Investing in Neighbourhoods

Investing in Neighbourhoods addresses the dual issues of unemployment and social capitol capacity across the City by directly funding jobs in non profit organizations that serve local communities. In partnership with Toronto Employment and Social Services, organizations are able to expand their services while providing gainful employment to social assistance recipients. Government Contact: Eve Connors … Read more

Local Initiatives

Local initiatives are small pilot projects that will respond to the hiring needs of employers and increase linkages to employment opportunities for Ontario Works (OW) clients. Projects developed will achieve the following objectives: Link OW clients to emerging employment opportunities Improve the job readiness of OW clients Respond to the hiring needs of employers Government … Read more

Purchase of Employment Services

The City of Toronto is mandated by the Province to deliver social assistance. Ontario Works (OW) has two main components: Financial Assistance and Employment Assistance (EA). EA provides clients with programming and financial supports to assist them in obtaining employment. Employment Assistance Services are delivered both directly and through 3rd party service providers. Divisional EA … Read more

Health Force Ontario

HealthForceOntario is the province’s strategy to ensure that Ontarians have access to the right number and mix of qualified health care providers, now and in the future. The HealthForceOntario strategy is: Identifying and addressing Ontario’s health human resource needs. Engaging partners in education and health care to develop skilled, knowledgeable providers and create the health … Read more

Green Focus on Innovation and Technology (GreenFIT)

Green innovation and technological leadership will be the engines of Ontario’s New Green Economy and the focus of a new and exciting Government of Ontario strategy called the Green Focus on Innovation and Technology (GreenFIT). For more information please visit: http://www.doingbusiness.mgs.gov.on.ca/mbs/psb/psb.nsf/index/greenfit?openDocument

International Strategic Opportunities Program

The International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP) provides funding for strategic international collaborations between Ontario research institutions and the global research community. The goal of the program is to improve Ontario’s long-term economic potential by attracting and retaining the best and brightest research talent. For more information visit http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/isop/program.asp

Health Technology Exchange Program

The Health Technology Exchange was established in 2004, with the support of the Government of Ontario, to accelerate innovation, commercialization and the growth of Ontario’s medical and assistive technologies sector. The organization helps Ontario’s scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas into innovative medical and assistive technology products. It does this through three main program … Read more

Emerging Technologies Fund

The Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund will co-invest — with qualified venture capital funds and other private investors — directly into companies working within the focus areas defined by Ontario’s Innovation Agenda: Clean technologies Life sciences and advanced health technologies Digital media and information and communications technologies. A discretionary, non-entitlement investment program, the OETF is a … Read more

Premier’s Discovery Awards

The Premier’s Discovery Awards (PDA) program celebrates the research excellence of Ontario’s finest senior researchers. By showcasing individual achievements, it aims to enhance Ontario’s attractiveness as a global research centre. The PDA program consists of four annual awards for excellence in research for either a single discovery or a body of work. The awards include … Read more

Premier’s Catalyst Awards

The Premier’s Catalyst Awards (PCA) is a new program that recognizes both individuals and companies that have demonstrated excellence in innovation. The goal of the PCA is to help build a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Ontario. The PCA provides five annual awards of $200,000 each to individuals and companies that have championed a … Read more

Innovation Demonstration Fund

The Innovation Demonstration Fund (IDF) is a discretionary, non-entitlement funding program administered by the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment & Ministry of Research and Innovation that focuses on the commercialization and initial demonstration of globally competitive, innovative technologies, processes and/or products. The objective of the IDF is to help companies in their efforts to … Read more

Ontario Centres Of Excellence

The Government of Ontario established the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) program to strengthen research linkages between academia and industry. OCE’s networks help to bridge the gap between research and the marketplace – bringing universities, industry and government together to help in the application of new science and technology to successful business endeavors. The Ontario … Read more

Early Researcher Award (ERA)

The Early Researcher Award program (ERA) is a $51 million, 5 year program that aims to help promising, recently-appointed Ontario researchers build their research teams of graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and research associates. The ultimate goal of the program is to improve Ontario’s ability to attract and retain the best and brightest research talent in … Read more

Ontario Research Fund (ORF)

The Ontario Research Fund (ORF) is a key part of the government’s plan to support scientific excellence by supporting research that can be developed into innovative goods and services that will boost Ontario’s economy. Through a commitment of $527 million over five years, Ontario is providing talented researchers with the support they need to undertake … Read more

Promoting Investment in Tourism

For Investors interested in Ontario tourism opportunities, the Investment and Development Office can assist in organizing tourism investment trips to Ontario, providing contacts to assist with your business interests; and, providing detailed information on tourism sub-sectors which hold the greatest opportunities for investment. For Municipalities interested in attracting tourism investment, the Investment and Development office … Read more

Tourism Inc. – Market Readiness Workbook

The Market Readiness Workbook  is a tool to assist businesses, organizations and communities in preparing to enter tourism for the first time, or to refocus to attract new tourism markets.  The Market Readiness Workbook provides  businesses with several resources to improve market readiness. For more information visit: http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/Tourism_inc_MarketReadiness_workbook.pdf

Tourism Development Fund

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport supports investment attraction, product and experience development and industry capacity building.   The Tourism Development Fund aims to: Support the creation or revitalization of tourism attractions, sites and experiences Support innovative product development for emerging sectors that have demonstrated market potential Enhance the quality of tourism services, businesses and practices … Read more

Tourism Event Marketing Program

OTMPC assists with the promotion of selected tourism events and festivals across the province. Successful event marketing strengthens and extends Ontario’s brand image and it helps showcase Ontario as a four-season destination to Ontarians, and to visitors to Ontario from around the world. For more information visit: www.tourismpartners.com/TcisCtrl?language=EN&site=partners&key1=partnerOps&key2=TEMP GOVERNMENT CONTACT: Contact TEMPP

Industry Partnership Proposal Program

Through the Industry Partnership Proposal Program (IPPP), Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) works collaboratively with groups in the tourism industry to develop and implement innovative and co-operative marketing programs. For more information visit: www.tourismpartners.com/TcisCtrl?site=partners&key1=partnerOps&key2=IPP&language=EN&linkType=I GOVERNMENT CONTACT: Contact IPP

Internship Program

About the program: MNR Internships are up to 10 months (40 weeks) in length. The goal of the program is to provide you with specific skills and learning opportunities to help you make the transition from school to work. Learning opportunities will focus on MNR’s key business. The work will help ensure Ontario’s natural resources … Read more

Co-op Program

About the program: Placements last 12 to 16 weeks. Positions are open to post-secondary students enrolled in a recognized co-operative education program. The rate of pay varies and is based on the level of education completed. Application: Job opportunities will be posted at participating Ontario colleges and universities. Students should check with the school co-op placement … Read more

E-Business Resources

E-Business assists small and medium business owners with skills in the use of digital technology to facilitate business. They will: •Learn about e-business, •Assess whether it is right for your operation, and •Get information on implementing an e-business solution. For more information, visit: http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/sb_ebiz_en.jsp

Students & Young Entrepreneurs- Youth Entrepreneurship Partnerships program

The Youth Entrepreneurship Partnerships program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Ontario that facilitate the development of an enterprising culture amongst Ontario’s youth (typically between the ages of 12 – 29) by providing them with educational, experiential and entrepreneurial opportunities. For more information please visit: http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/sb_ye_partnerships_en.jsp GOVERNMENT CONTACT: Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment … Read more

Small Business Enterprise Centres

Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) provide entrepreneurs with all the tools they need to start and grow their businesses. Each centre is staffed with dedicated business professionals who help you determine what you need to do before, during and after launching your business. SBECS are located across the province and they provide: free consultations with … Read more

Business Advisory Services

The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s 12 business advisory service offices provide assistance to existing innovative, growth-oriented firms, associations and municipalities. For more information, please visit: http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/smallbiz/en/sb_bizadvise_en.jsp Government Contact: Toronto (Downsview) Regional Office Central Building, 1201 Wilson Avenue, 3rd Floor Downsview, ON M3M 1J8 Tel: (416) 235-4278 Fax: (416) 235-4338

Export Market Access Program

Export Market Access – A Global Expansion Program The Export Market Access (EMA): A Global Expansion Program is specifically intended to:  Assist SME’s access and expand their growth in new international markets that are beyond the US; Encourage SME exporters to the US to seek other global markets (based on the application, there may be … Read more

New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) and ITEXus Programs

Ontario’s New Exporters to Border States and ITEXus programs are designed to provide practical support to firms exporting to the United States. Read the program profiles to find out which program would be most suitable for your firm. For details, please visit: http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/medt/ontarioexports/en/Pages/TradeEvent.aspx?EventId=3 GOVERNMENT CONTACT: (BERBS) Elaine Marks 416-325-6665 GOVERNMENT CONTACT: (ITEXus) Mauricio Ospina … Read more

Business Immigration Programs

The Business Immigration Section of the Ministry of International Trade and Investment provides a wide variety of services and support to business immigrants during the planning stages of immigration and after arriving in Ontario. Their consultants can provide advice and information concerning the procedure for applying to immigrate to Canada. They  also help immigrants prepare for … Read more

Open for Business

Open for Business is the Ontario Government’s ambitious three-year initiative to create faster, smarter and streamlined government-to-business services that make Ontario more attractive for business development while protecting the public interest. It also seeks to transform the Ontario government-to-business relationship. For more information please visit: http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/en/ofb_main_en.jsp

Communities in Transition Initiative

This program is responsive to the needs of communities and regions and allows them to apply at any time during the year for help developing a strategy for their economic growth.  Staff in the Communities in Transition Office are available to work one-on-one with community representatives to review specific challenges and opportunities and advise on … Read more

Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence

In partnership with the Ontario Government, the Yves Landry Foundation is providing funding to help manufacturers invest in employee training.  The Government of Ontario provided $25 million to fund this program as part of the 2008 budget. Website: Yves Landry – Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence.

Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund

The SJIF is a discretionary, non-entitlement grant and loan program designed to support leading-edge investments in Ontario that create at least 50 high value jobs or will have at least $10 million in eligible costs. This program focuses on four priority sectors: Clean/Green Technologies, Financial Services, Information and Communication Technology and Life Sciences. Program Website: … Read more

Jump Start Your Career

The OPS is a great place to jump start or revitalize your career. Whether you are deciding on a career, starting a career, changing careers or upgrading your career skills, the OPS has something to offer. This employment experience will add to the depth and credibility of your resume and give you a chance to … Read more

The Ontario Skills Passport

The Ontario Skills Passport (or OSP) is a free, bilingual web-based resource that provides clear descriptions of the Essential Skills and work habits important for work, learning and life. Essential Skills are used in virtually all occupations and are the foundation for learning other skills, such as technical skills. OSP offers numerous resources and tools … Read more

Ontario’s Specialist High Skills Major Program

An Specialist High Skills Major program (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. Pursuing an SHSM enables students to: … Read more

Ontario Prospects – Ontario’s Career Planning Guide

Ontario Prospects is an annual career planning guide for students in Grades 7 to 12, educators, job counsellors and others seeking career information. Ontario Prospects celebrates and promotes student success in Ontario and includes information on self assessment, career planning, job search preparation, workplace safety, the labour market, postsecondary destinations, skills training, and community resources. … Read more

Student Success Programs

Ontario Schools are offering expanded programs to help meet students’ individual learning styles and interests which will better prepare them for graduation and beyond. For details, please visit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/studentsuccess/

ICE Committee