The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) provides funding for strategic investments in the forest sector that improve productivity and innovation, enhance competitiveness, and support new market access. The fund is applicable for sawmills, pulp and paper mills, secondary wood manufacturers, and bio-economy projects.
Overview
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) provides funding for strategic investments in the forest sector that:
- improve productivity and innovation
- enhance competitiveness
- support new market access
- provide benefits to Ontario’s broader forest sector
- strengthen regional economies
Eligibility (Business Projects)
Support is available for projects with at least $3 million in eligible costs undertaken by for-profit manufacturers and processors of wood and forest biomass across Ontario, including:
- saw mills
- pulp and paper mills
- secondary wood manufacturers
- bio-economy projects
Harvesting and resource extraction projects are not eligible for funding.
Eligibility (Collaboration Projects)
Support is available for Ontario-based projects with at least $3 million in eligible costs undertaken through a collaboration of:
- forest sector for-profit businesses
- not-for-profit research organizations
- forest industry associations
- academia
Eligible collaborations should develop, diversify, and transform Ontario’s forest sector through innovation in technology, process, and/or products.
A minimum of three partners are required (including at least one Ontario-based for-profit forestry/wood products company).
Application Open Date (Status)
Open
Application End Date (Deadline)
March 17, 2023 June 16, 2023
Funding Limits
Loans up to 30% of eligible costs in the form of a minimum $3M performance-based loan (of which, up to 50% may be forgivable) Grants up to 15% of eligible costs may be considered in exceptional situations at the discretion of the province
Funding rules are strictly bound to the terms of the successful Grant Application.
Purpose & Commonly Used For
- Enhance productivity and competitiveness
- Increase innovation
- Support new market access
- Provide benefits to Ontario’s broader forest sector
- Strengthen regional economies
More Information
The objective of Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) is to encourage businesses to make investments by providing financial support for projects that will improve productivity, increase innovation, support market expansion, strengthen regional economies and supply chains, and positively impact Ontario’s broader forest sector.
FSIIP will assist Ontario forestry companies to develop and implement innovative technology and encourage innovation in products, services, and processes to improve the competitiveness of Ontario’s forest industry.
While these streams are distinctive and specialized, the application of consistent policy filters ensures that provincial business support funding directly supports Ontario’s economic development priorities.
