Mentor Works Ltd.
www.mentorworks.ca
1-888-599-3111
Government Funding for Business Growth
Mentor Works Ltd. is dedicated to accelerating small businesses’ growth through government grant support.
We create and implement customized funding strategies and assist with the application process to maximize
each company’s funding potential. Through government funding, we extend your cash flow planning to serve
your Top Strategic Initiatives.
Note: For all project-based grants and loans, please do not begin your project spend until you are approved for funding.
IRAP Accelerated Review Process (ARP): Max $50K Grant
Solving Internal Technical Challenges
$50K grant (80% direct labour, 50% subcontractor costs) for technical feasibility studies, technology
adoption, product development or process development projects, retrofits to an existing product/
service, lean, production design or marketing assessment projects related to the product
development project. Project budget typically at $80-100K.
Eligibility: 1-500 on payroll, incorporated for ≥2 years, committed to internal R&D activities.
Timelines: Projects require approval prior to spend and funding runs from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
Project Themes: Product development, retrofitting products, lean consulting, feasibility and market
readiness assessments. Focus on solving an internal technical challenge with a focus on adopting
technology and processing enhancements.
IRAP Mid-Sized Projects: Max 65% R&D Grant
Internal R&D and Product Development/Enhancement
Covers up to up to 65% of projects at an average size grant of $140K, which must be technical or
research oriented to solve an innovation challenge. Avoid training.
Eligibility: 1-500 on payroll, incorporated for ≥2 years, committed to internal R&D activities.
Timelines: Projects may be up to ~18-month in length.
Project Themes: Internal R&D projects up to $200K-300K are common for basic research and applied
research. Must have technical uncertainty components and risks. Discuss ability to sustain jobs by
diversifying risk. Suitable for adopting and adapting new processing technology for manufacturers.
FedDev Ontario Training Productivity Initiative: Max $50K or 50% Grant
Training Projects for Software, Equipment, & Processes
$50K grant (50% of trainer; 50% trainee) towards training of your high-skilled staff on areas that will
increase your operational efficiency and enhance export sales. Must have 15 people on payroll.
Eligibility: Ontario manufacturer with 15-1500 employees, incorporated for ≥3 years, and exporting or
intending upon completion of the project.
Timelines: Prepare for a 16-week training project including as many themes as you want. Submission of
your Preliminary App soon ensures a spot in the queue.
Project Themes: High-skill training on ERP’s, CAD software, equipment, processes, and other software
tools to improve productivity and promote exporting. Succession and cross-training of employees are
eligible as well.
Mentor Works Ltd. © 2014
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Mentor Works Ltd.
www.mentorworks.ca
1-888-599-3111
Export Market Access (EMA): Max $30,000 or 50% Grant
International Trade Shows, Marketing & Product Certifications
$30K grant (up to 50% of expenses) for international trade shows, travel costs, and related
marketing expenses. Applicants can apply twice within a 12-month period.
Eligibility: 5-500 on payroll, ≥$500K revenue, incorporated for ≥2 years, manufacture/develop product in
Ontario.
Timelines: Plan to submit at least 3 months before your first expense, as you must wait until you are
accepted before you issue payment. A small deposit on your booth prior to acceptance is eligible.
Applicants can apply twice in a 12-month period.
Project Themes: Exhibiting at any trade shows outside of Canada or any product certification projects to
improve your export reach and secure sales is acceptable.
Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG): Max $10K/67% Trainee Training Grant
Launched in 2014 as a 6-year initiative, this training grant is a segment of the $300M/year Canada
Job Grant initiative as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The COJG was created provide
training to Canadian employees in order to improve their employability and in-demand skillsets.
Eligibility: Ontario-based SME w/ $2M liability insurance. Trainee must be a resident of Ontario, permanent
Canadian citizen, or granted refugee status.
Timeline: Training projects must be completed within the year; <12 months. 6-year program (2014-2020).
Training Themes: Post-secondary, technical skills, leadership, marketing, business systems, etc.
CME SMART Advanced Tech for Global Growth: Max $100K or 35-50% Grant
Capital Equipment & Adv. Tech Assessments for Export Expansion/Productivity
Southern Ontario manufacturers can receive up to 50% cost coverage to a max of $15K for
advanced technology assessments, as well as 35% cost coverage up to $100K for advanced capital
equipment to assist with export expansion activities through productivity/production enhancements.
Eligibility: Southern Ontario manufacturers with 15-1000 employees, who export or intend to as a result of
the project. Must have 51% of expenses outstanding at the time of the application submission for project to
be eligible for funding.
Timelines: $20M allocated to CME SMART in December 2014; projects can last 12 months or less.
Project Themes: Capital equipment purchases, 3rd party installation, 3rd party engineering & design costs
for export expansion projects. Must document productivity improvements.
To determine the suitability of your company’s strategic initiatives to any of the above government
funding programs, or other available grants and loans, please click on the title of a funding program
for interactive links and additional info. A fixed flat fee rate applies per application, rates to be
confirmed after a complimentary assessment to review your top strategic initiatives. To get started,
fill out the online form by using the interactive link per program title.
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