INVEST North, Investment: Locate Stream
by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Also known as: Investment – Locate Stream · NOHFC Locate Stream
NOHFC's Locate stream funds businesses establishing new operations in Northern Ontario, up to $5 million as a conditional contribution (sometimes paired with a term loan, case-by-case). Combined federal and provincial funding cannot exceed 50% of eligible project costs. Retail, accommodation/food service, and wholesale-focused businesses are ineligible. A pre-application consultation with NOHFC staff (1-800-461-8329) is mandatory before applying; intake is continuous.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $5,000,000
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Conditional contribution
- Status
- Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
- Your share
- See terms
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Who qualifies
- Businesses locating new operations to Northern Ontario
- Ineligible: retail, accommodation and food service, and wholesale-focused businesses
- Ineligible costs include ongoing operating costs, land purchase/lease, working capital, R&D, and acquisitions
- Pre-application consultation with NOHFC staff is required before applying
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Repayment structure
{"default_structure":"conditional contribution (non-repayable if conditions met)","case_by_case":"combination of conditional contribution and term loan"}
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Application process
Call first. This funder expects contact with a program officer before you apply.
- Pre-application consultation with NOHFC staff (1-800-461-8329)
- Initial online application via myportal.nohfc.ca for eligibility determination
- If eligible, submit a detailed business proposal
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Stacking
- FedNor, Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI), Federal funding such as FedNor may be stacked, but combined federal and provincial government funding may not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.
Common questions
How much funding can a relocating business get?
Up to $5 million per project, with combined federal and provincial government funding capped at 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible costs include capital construction, leasehold improvements, land servicing, and ICT investments.
Do I have to repay Locate stream funding?
The base form is a conditional contribution (non-repayable if you meet your agreement conditions). NOHFC may structure part of larger awards as a term loan on a case-by-case basis.
What businesses are ineligible?
Retail, accommodation and food service, and wholesale-focused businesses. Ongoing operating costs, land purchase/lease, working capital, R&D, and acquisitions are also ineligible costs.
How do I apply?
Start with a mandatory pre-application consultation with NOHFC staff (1-800-461-8329), then submit an initial online application at myportal.nohfc.ca; if deemed eligible you submit a detailed business proposal.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: