This program is designed specifically for businesses like yours in the agri-food sector. It aims to help you overcome supply chain challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By participating, you can receive funding to conduct a resiliency analysis, identifying gaps and weaknesses in your supply chain and developing action plans to address them.

What You Get:

• Funding for Resiliency Analysis: Identify supply-chain gaps and develop action plans.
• Infrastructure Investment: Acquire equipment and assets to grow capacity and meet increased demand for Ontario-grown and produced food products.

Benefits:

• Government-Backed Financing: This funding is supported by the Government of Ontario, making it more reliable than other financing options.
• Targeted Support: Focuses on both immediate and long-term supply chain improvements.
• Ease of Qualification: As a business in the agri-food sector, you are already well-positioned to qualify.

Participating in this program will help you build a more resilient supply chain, ensuring your business can adapt and thrive in a changing market.

Type of Financing:

• Grant: Receive up to $50,000 per project to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• No repayment required for the grant received.
• No interest rates applicable as it is a grant, not a loan.

Eligible Expenses:

• Funding can be used to identify and address market and supply chain challenges driven or worsened by COVID-19.
• Covers costs related to completing a resiliency analysis and developing an action plan for priority areas.
• Supports near-term investments in infrastructure to build production capacity and address market challenges.

Ineligible Expenses:

• Funds cannot be used for purposes other than those directly related to addressing supply chain challenges in the agri-food sector.

Fees:

• No fees associated with the grant program.

This program offers your business up to $50,000 per project. It covers up to 50% of the eligible costs to help you tackle market and supply chain issues caused or worsened by COVID-19.

You can use the funds in two main ways:

1. Resiliency Analysis: Identify supply chain gaps and develop an action plan to address them.
2. Infrastructure Investment: Acquire equipment and assets to increase your production capacity and meet the growing demand for Ontario-grown and produced food products.

All projects must be completed by March 31, 2024, with final claims submitted by April 15, 2024. This funding can significantly strengthen your business's ability to adapt and thrive in a changing market.

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

1. Register for an Account: Visit the Agricultural Adaptation Council website and create an account on the MY AAC ONLINE portal.

2. Log In to Your Account: Use your credentials to log in to the MY AAC ONLINE portal.

3. Access the Application Form: Navigate to the Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program section and access the application form.

4. Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These include:

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

5. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate and detailed information about your business and the project you are seeking funding for.

6. Upload Documentation: Attach the prepared documentation to your application form.

7. Review and Submit: Carefully review your application to ensure all information is correct and complete. Submit the application through the MY AAC ONLINE portal.

8. Confirmation: After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this for your records.

9. Follow Up: If needed, contact the Agricultural Adaptation Council for any follow-up questions or additional information. You can reach them at [email protected] or call 1-800-769-3272.

10. Await Approval: The Agricultural Adaptation Council will review your application. If approved, they will notify you of the next steps and any further requirements.

By following these steps, you can complete your application for the program efficiently.