i.d.e.a. Fund is a program that fosters inclusion, diversity, environment and acceleration while contributing to a green recovery, and is delivered in partnership with the following Ontario Regional Innovation Centres (RICs): Innovation Guelph, Haltech, Innovate Niagara, WEtech Alliance, Innovation Factory and TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario, to support a more sustainable economy while fostering an inclusive and equitable recovery in Southern Ontario.
This program will provide specialized industry expertise to develop growth plans and related strategies in the areas such as talent attraction, raising follow-on investment, product development and quantification of product benefits/market value propositions, commercialization of intellectual property, and market diversification. Each RIC will distribute up to a maximum of $30,000 in matching seed funding to select innovative businesses in various sectors.
If your company is in southern Ontario, has a project that might fit the criteria and is interested in benefiting from a financial injection of seed funding and executive-level mentorship – keep reading!
Seed Funding & Support
- Non-repayable seed funding of up to $30,000 with matching funds
- Up to 40 hours of fully funded, targeted support from business leaders
Expert Help
Our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you address challenges and move your business forward in all areas including:
- Growth plans and strategies
- Talent attraction
- Raising follow-on investment
- Market diversification
- Product development
- Quantification of product benefits
- Market value propositions
- Commercialization of intellectual property
- And more
Who can apply?
We’re looking for 120 companies that are:
- High potential businesses that have growth potential
- Committed to reducing their impact on the environment by developing new or redesigning:
- Products
- Services
- Processes
- Technologies
Join us for a virtual information session to learn more about this exciting new program! There will be an opportunity for live Q&A with the i.d.e.a. Fund team throughout each session. Click the links below to register for one of our upcoming sessions.
To prepare for the information sessions, you can download our full Program Guide.
Info Sessions
Choose 1 session
The first cohort of this program concluded on February 28, 2023. Cohort 2 will begin in June 2023 and continues to December 31, 2023. For full selection criteria, consult the i.d.e.a. Fund Program Guide.
Do you have questions about i.d.e.a. Fund? Are you looking for more information?
Please check out the Frequently Asked Questions available in PDF below. Once you’ve reviewed the FAQs, if you’d like to connect, let’s have a chat!
Email the program manager.
Delivery Partners
This program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Jobs and Growth Fund, which advances economic recovery efforts, supports businesses and organizations to help create jobs, supports the transition to a green economy, and positions local economies for long-term growth.
