Deadline: 22-Jul-21
The Government of Canada is seeking proposals for its Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program that facilitates the adoption of transformative technologies and products by bridging the gap between development and commercialization.
The IFIT program aims to create a more competitive a nd resilient forest sector with a focus on low-carbon projects that result in new or diversified revenue streams.
Funding Information
- The total Canadian government assistance (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal) can cover up to 100% of total project costs.
- Only eligible expenses incurred after a contribution agreement has been signed by the applicant and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will be reimbursed.
- The total Canadian government assistance (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal) will not exceed 100% of the total project costs. Historically, the average IFIT contribution was approximately 35%.
- Payments will be made upon receipt of documentation as defined in the contribution agreements, which has been signed by the applicant and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Payments are generally made on a quarterly basis with a predefined amount withheld until project completion.
- Final payment will not be made until all agreed-upon project activities have been completed by a proponent and are deemed acceptable by NRCan.
Eligibility Criteria
For-profit companies located in Canada, that either:
- produce forest products in an existing facility (i.e. pulp, paper or solid/engineered wood products facility)
- are new entrants in the Canadian forest sector for the purpose of the proposed project
- will be new entrants in the Canadian forest sector for the purpose of the proposed project
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
- Applicants to Capital Investment projects must demonstrate in their project proposal that the project clearly meets each mandatory criterion including:
- recipient eligibility
- is the advancement of an innovation in the forest sector
- integrated within the forest sector supply chain
- involves the use of material derived from wood fibre
- Projects that clearly meet the mandatory criteria will then be evaluated against the program’s rated criteria, including:
- technical feasibility
- innovation
- partnerships
- business plan
- fibre supply
- timing
- value for investment
- diversity and inclusion
- benefits to Canadians
For more information, visit https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/funding-partnerships/funding-opportunities/forest-sector-funding-programs/investments-forest-industry-transformation/13139