Business Grant Writing
We can help
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) is here to help! If you’re looking to expand, innovate, or create jobs in Northern Ontario, we specialize in writing winning grant applications that get results.
At Whissel Strategies, we guide you through the process, ensuring your business gets the funding it deserves. From business expansion to R&D and equipment funding, we craft compelling proposals that increase your chances of approval. To be eligible, your business must be located in one of the following districts: Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, or Timiskaming. Eligible industries include:
Our Process
We make the grant process straightforward and stress-free, guiding you every step of the way to secure the funding your project deserves. Here’s how:
We begin by understanding your vision and funding needs through a tailored questionnaire to outline your requirements. Then, we schedule a complimentary strategy session to explore your goals in depth and walk you through our process, showing how we can support your success.
We create a clear, actionable plan to help you secure funding. During a personalized planning session, we’ll craft your grant strategy, identify potential funding sources that align with your project, and provide expert guidance on proposal writing, budgeting, and necessary documentation.
We take care of the details, allowing you to focus on your mission. We prepare professional, compelling grant applications, identify the most relevant funding programs, and ensure every application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
LEARN MORE
The NOHFC program offers reimbursement on a quarterly or annual basis, depending on your contribution agreement. To receive reimbursement, applicants must submit claims for eligible costs incurred during the previous year or quarter. With an annual budget of $100 million, the program supports a wide range of initiatives.
Each application undergoes a detailed assessment, evaluating potential benefits and risks. After the initial review, the NOHFC Board conducts a final review to approve or deny applications. Ensure your application aligns with the program’s criteria to maximize your chances of success.
FAQ Questions
The NOHFC is a funding program created to help businesses in Northern Ontario grow, innovate, and create jobs. It offers various funding streams, including grants and loans, to support local business development and strengthen the regional economy.
Eligible applicants include established Ontario-based businesses looking to expand within Northern Ontario. We work with businesses across industries like:
The program supports a wide range of growth-related costs, such as:
Facility Improvements: Construction, renovations, and leasehold upgrades
Equipment Investments: New and used equipment to boost operations
Innovation & Development: Prototyping, research, and testing
Marketing Initiatives: Trade shows, branding, and promotional materials
Employee Training: Training costs for workforce development
The amount of funding you can receive depends on the specifics of your project and falls into three categories:
Grant Only: Up to 20% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $400,000
Grant + Loan Combo: Up to 50% of costs, capped at $1,000,000
Loan Only: Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $1,000,000
The NOHFC reimburses funds based on eligible costs that have already been incurred. Reimbursement can occur quarterly or annually, depending on your agreement. You'll need to submit expense documentation and reports for approval.
ROUND 01
ROUND 02
ROUND 03
ROUND 04
NOHFC’s Invest North – Grow stream
The NOHFC’s Invest North – Grow stream evaluates applications in a series of competitive rounds, with each round having a specific deadline for detailed business plan submissions. After submission, applications will undergo a review process that takes up to 6-8 months. Make sure to submit your business plan within the designated round to ensure timely consideration.
Founded by award-winning marketer Bailey Whissel, our agency was built with one purpose: to help small businesses break through barriers and achieve transformative growth. With over 50 clients served and $100 million in client-driven revenue, our strategies are not only effective but personalized to each business’s specific needs. Our experience spans 8 years of working with businesses that started with limited resources but bold ambitions. Today, our clients see results that surpass their goals because of our data-driven, customized approach to marketing and website development.
01
Establish clear and measurable goals that align with your business strategy and provide a foundation for all marketing activities.
02
Analyze your market to identify key audience segments, prioritize based on value, and create tailored strategies for each group.
03
Develop compelling, value-driven messaging that resonates with your audience's needs, preferences, and pain points, ensuring a consistent brand voice.
04
Select the most effective platforms and communication methods to reach your target audience, balancing online and offline channels.
05
Implement the strategy by launching targeted marketing initiatives, ensuring seamless coordination across all chosen channels.
06
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns and gather insights for data-driven decision-making.
07
Continuously optimize your strategy by analyzing results, identifying areas for improvement, and iterating for greater efficiency and impact.
Let us help you craft a compelling grant application that stands out. We are here to guide you through every step, ensuring your proposal meets all the necessary criteria and increases your chances of success. Let’s make your vision a reality.
LET'S CONNECT
We help small businesses succeed by creating effective marketing solutions, bringing modern marketing techniques within reach of every business.
