OCI SmartStart Seed Fund
Receive up to $30,000 in Government Funding.
The Government of Ontario and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) are supporting youth (18-29) entrepreneurs involved in on-campus entrepreneurship activities through the SmartStart Seed Fund. Through this funding program, applicants can receive up to $30,000 in seed funding, as well as access to regional business and investment networks and resources.
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OCI SmartStart Seed Fund
Amount of Funding
Successful applicants for the SmartStart Seed Fund may receive the following funding support:
- Up to $30,000 in early-stage funding or 50% of eligible expenses (whichever is less);
- Funding includes up to $7,500 towards costs for business skills training and support services; and
- Access to business and investment resources is also supported.
OCI SmartStart Seed Fund
Eligible Applicants
An applicant may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Is a youth entrepreneurs between 18 nd 29 years of age, and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Has a viable business plan;
- Is committed to growing an Ontario-based company; and
- Has an incorporated start based in Canada that is linked to at least one Ontario college or university.
OCI SmartStart Seed Fund
Eligible Activities
Activities may be eligible if they meet the following requirements:
- Costs associated with launching/building a startup enterprise;
- Costs associated with developing a prototype product, sourcing first customerss and solving real business needs; and
- Entrepreneurship skills development.
OCI SmartStart Seed Fund
Program Deadline
The OCI SmartStart Seed Fund is currently closed to applications, with no future intakes announced.
Apply for Funding
We provide an average 95% time savings to our clients, compared to businesses that apply for funding in-house.
