This program is designed specifically for businesses like yours in the agri-food sector. It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your supply chain and increase production capacity. By participating, you can address challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure your business is better prepared for future disruptions.

Why Apply?

• Funding for Resiliency Analysis: Identify supply-chain gaps and develop an action plan to address priority areas.
• Infrastructure Investment: Acquire essential equipment and assets to meet the increased demand for Ontario-grown and produced food products.
• Government-Backed Financing: Benefit from secure funding that supports near-term investments in infrastructure.

What’s in it for You?

• Enhanced Production Capacity: Grow your business to meet market demands.
• Strategic Improvements: Develop a robust action plan to mitigate supply chain weaknesses.
• Ease of Qualification: The program is tailored for businesses like yours, making it straightforward to qualify.

By being approved for this program, you will not only receive financial support but also gain a strategic advantage in the market. The application process is designed to be accessible, ensuring you can quickly benefit from the available resources.

Type of Financing:

• Grant: Receive up to $150,000 per project to cover up to 25% of eligible costs for acquiring equipment and assets to enhance capacity and meet the growing demand for Ontario food products.

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• No repayment required for the grant received.
• No interest rates apply to the funding provided.

Eligible Expenses:

• Eligible costs include the acquisition of equipment and assets necessary for expanding production capacity and addressing market and supply chain challenges.

Ineligible Expenses:

• The funds cannot be used for purposes other than acquiring equipment and assets to enhance production capacity.

Fees:

• No fees associated with the grant program.

This program is designed to help your business tackle supply chain challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can receive funding to analyze your supply chain, identify gaps, and create a plan to address these issues. This analysis will help you find weak spots and develop strategies to strengthen your supply chain.

You can also get funding to invest in infrastructure. This means you can buy equipment and assets to increase your production capacity. This is especially useful if you need to meet the growing demand for Ontario-grown and produced food products. The funding can help you make near-term investments that will have a long-term impact on your business.

All projects must be completed by March 31, 2024. Final claims and reports need to be submitted by April 15, 2024. This program is a great opportunity to make your supply chain more resilient and your business more competitive.

To apply for the program, you can follow these steps:

1. Review Program Guide: Download and review the program guide to understand the objectives, funding streams, and application process. This will give you a clear idea of what is expected.

2. Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. You will need:

• Business Plan
• Financial Statements
• Resiliency Analysis Report (for the Resiliency Analysis Stream)
• Quotes for Equipment or Infrastructure Investments (for the Infrastructure Investment Stream)
• Any other relevant documentation that supports your application

3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.

4. Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documentation to the Agricultural Adaptation Council by the specified deadline.

5. Await Approval: After submission, the council will review your application. They may contact you for additional information or clarification.

6. Implement the Project: If approved, proceed with implementing your project as outlined in your application. Ensure all activities are completed by March 31, 2024.

7. Submit Final Claims and Reporting: After project completion, submit your final claims and reporting by April 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. (EST). This will include a detailed report on how the funds were used and the outcomes of the project.

8. Contact for Assistance: If you have any questions during the application process, contact the Agricultural Adaptation Council at [email protected] or call 1-800-769-3272 for assistance.