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.

Business Loans for FloristsOPEN
  • Sharpshooter Funding
BDC Pivot to Grow LoanOPEN
  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Fund InvestmentsOPEN
  • Invest Nova Scotia
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL)OPEN
  • Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV)
Fierce Founders Intensive TrackOPEN
  • Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario

Other Grants and Funding by Region

Drawback ProgramOPEN
  • Canada Border Services Agency
Vistara GrowthOPEN
  • Vistara Growth
Maple Leaf AngelsOPEN
  • Maple Leaf Angels
E-Commerce FinancingOPEN
  • Merchant Growth
Searchlight CapitalOPEN
  • Searchlight Capital
Telus VenturesOPEN
  • Telus Ventures
Real VenturesOPEN
  • Real Ventures

More Grants and Funding by Industry

Versant VenturesOPEN
  • Versant Ventures
BOF Black Business Loan ProgramOPEN
  • Black Opportunity Fund (BOF)
Kawartha Lakes CFDC LendingOPEN
  • Kawartha Lakes CFDC
Seed Funding ProgramOPEN
  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
High Park AngelsOPEN
  • High Park Angels
Gibraltar & CompanyOPEN
  • Gibralter & Company