In the first series of our Startup Funding resources we published some great resources on startup funding in Toronto. In this post, will be focusing on non-dilutive sources funding for startups in Toronto. The great thing about non-dilutive sources of funding is that you won’t lose equity in your startup. There are many funding options available deending what you’re building and where you are with your startup in Toronto. Here are some funding options to check out:
General Funding
Corl Platform
Corl is a platform that funds business in the digital economy and shares in their future revenue.
Starter Company
Starter company is a funding by provincial government of Ontario. If you’re starting, expanding or buying a small business, apply for training, mentoring and a grant through Starter Company Plus. If you are an Ontario resident and not attending school full time, you may be eligible to apply for funding of up to $5,000 to start or expand your business. You need to contribute 25% of the grant in cash or in kind.
Market Readiness Investment Program is designed to support early-stage companies that are an academic spin-off that was created for the purpose of commercializing Intellectual Property (IP) developed from research conducted in an Ontario-based academic institution (university, college, and/or research hospital).
SmartStart Seed Fund
The SmartStart Seed Fund is an exciting new opportunity for Ontario’s next generation of entrepreneurs to access much-needed funding to take their start-up to the next level.
Ontario Media Development Corporation
This is unique funding for magazines and digital media products. Ontario Media Development Corporation offers funding in Ontario’s film, TV, magazine, book, music, & digital media sectors. The OMDC Magazine Fund supports the business development of independent Ontario-based magazine publishers. Funds are provided to assist in the growth of these businesses through the creation and implementation of new strategic initiatives that enable publishers to achieve business development and/or marketing objectives.
Industrial Research Assistance Program
Government funding and advisory opportunity. Check out the details here.
Hiring
Canada Summer Jobs
If you’re looking to hire some students check out Canada Summer Jobs. Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is an initiative of the Summer Work Experience program. It provides wage subsidies to employers to create employment for secondary and post-secondary students. Again this year, Canada Summer Jobs welcomes applications from small businesses, not-for-profit employers, public sector and faith-based organizations that provide quality summer jobs for students.
Embedded Executive Funding Program
If you’re a more established startup Embedded Executive Funding Program might be for you. Embedded Executive Funding helps place a C-level or other senior-level executive with an Ontario-based technology venture to support achieving their next growth milestone. Ventures can receive up to $50,000 toward the cost of the Embedded Executive’s salary.
Co-operative Education Tax Credit
Hire a co-op student and get some tax credit. Visit here to learn more.
ICTC
ICTC is a leader in developing workforce solutions and delivering talent programs to enable Canadian businesses to access the right talent with the right skills needed to drive innovation and productivity in an increasingly competitive environment. There’s funding opportunity here for hiring youth.
University Students
Summer Company
For undergraduate check out the Summer Company. Summer Company is an initiative by Ontario government to provide business training and mentoring together with awards of up to $3000 to help students start up and run their own summer business. Eligible candidates must be between 15-29 years of age and a student returning to school.
MITACS
MITACS provides post graduate and professor to work on a specific company project.
Medical Startups
Canadian Medical Association’s Joule Innovation grant program
Joule, the Canadian Medical Association’s newest company, is offering nine grants totaling $200,000 as part of its 2018 Joule Innovation program.
Ontario Neurotech Entrepreneurs
Ontario Neurotech Entrepreneurs Program catalyzes early stage entrepreneurs to commercialize brain-related technologies by accessing funding and support to launch or grow their neurotechnology ventures.
To see more startup funding opportunities in Toronto check it out here.