INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream

📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Northern Canada - Corporations registered in Canada with primary operations in eligible Northern regions - Indigenous-owned businesses and social enterprises in Northern territories - Partnerships and joint ventures where a Canadian SME is the lead applicant - Businesses must demonstrate a genuine Northern Canada presence and operations ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Contribution: Up to $2,000,000 per project - Cost-Share Requirement: Grant covers up to 50% of eligible project costs - Applicant Responsibility: Minimum 50% of project costs must be funded through other sources (cash or in-kind contributions) - Repayability: Contribution is a non-repayable grant (not a loan) - Funding Type: Direct contribution for project execution ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Applied Research & Development (R&D) activities and personnel costs - Demonstration projects to prove technology viability - Commercialization activities to bring innovations to market - Technology development and adaptation for Northern contexts - Eligible payroll for R&D personnel directly involved in the project - Equipment and tools necessary for technology demonstration - Professional services directly supporting the innovation initiative - Travel and logistics related to project implementation in Northern regions ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project Timeline: Must demonstrate clear milestones and completion benchmarks - Innovation Requirement: Project must involve genuine technological innovation or applied R&D (not routine business operations) - Northern Focus: Activities and benefits must meaningfully support Northern Canada's economy - Reporting Obligations: Quarterly or milestone-based progress reporting required - Eligible Costs: Only costs incurred after project approval are eligible - Documentation: Comprehensive financial records and project documentation must be maintained - Performance Metrics: Applicants must establish and track KPIs for commercialization success - Advance Approval: Project proposal and budget must receive written approval before spending begins