BDC
Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access low-interest loans of up to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs. Available until December 31st, 2021 Highly Affected Sector Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
Digital Main Street
Sign up for FREE! This program will help you relaunch your businesses with a focus on e-commerce, online marketing, and revenue forecasting to recover from losses in the wake of COVID-19. Main Street Relaunch Program / Programme de relance de la rue Main | Digital Main Street
Digital Main Street
Sign up for FREE! This course will help you through the digital transformation of your business. From learning to embrace digitalization to search engine optimization and creating an attractive website. Plus you can keep the slides to future reference! Digital Transformation Training Program | Digital Main Street
FedNor
Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP)
Contact: Che Curtis-September, Initiatives Officer, [email protected] or 249-377-5304
Indigenous
Access a non-repayable contribution to support your community-owned business whose revenues have been affected by COVID-19. Indigenous Community Business Fund
Mentor Works
Mentor Works can help pair your business with government funding programs and can assist with writing and submitting grant applications. Mentor Works
The Métis Micro-Business Fund is intended to relieve financial pressure and strengthen operations to be well positioned for recovery in the form of non-repayable financial support up to $8,000 to Métis home and family based businesses. Find out more, https://www.metisnation.org/news/metis-micro-business-fund-new/
The Métis Emergency Business Financing (MEBF) program provides short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions up to $40,000 for Ontario Métis businesses managing the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers a combination of an interest-free loan and a grant to help with operating costs if revenues have been negatively affected by COVID-19. For more information visit, https://www.metisnation.org/news/support-for-ontario-metis-businesses-during-covid-19/
Use photography to build your online presence! Michelle Marie Photography offers Personal Branding Photography Shoots for small business owners and entrepreneurs. She captures photos that truly show off your unique personality and style which are so important to creating a brand, getting clients and growing your business! Contact Michelle, [email protected]
Municipality of Sioux Lookout
See what incentives may benefit your business in the Community Improvement Plan! Municipality of Sioux Lookout Community Improvement Plan – Incentives (PDF)
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Contact: Kim Williamson, Northern Development Advsior, [email protected] or 807-737-6692
Northwest Business Centre
The NWBC provides assistance and support in the development of business plans, business start-ups, product development, government, taxation and financial direction, seminars, resource materials, mentoring and networking.
Reach out to Allyson Pele, [email protected]
Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
Access funding is to assist with innovative business growth: Next level program
Access funding to create a website, take courses on technology adoption, or develop software: Business Technology Improvement Fund
You could be reimbursed for business expenses that help generate net-new sales revenue or investment: Soft Landing: Scale From Home program
Check out ongoing events through the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre here!
Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre
Access the IT Connect portal to find individuals and organizations in the area who can help with web development and much more! Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre – Northwestern Ontario IT Connect (nwoinnovation.ca)
PACE
When financing from other sources is insufficient, repayable financing up to $150,000 on commercial terms through loans, loan guarantees, or equity investments may be available to your business through PACE. Visit their website or fill out a Loan Application (PDF)
Ontario Energy Board
Under the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program – Small Business (CEAP-SB), small businesses may be eligible for up to $1,500 in support towards their electricity and natural gas bills. Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebates
Digital Main Street
Receive 1-on-1 support to create an online store and learn how to manage it for FREE! Sign up for ShopHERE to get online today (digitalmainstreet.ca)
Small Business Centres Ontario
Ontario Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network can help start a business, grow, reimagine or recover Small Business Enterprise Centre’s COVID-19 Recovery Network
Plus find modules on Business Basics or register in Business Start- Up sessions!
Social Media Strategy
Social Media Strategy 101: Use this handbook for guidelines on how to kick-off your social media strategy! The Lookout Social Handbook 2021
Starter Company Plus
Delivered by the Northwest Business Centre, you could get one-on-one guidance, training to complete a business plan and the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 grant! Find out more here, or Corrine Kabel, Program Coordinator at [email protected]!
Municipality of Sioux Lookout
Find contact information for everything you need to know about starting a business in Sioux Lookout. Starting a Business in Sioux Lookout (PDF)
Here are steps to take when starting your business in Ontario. Steps to Starting a Business in Ontario
