Marketing Plans

Stream: Processor

Code:

EMAP-PR-C

For assessment and planning projects that support retaining/expanding or accessing new domestic/export markets.

Who should apply?

See “To apply you must”.

To apply you must

Be a minimum of one of the following:

• A processor that manufactures products in a facility with fewer than 200 employees
• An owner of an established brand or intellectual property that does not meet processor eligibility criteria but is located in Ontario, and has an agreement or arrangement for the transformation of their product(s) in Ontario
• A new processor business (new entrant) that:
  • Constitutes a legal person
  • Is new to the food and agri-product processing industry and has business projections that demonstrate potential annual gross business income of $30,000 or more within three years of applying
  • Files personal income taxes in Ontario
  • Has not filed taxes of $30,000 or more in annual gross business revenue as a food or agri-product processing business in the two years prior to applying for funding
  • Has a valid Premises Identification (PID) Number (if a processing facility is established)

Eligible activities and expenditures

• First-time assessments or audits to reveal program gaps by a third party, including:
  • Product attribute verification (e.g., halal, gluten-free, organic)
  • First-time pre-audit by a third party
  • Feasibility studies
  • Market readiness audit
  • Cost of production audit
• Market analysis or research
• Business marketing and strategic plans for developing a new market
• Export planning
• Production expansion planning to expand market share or implement a new process
• Investigation into the regulatory or certification standards, or requirements needed to access a new market (e.g., food product labels, preparation of nutritional panels, and other required label information for domestic and international markets, trade issues, quota applications, customs and trade regulatory issues)
• Any fees or ancillary costs incurred in meeting requirements of certification standards to access a new market

Ineligible activities and expenditures

• Maintenance of an existing third-party certification
• Recertification of an existing food safety program
• Writing, development or implementation of a food safety or other program
• Capital expenses or cost of equipment required to put a food safety program in place
• Developing product prototype samples
• Travel and meal costs
• In-kind contributions
• Activities and expenditures as detailed here

Available cost-share

35 per cent, up to a maximum of $25,000

Required documentation

• Quote or proposal from a third-party organization or consultant detailing services to be provided, outcomes and costs

Merit assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed against the extent to which:

• Project addresses an opportunity to access, expand or retain an export or domestic market by conducting an assessment or audit, or developing a plan
• Assessment, audit or plan impacts potential business results
• Project provides opportunities to access export markets
• Project affects change and encourages other businesses along the value chain to innovate, scale-up and become more competitive
• Project helps address regional (e.g., northern), sector or community level needs
• Resources, experience and skills necessary to oversee and carry out the project are identified
• Project work plans are clearly defined and aligned to project goals

Other useful information:

If you are interested in applying as a new processor business (new entrant) or a brand/intellectual property owner, contact OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300 or agpartnership@ontario.ca.