The Food Processing Human Resources Council is pleased to announce that a new Career Focus Program (CFP) is beginning on June 1, 2013! CFP2 will now distribute up to $20,000 worth of wage subsidies to food and beverage manufacturers, distributers and wholesalers. This program offers a $1 for $1 wage subsidy, up to $20,000 for food and beverage manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers to hire a recent post-secondary graduate. Providing employers an opportunity to access some of the skills that can further strengthen the industry. Positions can include: business, marketing, logistics, sales, machine operator, product developers, engineering or other technical abilities.
Learn more about the program and access the pre-approval form to begin the process
The GFTC Legacy Fund (“GLF”)
GLF has set aside up to $1.5 million to be invested over the next year in initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, innovation, commercialization and sustainability for Food Processors in Canada. GLF intends to make this $1.5 million capital accessible to fund initiatives that can demonstrate material benefits to a meaningful number of food producers in the Canadian Food Industry. While this investment initiative is intended to promote activities that may benefit Canadian food producers of any size, GLF recognizes that specific productivity and innovation advancements that help small and medium enterprises (“SME”) in-turn can help the entire Canadian Food Industry to expand and be more competitive on an international basis. The targeted individual investment size ranges from $25,000 - $300,000. GLF is inviting interested parties to submit proposals for consideration. Funds may be allocated as grants, loans or equity investments depending on the circumstance, merits and level of risk to be taken-on.
GLF welcomes proposals from business consortiums, industry associations, research groups, education institutions, companies and individuals; however, GLF is not obligated to solicit submissions or include any submissions from any specific party in its final evaluation. Given that proposals will be considered over the coming weeks/months on a rolling basis and there are finite dollars to allocate, time is of the essence for those parties that are considering submitting proposals.
Learn more about the GFTC Legacy Fund contact John Hamilton
Growing Forward 2
The AgriInnovation Program
The AgriInnovation Program is a five-year, $698 million initiative under the Growing Forward 2 policy framework. Of this, $468 million is available for funding projects based on applications from industry. The program will:
- accelerate the creation, availability, application and transfer of knowledge and technologies to the sector; and
- increase the successful demonstration, commercialization or adoption of agriculture, agri-food and agri-based innovations.
The program ends March 31, 2018 and supports the following industry-led streams:
- Industry-Led Research and Development
- Enabling Commercialization and Adoption
The AgriInnovation Program will begin April 1, 2013. Early applications are now being accepted but no funding decisions will be communicated prior to April 1, 2013.
The AgriMarketing Program
The AgriMarketing Program is a five-year, $341-million program, under Growing Forward 2, that consists of a combination of government initiatives and contribution funding for industry-led projects. Its objective is to improve the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector's competitiveness in domestic and international markets by supporting industry in gaining and maintaining access to markets and capitalizing on market opportunities. It will achieve this objective through activities grouped into four streams:
- Breaking Down Trade Barriers
- Building Market Success
- Market Development
- Assurance Systems
The AgriMarketing Program will come into effect April 1, 2013. Early applications are being accepted, but no funding decisions will be communicated prior to April 1, 2013. All activities must be completed no later than March 31, 2018.
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and Eastern Ontario Development Fund
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund supports regional economic development by creating jobs, attracting private sector investment and promoting innovation, collaboration and cluster development in Southwestern Ontario.
The fund is a discretionary, non-entitlement program with limited funding. There are two funding streams, one for established businesses and a regional stream for economic development organisations including municipalities.
Under the business stream, the fund may provide up to 15% of eligible project costs to a maximum grant of $1.5 million. For project investments of $10+ million that create 50+ jobs, funding may be available in the form of a secured repayable loan, to a maximum of $5 million in provincial support.
Under the regional stream, the fund may provide up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum grant of $1.5 million. Stacking with other provincial programs is not permitted under either funding streams.
Eastern Ontario Development Fund
The Eastern Ontario Economic Development Fund is a four year, $80 million fund designed to help businesses create new jobs, and invest in new technologies, equipment or skills training for workers. It will also support economic development projects that will attract or retain investment in Ontario-based industries and communities.
Individual businesses can receive up to fifteen per cent (15%) of total eligible expenditures to a maximum grant of $1.5 million. Also, up to 35% of total project costs may come from other public sector funding sources. Examples of eligible items: new technologies, equipment, skills training.
Aime Global Initiative - Yves Landry
The Yves Landry Foundation (YLF) is making available up to $50,000 per company in the form of a grant to foster training that will lead to advancements in innovation within the manufacturing sector in Ontario. All projects for consideration must lead to new global export opportunities or create new global markets.
In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Yves Landry Foundation is making available up to $50,000 per company in the form of a grant to foster training that will lead to advancements in innovation within the manufacturing sector in Ontario. All projects for consideration must lead to new global export opportunities or create new global markets. If you have received federally supported AIME funding from the Yves Landry Foundation in the past three years, you are not eligible to participate in this new round of funding. Please check with YLF staff to confirm your eligibility.
AgriProcessing Initiative (API)
The AgriProcessing Initiative (API), part of the federal Agricultural Flexibility Fund, is a five year,$50 million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada.
You could receive a repayable contribution of 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $2 million per project, for: new (novel to facility) machinery and equipment (including the commissioning) that enables the adoption of new manufacturing technologies and processes; or consultation, design and advice on new technologies, processes and products which are new to your facility.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis for the duration of the program. However, you should apply as soon as possible, since these types of programs are often fully subscribed before the end date. Funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2014, therefore, the timing of applications must allow for this condition to be met. To obtain an electronic or a paper copy of the application form, call API staff at 1-877-246-4682, or email to API@agr.gc.ca.
Canadian agricultural Adaptation Progrm (CAAP)
The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is seeking projects under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). The AAC is interested in innovative projects that:
Seize opportunities – projects that develop a new idea, product, niche, or market opportunity to the benefit of the sector.
Respond to new and emerging issues – projects that address issues that were not of concern previously, or were not known about at all.
Pathfind and pilot solutions – projects that test ways of dealing with new issues, or find new ways to deal with existing issues. Under CAAP, this is done in two ways:
Pathfinding projects – projects that look at different options to prepare the sector to face the future and remain competitive.
Piloting projects – projects that test ideas or approaches to see if it is effective enough to use in everyday applications in the sector.
Fed/dev ontario program - Prosperity initiative
In response to Ontario's economic challenges, Budget 2009 provided more than $1 billion over five years for a new Southern Ontario development agency. The agency's programs will support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification, with contributions to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations. It will help workers, communities and businesses in southern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of opportunities, as economic growth recovers in Canada and around the world.
The Prosperity Initiative aims to encourage businesses and/or not-for-profit organizations to undertake projects that will result in the diversification and enhanced competitiveness of southern Ontario regions and sectors through:
- The adaptation and adoption of new technologies, processes and skills to enhance business productivity in southern Ontario;
- The development of new industries or opportunities that will help diversify the economy of a region or community of southern Ontario; and/or
- The development and expansion of strategic economic clusters that will build on the assets and strengths of southern Ontario and increase its competitiveness within the global economy.
Up to $210 million has been allocated to this program from 2010 to 2014. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis. Applicants must first submit a Statement of Intent outlining the applicant's intent, project scope, alignment with Prosperity Initiative objectives, project stakeholders, future outcomes, overall costs and funding sources.
Applicants receiving written approval from FedDev Ontario to proceed to the next phase may then submit a full project proposal.
PROSPERITY NOW PROGRAM - CME SMART
CME SMART Prosperity Now program has an Assessment stream and a Project Funding stream. You can apply for funding for one assessment and one project.
Assessments: Eligible companies can receive 50% of the cost, up to $5,000, for assessments of:
- Market, Commercialization of New Technology, and Productivity.
- Only one assessment per company will be funded.
Project Funding: Eligible companies can receive:
- 33% of the eligible costs, up to $75,000, for eligible projects.
SMEs previously supported through CME SMART programming will be considered eligible however cumulative funding between previous SMART program and the new Prosperity Now cannot exceed $100,000.
Application forms should be available early in February.
Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program
The SR&ED program is a federal tax incentive program, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), that encourages Canadian businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada. It is the largest single source of federal government support for industrial R&D.
The SR&ED program gives claimants cash refunds and/or tax credits for their expenditures on eligible R&D work done in Canada.
Small Project Accelerated Review Process (ARP)
National Research Council – Industrial Research and Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)
Support of up to $50,000 will help your business grow by addressing a wide range of technology, business and market-oriented needs, covering 75% of consulting costs and 100% of internal labour costs.
Eligible firms must be: incorporated and for-profit with 500 or less full-time employees; have a separate legal status and operate in Canada; and have the objective to grow and generate profits through the adoption, development and commercialization of innovative or technology-driven products, services or processes.
A partial list of eligible projects include: assessment of technology needs for adoption of technology; product design, engineering design, design for manufacture; productivity enhancement studies; development of business, sales and marketing plans, and image creation (branding); development of e-commerce enabled website (or website upgrading); competitive market research studies; and feasibility assessment for new service or product ventures.
For a full list of eligible projects or to apply, contact your local Industrial Technology Advisor, or contact NRC-IRAP at 1-877-994-4727.
