Provides for-profit innovative companies with non-repayable funding to support projects that promote business growth and market expansion.

The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) provides for-profit innovative companies with non-repayable funding to support projects that promote business growth and market expansion and are critical for the development and commercialization of new innovations.

**Please note, the SFEP now encompasses the prior iRAPID and Triple-P programs.

The SFEP supports projects in three categories:

  • Market Growth & Expansion

  • Product Development

  • Productivity Enhancement

The SFEP will support 50% of eligible costs, before tax, at one of three funding levels:

  • Level 1: $5,000 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $10,000

  • Level 2: $7,500 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $15,000

  • Level 3: $10,000 grant for a minimum project spend before tax of $20,000

The SFEP is a competitive program with limited funding available. Unfortunately, not all applicants can be funded. Applications are collected throughout a specified intake period and will be reviewed by an external selection committee.

Companies are eligible for one SFEP grant over the duration of the program (2024-2027). All project costs must be with a third-party contractor/vendor.

Eligible projects must demonstrate and create measurable results for your business and have the potential to create jobs and increase revenues.

Examples of eligible projects:

Market Growth & Expansion

  • Tradeshow attendance/exhibiting (not previously attended) and associated travel costs

  • Design/development of branding and select promotional materials (video, print, audio)

  • Market Research

  • Sales/marketing plans

  • Label design

Product Development

  • Product certifications

  • Prototype development (engineering, design, machining/fabrication)

  • Software development

  • Trial testing

  • Equipment/software to prototype

Productivity/Business Enhancements

  • Intellectual Property research & protection

  • Business strategies

  • Feasibility analysis

  • Training & certifications

  • Productivity/lean manufacturing studies & implementation

  • Equipment/software related to the core business offering

Eligibility:

Application Deadline for Intake Two: January 30, 2025.

    • Innovative, growth-oriented for-profit companies who have under $5 million in annual revenue

    • Companies registered and operating in one of IION's service districts: Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka

    • Companies must have a business model and strategy that validates forecasted sales and employment growth

    • Companies seeking assistance for developing, commercializing, or scaling their innovative product or process that has the potential to increase revenue and employment

    • Companies operating as restaurants, wholesalers, distributors or re-sellers

    • Not-for-profits and municipalities

    • Hobby and part-time businesses

    • Companies registered outside of IION's catchment area (districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka)

    • Any on-going operational costs including staff wages, rolling stock or any other internal costs associated with the project

    1. The company contacts the program lead (Emily Ryan) to determine eligibility and discuss the proposed project(s)

    2. If the company and project(s) are eligible, the company must register as an IION client. Once this is completed, the application link will be emailed to the company. The company will complete the application and submit it online

    3. The program lead will review one draft submission (will all required quotes) by providing comments about application completeness

    4. The application deadline for each intake will be indicated on the program website. It is highly recommended companies submit applications in advance of this date to allow IION time to review the draft submission. Applications must be received prior to incurring costs associated with the project. If applicants choose to do so, they can begin incurring costs once IION has the final application submission. IF the application is approved, the costs, up to the grant amount, will be reimbursed.

    5. The SFEP committee will review your application within the first 14 days of the review month

    6. Once the review is complete, you will receive an email from IION to inform you if your application was approved or not

  • Intake 3: March 3- May 30, 2025 (Applications will be reviewed in June)

    Intake 4: July 2 - September 30, 2025 (Applications will be reviewed in October)

    Intake 5: November 3, 2025 - January 30, 2026 (Applications will be reviewed in February)

    Intake 6: March 2 - May 29, 2026 (Applications will be reviewed in June)

    • Approved companies have 6-months (or by the programs deadline) to complete the project from date of approval

    • The company is required to pay the project contractors 100% of invoices, including any HST applicable, then submit a claim to IION for 50% reimbursement, up to the grant amount (no HST)

    • Companies will be reimbursed via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) upon receipt of the claim with the final invoice(s) and proof of payment

    • Successful applicants will be required to complete a mandatory SFEP survey as well as a mandatory annual survey

  • Applications must be received prior to incurring costs associated with the project.

    If applicants choose to do so, they can begin incurring costs once IION has the final application submission and the applicant receives an email indicating the application is being sent to the committee.

    If the application is approved, the costs, up to the grant amount, will be reimbursed.

How do I get started?

Please contact Emily Ryan to discuss the eligibility of your company & project(s) and answer any questions you may have. If your company and project(s) are deemed eligible, Emily will send you the application.

emily@iion.ca