The Ontario Market Investment Fund is a $12-million; four-year fund targeted to promote awareness of Ontario-produced foods and encourages the public in Ontario to buy locally. The following are project ideas that qualify for this program: market research, communication and/or marketing projects encouraging local buying of produce. For annual projects, additional grants cannot be applied for until the project is finished, however for multiple-year projects that are continuous, a maximum of $100,000 can be funded.
Who’s Eligible?
Eligibility includes alliances between individuals, business, farmers, etc, agriculture and food industry associations (in Ontario) and groups comprised of two or more partner organizations or businesses, including at least one food producer or processor. Individuals or individual businesses are not eligible to apply.
What’s the Benefit?
The benefit is that businesses are able to receive up to 50 percent of the project’s cost and grants up to $100,000 (per project). Expenditures that are eligible include market research, advertising and promotional materials, and costs related to the delivery of the project.
Next Steps
This is a great opportunity for businesses to raise awareness and build alliances with the public and encourage them to support local development. Interested parties should contact Mentor Works for support and aid in the process of applying and receiving the appropriate amount of funds.