Please Note: The CME SMART ATGG program is now closed. Please explore active government funding programs.
The Canadian Manufacturers & Exports (CME) association has announced the launch of the CME SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth program, specifically to help southern Ontario manufacturers assess and adopt new technologies to enable export expansion. CME expects approximately 200 southern Ontario manufacturers to benefit directly from this program, allowing for improved productivity, production capabilities, and improved production margins.
Up to $15K/50% in CME Grant Funding for Operational Assessments
The first of two streams under the CME SMART program relates to third party assessments. In this stream, applicants will engage qualified professionals to assess their current production processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Once these areas for improvement are identified, the assessment will then include recommendations on technology adoption opportunities to solve these operational challenges.
CME will cover up to 50% of the assessment costs to a maximum of $15,000 in grant funding. Applicants must apply for funding before making project expenses.
Up to $100K/35% in CME Grant for Businesses’ Capital Investments
The second stream of CME SMART’s Advanced Technologies for Global Growth program is for southern Ontario manufacturers who have already identified the technology that they plan on adopting, whether through the assessment stream or independently. Examples of eligible technology adoption includes:
- Information and communications technologies (ICT);
- Robotics;
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing);
- Sensor-based technologies;
- Instrumentation;
- Automated materials handling;
- Nanotechnologies;
- Advanced green technologies; and
- Advanced communications technologies.
CME will cover up to 35% of the implementation costs to a maximum of $100,000 in grant funding. Eligible costs include plant equipment, software implementation fees, installation and setup, and related project expenses, excluding the costs of land and building, refinancing, depreciation costs, travel, R&D, labour, materials, promotional expenses, training, and recoverable taxes. Please note that the maximum amount of government funding for each business/applicant will be $100,000 across both streams for the lifetime of the program.
Grant Project Objectives & Eligibility Factors
The advanced technology implementation must lead to export expansion in existing export markets or new international regions. Businesses that do not yet export can still apply, as long as the project will enable them to export as a result. Applicants must be southern Ontario manufacturers with 15-1000 payroll employees at their southern Ontario facility and incorporated for at least 2 years.
Applicants must also demonstrate a clear plan of business growth targets, including sales forecasts, job creation/retention, international marketing strategies, and proven economic impact to the southern Ontario region. All projects must be completed by January 31, 2017 and reports must be submitted by September 30, 2017, however projects less than one year in length are preferred.
Learn More about CME SMART Ontario Government Grants
Get Started Eligibility Criteria FAQ
Leverage Funding to Support your Business
Whether you are located in Southern Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area, Eastern Ontario, or from any community across Canada, Mentor Works offers free Informational Webinars on Government Funding to educate business owners and community leaders about government grants and loans.