An independent registry of Northern Ontario funding Data updated Oct 1, 2026 · CC-BY-4.0
Northern Ontario Grants
Open, continuous intake

Economic Growth Grant Program (EGCIP)

by City of Sault Ste. Marie

Also known as: Economic Growth Community Improvement Plan

Sault Ste. Marie's Economic Growth Grant (EGCIP) targets export-oriented businesses that locate or expand in the city. Two tools: a project grant of up to $100,000 (more only by Council approval), and a tax-increment grant returning up to 100% of the municipal property-tax increase for up to three years. An EGCIP committee screens applications; City Council decides. Continuous intake, start with Invest Sault Ste. Marie.

Amount
Up to $100,000 Grant Program 1: up to $100,000 per project (or as approved by City Council). Grant Program 2: up to 100% of the incremental increase in the municipal portion of property taxes for up to three years. This award range, $100,000, against every tracked amount from $1,000 to $500,000,000, on a logarithmic scale.

Against all tracked amounts, $1,000 to $500,000,000, logarithmic.

welcometossm.com · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Grant Program 1: up to $100,000 per project or as approved by City Council ... Grant Program 2: up to 100 percent of the incremental increases in the municipal portion of the property taxes for up to three years

Instrument
Grant (non-repayable)
Status
Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
Who qualifies
Businesses
  • business
  • corporation
  • New businesses locating in Sault Ste. Marie or existing businesses expanding
  • Primarily export-oriented activities (selling goods/services outside the local economy)
  • Job growth and economic diversification are the program's stated goals

welcometossm.com · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Where
Algoma DistrictThis program is limited to one district.1 of 11 Northern Ontario districts are eligible for this program.Algoma District: eligibleCochrane District: not eligibleGreater Sudbury (single-tier census division): not eligibleKenora District: not eligibleManitoulin District: not eligibleNipissing District: not eligibleParry Sound District: not eligibleRainy River District: not eligibleSudbury District (excl. Greater Sudbury): not eligibleThunder Bay District: not eligibleTimiskaming District: not eligible

1 of 11 Northern Ontario districts are eligible for this program. A filled dot is eligible, an outline is not.

Built for
Small business, expansion

How do you apply?

Call first. This funder expects contact with a program officer before you apply.

  1. Contact Invest Sault Ste. Marie / Community Development for pre-screening
  2. Submit EGCIP application
  3. Review by the EGCIP Committee (Community Development, Finance, Planning representatives)
  4. City Council final decision

welcometossm.com · Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source

Common questions

What does 'export-oriented' mean here?

Businesses that primarily sell goods or services outside the local economy, the program exists to diversify the economy and create net-new jobs, so purely local-serving retail/service businesses are generally not the target.

Can I get both grant programs?

The EGCIP provides two grant programs for approved applicants, the up-to-$100,000 project grant and the 3-year municipal tax-increment grant. Structure and combination are set through the committee review and Council approval.

Who decides on my application?

An EGCIP Committee with Community Development, Finance, and Planning representatives reviews applications; final approval rests with City Council.

Where else could this money come from?

Chosen by what these programs have in common with this one, not by hand. The reason is shown for each, so you can judge whether it holds.

Notes on this record

welcometossm.com is the city's economic development portal (Invest SSM / FutureSSM). The city can also connect applicants to its Economic Development Fund and Downtown Financial Incentive Program.

Apply

Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there:

welcometossm.com