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Ontario now accepting e-business funding applications

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $2.5 million in the Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative to help agri-food businesses develop their business presence online. Applications are being accepted immediately.

Funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the initiative is open to food producers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, farmers markets, retailers, and agricultural associations looking to develop online business, providing consumers with greater access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products.

This targeted application intake features two funding streams:

1. Bring Your Business Online. Eligible organizations and businesses can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. Funding under this stream will be quick and responsive for those needing immediate solutions.
2. Develop Online Business Opportunities. Eligible organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will immediately accept applications and expedite the approval process to help businesses and organizations develop, expand and enhance their current online presence. Eligible applications will be received and assessed on a continuous basis, while funding is available.

More information about this targeted intake and the program guidelines can be found online at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/index.htm or by calling: 1-877-424-1300.

“Workers from across our food supply chain are providing essential services to our country and we appreciate their hard work and dedication to keep our agriculture and agri-food system strong during this challenging time,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will provide support as businesses quickly adapt to new and different ways of providing affordable and nutritious food to Canadians.”

“We’re helping agri-food businesses adapt to the retail challenges of this unprecedented time,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “COVID-19 has changed the way we shop, and our investment today in e-business will go a long way to connecting the people who grow our food with the people who buy it, while allowing them to practice physical distancing.”