEP committee will review your application within the first 14 days of the review month
6. Once the review is complete, you will receive an email from IION to inform you if your application was approved or not

Grant Application website

https://www.iion.ca/sfep

Contact

For more information, please contact

Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION)

Phone: (705) 845-0616

Office Location:

60 Commerce Crescent

North Bay, Ontario, P1A 0B4

Mailing address:

60 Commerce Crescent P.O. Box 5001

North Bay, Ontario P1B 8K9