What is the Growing Forward 2 Ontario Capacity Building Stream?
This stream of funding for Producers is targeted at helping agri-food producers take advantage of third party expertise to investigate the best practices for solving farm-focused concerns.
How Much Funding is Available to Producers through GF2 Ontario Business Grants?
Producers can access up to 50% of the project’s expenses over the five years, and both streams of funding (Capacity Building and Project Implementation), Producers can access up to $350,000 in Ontario business grants.
What Producers are eligible?
Established farm businesses that meet the following criteria are eligible to receive funding:
- Produce agricultural commodities in Ontario
- File business and/or farm income/loss taxes in Ontario
- Have a Premises Identification Number for the farm property where the proposed Capacity Building activity applies
- Have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or equivalent.
Are new Producers eligible?
New producers are eligible for the Capacity Building stream of funding only (they cannot apply for the Project Implementation stream). New producers are defined as meeting the following criteria:
- Are new entrants to the agricultural production industry and have business projections that demonstrate potential annual gross business income of $7,000 or more within three years of applying; and proof of ownership or control of productive agricultural assets to generate farm income
- File personal income taxes in Ontario
- Have not filed taxes as a farm business in the two years previous to applying for GF2 funding
- Have a Premises Identification Number for the farm property where the proposed Capacity Building activity applies
What types of projects are funded by the Capacity Building Stream?
Education, skills development and training, assessment/audit, and
Planning projects are funded by the Capacity Building Stream. The results of this project can be used to define a project for the next stream of funding – the Project Implementation Stream.
What costs are covered by the Capacity Building Stream?
Typically, the costs covered by the stream include third party consultants or expertise, training courses and materials and reports.
When can applications be submitted?
Applications for Capacity Building can be submitted on a continuous basis.
How do I find out more about this government funding program?
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