Ontario Francophone $2M Grants for Small Businesses

Ontario accepts applications for its Francophone Community Grants Program, which will run from 2022 to 2023. The initiative aims to help community organizations, social enterprises, and businesses that substantially contribute to Ontario’s francophone community’s vitality. The province has announced that the application deadline would be extended to May 11 to satisfy these groups’ needs better.

The yearly initiative will see Ontario contribute $2 million to the Franco-Ontarian community for the second year.

In a statement, Francophone Affairs Minister Caroline Mulroney said, “We have quadrupled the budget for this vital program to assist additional initiatives and organizations that serve the francophone population.”

“Through the Francophone Community Grants Program, the Ontario government is strengthening francophone organizations’ and businesses’ capacity to contribute to Ontario’s cultural and economic prosperity and make a real difference in the lives of francophones and Francophiles in the province.”

What Is this Grant?

The Ontario government is offering grants to help small businesses in the province. They are available to both French and English language communities and Aboriginal communities. These grants can be used by business owners or entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or expand an existing one.

The Francophone Community Grants Program has aided non-profit organizations and small enterprises that serve francophone communities and specialize in job creation and economic development in recent years. Cultural organizations, cultural events, and the expansion of French-language services, particularly in health and social services, have benefited from the program, as have the training and integrating programs for newcomers. The $2 million overall annual allocations this year will support more projects that will:

Increase the capacity of organizations and enterprises to supply products and services to Francophones in the province; encourage bilingual francophone staff recruitment and training, and provide occasions to commemorate and foster knowledge of Ontario’s Francophonie.
Non-profit groups that provide local French-language social and community support services or work in the cultural and economic development sectors and small companies that serve French-speaking communities are supported by this program. It aims to promote community outreach to the Franco-Ontarian community, improve customer service, reinforce or extend front-line services, support education and training, and improve customer service.

Types of Grants

There are two types of grants available:

1. The Business Expansion Grant provides up to $100,000 for businesses expanding their operations. This grant can buy new equipment, hire new staff, or expand into new markets.

2. The Start-Up Grant provides up to $50,000 for businesses that are just getting started. This grant can be used to develop a business plan, market, or buy supplies and equipment.

Eligibility

There are two financing sources for the program:

Economic Development Stream
Community and Culture Stream

Under the community stream, the program covers up to 80% of eligible expenses and up to 50% of eligible expenses under the economic stream for projects that aim to:

Promote the recruitment and training of bilingual Francophone staff

Provide opportunities to celebrate and foster understanding of Ontario’s Francophonie strengthen the capacity of organizations and businesses to provide products and services to Francophones in the province
Promote the recruitment and training of bilingual Francophone staff

Community and Culture Stream

To apply to this stream’s program, you must first:

As of May 11, 2022, be an incorporated not-for-profit organization that has been in continuous operation in Ontario for at least (2) years and has an annual operating budget of at least $10,000.

Have a clear mandate to establish programs and initiatives that help Francophones on a municipal, regional, or provincial level that are not supported entirely by the provincial government

Economic Development Stream

To apply to this stream’s program, you must first:

Be a for-profit or incorporated not-for-profit organization engaged in economic development that has been in continuous operation in Ontario for at least (2) years as of May 11, 2022, and has an annual income of at least $50,000 (for-profit applicants’ gross revenue is capped at $1,000,000).

Ensure that at least one full-time employee meets at least one of the following requirements:

Operate in a Francophone community and provide products/services to Francophones in the province of Ontario
Demonstrate a feasible business growth plan based on market research to begin operating in or delivering products/services to a francophone market in Ontario.
Extend the range of products and services available to francophone markets in Ontario by partnering with a regional, national, or worldwide organization.

How to Apply?

The Transfer Payment Ontario portal is where applications must be submitted. You must log in to the portal and follow all the application instructions to apply for the grant. Projects must be implemented between September 24, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Click on the link below to see the portal.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-funding-ontario-government

If your application is approved, you may be required to complete a Supplier Registration and Direct Deposit Application/Electronic Funds Transfer Form (Form 5098E).

Deadline

You must submit your application by 5:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. The deadline for applications is March 16, 2022.

Quick Facts

In 2021-2022, Ontario will invest $2 million through the Francophone Community Grants Program.
Non-profit organizations and enterprises serving or targeting the province’s Francophone communities are eligible.

Conclusion

The Francophone Community Grants Program promotes the cultural and economic viability of the French-speaking population by enhancing front-line services and promoting the French language and culture. Consult the Regional Development Advisor allocated to your area from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries before beginning an application. You can call one of the ministry’s Regional Services Offices if you’re unsure who your advisor is.