The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP)

The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) provides for-profit innovative companies with non-repayable funding to support projects that promote business growth and market expansion and are critical for the development and commercialization of new innovations.
  • The Innovation Initiatives Ontario North
Overview of the The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) program:

The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) is designed to support innovative startups and small businesses in Northern Ontario. The program provides early-stage entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance necessary to bring their business ideas to life and scale their operations. Through a combination of funding, mentorship, and business development support, SFEP aims to foster the growth of high-potential businesses in the region.

Benefits of the The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) program:
  • The SFEP supports projects in three categories:
  • Market Growth & Expansion
  • Product Development
  • Productivity Enhancement
Eligibility criteria of the The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) program:
  • Innovative, growth-oriented for-profit companies who have under $5 million in annual revenue
  • Companies registered and operating in one of IION's service districts: Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound or Muskoka
  • Companies must have a business model and strategy that validates forecasted sales and employment growth
  • Companies seeking assistance for developing, commercializing, or scaling their innovative product, process or service that has the potential to increase revenue and employment
Request Funding Information

Related Funding Opportunities

Explore similar funding opportunities that match your goals.

Forage Capital PartnersOPEN
  • Forage Capital Partners
Marigold CapitalOPEN
  • Marigold Capital
Self-Employment OptionOPEN
  • Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Self-Employ PEIOPEN
  • SkillsPEI

Other Grants and Funding by Region

Development CapitalOPEN
  • Investissement Quebec
Startup CalgaryOPEN
  • Startup Calgary
SofinnovaOPEN
  • Sofinnova
Standards Council of CanadaOPEN
  • Standards Council of Canada
FCC Credit LineOPEN
  • Farm Credit Canada
Canada Growth FundOPEN
  • Canada Growth Fund
InvestEcoOPEN
  • InvestEco
WE Tech AllianceOPEN
  • WE Tech Alliance

More Grants and Funding by Industry

SDTC Start-up & Scale-up FundingOPEN
  • Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)
Irrigation Development ProgramOPEN
  • Government of Saskatchewan
Metis Assistance Program (MAP)OPEN
  • SASKMÉTIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COR
Métis Entrepreneur Equity ProgramOPEN
  • Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF)
CEDF Business LineOPEN
  • Communities Economic Development Fund (CEDF)
CN Stronger Communities FundOPEN
  • Canadian National Railway Company
Film and Television Tax CreditOPEN
  • Government of Alberta
Vehicle retrofit programOPEN
  • Department of Social Development,
Index VenturesOPEN
  • Index Ventures
Women Founders Investment Preparedness ProgramOPEN
  • Canadian Women's Foundation