Grants
We know firsthand how hard and sometimes frustrating it is when looking for Funding or Grants that you may or may not be eligible for.
Who to talk to? Where to reach out for help? What grants are out there for me?
We have compiled a one stop shop for grants available to our members for your convenience.
Grants are always changing and evolving so its best to always keep updated on the availability.
We also added a list of experts in their respective field, if you should have any questions about any of the grants available on our website contact your local CEDC, NOHFC, Ventures, Fednor and City of Thunder Bay repbresentatives and make an appointment today!
Planning and Building Fee Grant
A rebate of planning application fees and building permit fees
Program description and eligibility requirements
Commercial Conversion Grant – Main floor
A grant equal to 50% of the cost of renovating and converting main floor residential to commercial use up to a maximum of $10,000
Program description and eligibility requirements
Residential/Office Conversion Grant – Upper floor(s)
A grant equal to 50% of the cost of renovating and converting second floor or higher units to residential or office use up to a maximum of $10,000
Program description and eligibility requirements
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant
A grant equal to 50% of the cost of improvements to the façade of commercial storefront buildings up to a maximum of $10,000
Program description and eligibility requirements
Summer Company application are open
Summer Company is a local and regional program administered by the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre. This funding program is supported by the Province of Ontario and provides enterprising young people, aged 15 to 29, with the opportunity to start and run their own summer businesses.
Full time students aged 15 – 29 are eligible to participate.
Apply to the Tourism Development Fund
The CEDC Tourism Product Development Fund (formerly known as the CEDC MAT Product Development Fund) provides support to projects that enhance Thunder Bay’s tourism economy. The fund focuses on projects that create new visitor experiences and enhance existing experiences. There are two available funding streams, the CEDC Tourism Event Fund and the CEDC Tourism Product Development Fund.
Designed to attract, retain, and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce by creating and sustaining new and existing jobs
For eligible businesses, funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 75 % of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $52,500 per year.
Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
Supports business growth through business loans with competitive interest rates
Makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
This organization helps businesses based out of Northern Ontario with funding and network support.
Funding varies by program.
Canada Summer Jobs
Support for employers providing supervised career-related work experience for youth employees
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a program under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). It helps youth aged 15 to 30 gain paid summer work experience and develop skills for the job market.
Applications opens fall 2026, if approved your organization can gain valuable wage subsidies that make it easier to hire motivated youth
Youth Employment Program (IRAP)
Designed to assist funding of hiring young Canadian post-secondary graduates
Growth Community Improvement Plan
The Growth Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a bold new strategy designed to position Thunder Bay as a competitive, investment-ready city by encouraging industrial and commercial development across the community. By focusing on high-value projects that generate employment and long-term tax assessment, the CIP aims to help Thunder Bay meet its ambitious growth targets and unlock new opportunities.
Employment Growth Tax Incentive Grant (EGTI)
Intended to help offset increases in property taxes resulting from employment projects within the eligible project area by reimbursing the owner for part or all of the tax increase from the completion of eligible improvements
Capital Contribution Grant (CC)
The CC Grant is an alternative to the Employment Growth Tax incentive grant provides a lump sum payment upon final inspection per the building permit, as opposed to annual increments after the property is assessed
Miinikaanan Badakidoon Program- Thunder Bay CEDC
If you’re an Indigenous entrepreneur in Thunder Bay or Northwestern Ontario looking to start up, expand or buy an existing business, apply for the Miinikaanan Badakidoon program.
May apply for up to $5,000
Contact your Thunder Bay representatives and make an appointment today!
Kyle Neabel- CEDC
Small Business Development Officer
Tel: 807-621-7131
Email: kyle.neabel@thunderbay.ca
Kirsten Kabernick- CEDC
Program Coordinator
Starter Company Plus, Summer Company & Tourism Development Fund
Tel: 807-632-3289
Email: kirsten.kabernick@thunderbay.ca
Kaitlyn Mosher – Thunder Bay Ventures
Business Development & Lending Officer
Tel: (807)-768-6650
Email: kaitlyn@thunderbayventures.com
Planning Services Division Development Services- City of Thunder Bay
Office 2nd Floor, Victoriaville Civic Centre
Tel: 807- 625-2216
Email: www.thunderbay.ca/CoreAreaGrants
Sean Irwin- NOHFC
Northern Development Officer
Tel: (705) 945-6700
Email: sean.irwin@ontario.ca
Jeffrey OBrien – FEDNOR
Community Economic Development
Tel:844-805-8370 or (705)-255-3837
Email: Jeffrey.OBrien2@ised-isde.gc.ca