Ontario Launches Program to Support Advanced Manufacturers

$40-million investment will support innovation and growth and secure high-skill, well-paid jobs for the people of Ontario

Overview

The Ontario government launched the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program to help companies get the tools, technology and talent they need to grow, compete and innovate in an increasingly competitive global market.

As part of the 2021 Fall Economic Statement, AMIC is a new stream of the Regional Development Program (RDP). The two-year, $40 million program will support advanced manufacturing businesses to invest in the equipment, advanced technologies and skilled workforce needed to improve competitiveness and growth. As Ontario continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, AMIC will help to create and retain good jobs and address the need to restore the essential supply chains that will support economic recovery across the province.

Beginning today, eligible businesses can apply for the new program. Eligibility requirements include:

• minimum of 10 employees
• three or more years of financial statements, and
• minimum of $500,000 in eligible project costs.

The first round of applications will be open until February 10, 2022.

AMIC will support the advanced manufacturing sector in capital-intensive industries such as automotive, aerospace, life sciences, information technology, steel, and chemical by ensuring they have the necessary funds to invest in new technology and innovative equipment.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness program will build on Ontario’s successful Regional Development Program. In 2019, Ontario launched the RDP to help eligible businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations create jobs and opportunities in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario.

Quick facts

• The first application round for the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Program will be open from January 17 to February 10, 2022.
• The Regional Development Program (RDP) has received 165 applications in the first 7 rounds of funding.
• Since the launch of the RDP, the Province has committed to investing $60 million in 61 projects, supporting investments totalling more than $470 million. These investments are helping to create over 1,200 jobs.
• Employment in Ontario increased by 46,900 in December, almost all of it in full-time jobs.