Applications for Cohort 3 of the i.d.e.a. Fund program are now open!
i.d.e.a.™ Fund is a program that fosters sustainable and circular economy growth by accepting high potential businesses that have a commitment to developing and/or redesigning green products, services, processes, and technologies to reduce their impact on the environment. This program will provide specialized industry expertise to develop growth plans and related strategies in areas such as:
- Talent attraction
- Raising follow-on investment
- Product development and quantification of product benefits/ market value propositions
- Commercialization of intellectual property
- Market diversification.
With funding from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), five Regional Innovation Centres, including Innovate Niagara, have combined efforts to offer selected businesses the opportunity to re-work their products, services, processes, and technologies to focus on reducing impact on the environment. This includes mentorship support to grow and accelerate their business.
If you are an incorporated business located in southern Ontario, with high growth potential, and have fewer than 500 employees, you might qualify.
What can your business receive if you are selected?
- Non-repayable seed funding of up to $20,000, with matching funds
- Up to 30 hours of fully funded, targeted support from business leaders
Think your business is a good fit? Apply for Cohort 3 before September 30, 2024.
More from the blog
Is Starting a Business Right For You?
Join our Exploring Entrepreneurship seminar in St. Catharines to get the tools and resources you need to start your business. Register now!
St. Catharines unveils new economic development and tourism strategy
The City of St. Catharines unveiled it’s updated economic development and tourism strategy, a guiding document providing policies, programs and initiatives ensuring the City continues its vision to be a safe, innovative, sustainable and caring community today and for future generations. At its September 24, 2024 meeting, St. Catharines City Council approved the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy: 2024 to 2029.
Fat Rabbit a Michelin Guide restaurant in St. Catharines
One of St. Catharines best new restaurants is carving a niche in the Niagara food scene and beyond. Fat Rabbit has been catching everyone’s attention since opening in September 2023, including the renowned Michelin Guide.
Free business training, $10,000 grants available for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs
Applications are now open for the 2024-25 Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program providing free access to business coaching, training and $10,000 grants for more than 400 Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs.