FedNor — Federal Economic Development for Northern Ontario — 2026 Guide
Federal agency supporting economic development in Northern Ontario. Programs cover business growth, community development, and innovation for the north.
FedNor — Northern Ontario Economic Development — Complete Guide 2026
What Is FedNor?
FedNor (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) is the federal government's regional development agency for Northern Ontario. If your business is located north of roughly Sudbury and Barrie, FedNor is your primary federal development partner — on top of all national programs.
FedNor Main Programs
Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP)
- Supports business growth, innovation, trade, and community economic development
- Contributions from $10,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on project scope
- Priority: Indigenous businesses, natural resources, tourism, clean tech, digital economy
Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation (REGI)
- Federal program delivered through FedNor in Northern Ontario
- Supports scaling businesses with high growth potential
Community Futures Program
- Delivered through 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northern Ontario
- Business loans up to $150,000 for rural businesses
- Also provides business counselling, feasibility studies, and planning support
What Counts as Northern Ontario?
FedNor's geographic mandate covers: Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins, Kenora, and all communities north of the French River / Mattawa River corridor. Southern Ontario businesses do not qualify for FedNor programs.
How to Apply
Contact FedNor at fednor.gc.ca or call 1-877-333-6673. Speak to a project officer about your specific project before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does FedNor fund?
- FedNor funds Northern Ontario businesses through the NODP (up to $1M+), REGI for high-growth businesses, and Community Futures loans (up to $150K). Priority sectors: Indigenous businesses, natural resources, tourism, and tech.
- Is my business eligible for FedNor?
- FedNor serves businesses in Northern Ontario — roughly Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins, and all communities north of the French River corridor. Southern Ontario businesses should use FEDDEV Ontario instead.
- What is the difference between FedNor and FEDDEV?
- FedNor covers Northern Ontario; FEDDEV covers Southern Ontario. Both are federal regional development agencies, but they operate in different geographic areas. Contact FEDDEV at feddevontario.gc.ca if you're in Southern Ontario.
Related Programs
Need Signage or Labels for Your Business?
Once your grant is approved, your storefront, safety signs, and marketing materials can be covered by your CIP facade grant. Made in Canada. Ships fast.
Shop Canadian-Made Signs →