What is the Northern Tech Accelerator Program?

The Northern Tech Accelerator Program (NTAP) is a non-repayable grant program administered by Blue Sky Net (BSN) in partnership with the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC). The grant will cover up to 50% of eligible technology project costs (to a maximum of $10,000 grant contribution).

NTAP is being offered to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ontario to implement innovative technology that facilitates reaching new markets, improving efficiency, increasing sales, and creating and/or retaining jobs to further contribute to the overall economic development and economic sustainability of Northern Ontario.

Who is Eligible?

  • For-profit private sector businesses (not-for-profit and municipalities are not eligible under this program)
  • Last fiscal year sales of $30,000 or more
  • Located in Northern Ontario (federal boundary)
    • Includes the following districts: Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing, Cochrane, Greater Sudbury, Sudbury, Manitoulin, Timiskaming, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River, and Kenora

  • Businesses operating on a full-time basis for a minimum of one year with a valid Canadian business number (established seasonal businesses are also eligible)
  • Project work has not yet begun for the proposed project (no products or services have been paid to a vendor to begin work on the proposed project)

Eligible Projects

The following list includes eligible project categories and examples of projects that may qualify for NTAP. All projects must be completed by an outside vendor (project costs cannot include in-house labour expenses) from the approved NTAP vendor list of Northern Ontario* vendors.

*Note: If a project element is not able to be completed due to unavailability of a Northern Ontario vendor, the project may still proceed following review.

Once a project is approved for funding, the project must be completed within 3 months of approval.

Advanced Website Development

NTAP is intended to assist with advanced website development. Eligible website development costs include, but are not limited to:

  • E-commerce integrations for online ordering
  • Integration with inventory management systems and/or Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) or other third-party software or services
  • Booking/scheduling/reservations platform
  • Responsive website design
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Website analytics
  • Training on how to manage, maintain and update your website from your project vendor

Software Development and/or Software Integration

Eligible software development and/or software integration project costs include, but are not limited to:

  • Custom software solutions
  • Mobile application development
  • The purchase of software and integration into existing business platforms
  • Examples of types of software: Inventory management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning/accounting software (ERP), and other business applications
  • Software training for maintaining and managing your software solution from your project vendor

Hardware Integration

NTAP hardware integration projects are intended to cover hardware outside of standard equipment such as laptops, desktops, printers, etc. Eligible hardware implementation project costs include, but are not limited to:

  • Purchase and implementation of POS systems
  • Purchase and implementation of inventory management devices
  • Purchase and implementation of specialized industry specific hardware/software
  • Fleet Management hardware/software

Cybersecurity

Eligible cybersecurity projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Risk/Vulnerability Assessments
  • Cybersecurity tools such as firewalls, endpoint detection and response software, encryption tools, automated security tools, etc.
  • Cybersecurity awareness training
  • Penetration testing
  • Cloud Security
  • Data loss prevention
  • Cyber insurance audits
  • Development and implementation of cybersecurity policies and procedures

Internal Broadband Networking

Internal broadband networking refers to providing improved connectivity via an already established internet connection within your business operations. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Ethernet cable runs and termination
  • Wireless access point planning and installation/configuration
  • Router configurations
  • Switch configurations
  • Procurement of devices and materials

Ineligible Costs

The following are costs are not eligible for NTAP funding:

  • Graphic design and photography services
  • Website maintenance, hosting fees, and ongoing costs
  • Costs incurred before the project start date
  • HST costs

NTAP Application and Approval Process

  1. Application for NTAP is submitted by the applicant. NOTE: applications will not be accepted from vendors on behalf of their clients and must be submitted by the applicant.
  2. One-on-one consultation is done between the applicant and Blue Sky Net (BSN) or Northwestern Innovation Centre (NOIC).
  3. Applicant is made aware of approval status for next steps.
  4. Applicants approved for next steps gather at least two quotes from approved Northern Ontario vendors. If the desired vendor is not within the approved list, the desired vendor will be required to submit a vendor application for review.
  5. Quotes are sent to BSN or NOIC and reviewed along with application.
  6. Application is approved or denied.
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