CFAs: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream (Canada)

Deadline: 05-Nov-2026

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream provides financial support to advanced manufacturing businesses in Ontario investing in technology, equipment, and workforce skills to improve productivity and competitiveness. Eligible projects can receive grants covering up to 15% of eligible costs, with additional interest-free loans available for qualifying investments that create jobs, support upskilling, and generate economic growth. What Is the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream? The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream is part of Ontario’s Regional Development Program. The programme is designed to strengthen Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector by helping businesses make strategic investments in: - Advanced technologies. - Capital equipment. - Manufacturing processes. - Workforce skills. - Productivity improvements. - Innovation and business growth. The programme particularly supports small and medium-sized enterprises that can demonstrate how their investments will improve competitiveness and create measurable economic benefits in Ontario. What Does the AMIC Stream Support? AMIC funding is intended for projects that help advanced manufacturing companies modernise their operations and respond to changing markets. Supported investments may include projects involving: - Technology adoption. - New manufacturing equipment. - Automation and advanced production systems. - Skills development and workforce upskilling. - Business expansion. - Productivity improvements. - Innovation-driven manufacturing investments. - Strategic reshoring initiatives. - Foreign direct investment projects. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed investment and improved competitiveness, employment, innovation, or economic development. How Much Funding Is Available? The AMIC Stream can provide support through both grants and loans. Grant Support Funding can cover up to 15% of eligible project costs.

Grant limits include:

- Up to $500,000 for eligible small companies in rural communities. - Up to $1.5 million for strategic projects, including qualifying foreign direct investments or significant reshoring initiatives that create at least 15 new jobs in Ontario. Loan Support Eligible applicants may also access loans of up to $5 million.

Key loan features include:

- Interest-free during the project period. - Project-period financing can extend for up to four years. - Up to 30% of the loan may be forgivable if eligible investment and employment or upskilling targets are achieved. - The maximum forgivable portion is $500,000. The exact funding structure depends on the project, applicant, eligible costs, and applicable programme requirements. Why Does the AMIC Stream Matter? Advanced manufacturing is an important part of Ontario’s economy, but businesses face pressure to adopt new technologies, improve productivity, develop skilled workforces, and remain competitive. AMIC helps address these challenges by supporting investments that can: - Increase manufacturing productivity. - Encourage technology adoption. - Create new employment opportunities. - Upskill existing workers. - Attract private-sector investment. - Strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing supply chains. - Encourage innovation. - Support regional economic development. - Promote collaboration between businesses and industry clusters. The programme is particularly relevant to manufacturers planning significant technology or capital investments that can generate measurable economic benefits. Priority Manufacturing Sectors AMIC encourages collaboration and cluster development across important advanced manufacturing sectors.

Relevant industries include:

- Aerospace. - Automotive. - Chemical manufacturing. - Information and communications technology. - Life sciences. - Steel. Businesses operating in other advanced manufacturing areas may also be considered if their proposed projects meet the programme’s objectives and eligibility requirements. Who Is Eligible? Businesses must meet specific operational, employment, investment, and location requirements.

Eligible applicants must generally:

- Be located in Ontario or plan to locate in an Ontario community. - Have operated for at least three years. - Have at least three years of financial statements. - Employ at least 10 people. - Commit to creating at least five new jobs or upskilling existing positions. - Invest at least $500,000 in the proposed project. - Demonstrate the ability to complete the project. - Show how the investment will improve competitiveness and contribute to Ontario’s economy. Applicants should confirm all current programme requirements before submitting a funding application. What Projects Are Eligible? A project should demonstrate measurable economic and business benefits.

Eligible projects should:

- Create new employment or substantially upskill existing positions. - Attract private-sector investment. - Support adoption of new technologies. - Improve business productivity or competitiveness. - Contribute to innovation and business growth. - Generate positive economic impacts in Ontario. Strategic projects involving reshoring or foreign direct investment may qualify for higher grant limits when they meet the programme’s additional job-creation requirements. What Projects Are Not Eligible? AMIC funding does not support several types of activities.

Ineligible projects include:

- Ongoing business operations. - Refinancing. - Acquisitions. - Corporate restructuring. - Primary production. - Retail activities. - Construction. - Personal services. - Consulting. - Electricity generation. - Waste management. - Recycling. Applicants should ensure that the proposed investment is directly connected to advanced manufacturing, technology adoption, innovation, skills development, or another eligible programme objective. Important Funding Restriction AMIC funding cannot be combined wit