IION - Innovation Initiatives Ontario North

03/27/2026

Looking to grow your innovative business this year? 🚀

Through SFEP, eligible businesses can access up to $10,000 in non-repayable grant funding to support projects including tradeshows & travel, equipment/software purchases, product development, marketing, certifications, and training.

Available to innovative businesses registered & operating in Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka.

Next application deadline is March 31 ⏳

Learn more and apply: www.iion.ca/sfep

03/24/2026

Busy … but things still feel slower and messier than they should?

That’s usually not a people problem … it’s a workflow problem.

Session 3: Smooth Operations

Part of our 8-Part Lunch & Learn Series

We’re digging into how work actually flows through your business … where it gets stuck, where time is lost, and where AI can help without adding complexity.

Wednesday March 25
12:00–12:45 PM ET
Live + Interactive | Free
Register: https://smooth-operations.eventbrite.ca

Bring one workflow that’s been bothering you … you’ll leave with clearer next steps.

03/20/2026

🚨 Stay alert! Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses are being increasingly targeted by scams.

Join our upcoming webinar to learn tips and tricks to recognize them, how to report them and how to better protect your IP from fraudsters: https://bit.ly/4uy0EHA



College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents - Collège des agents de brevets et des agents de marques de commerce Competition Bureau Canada

03/20/2026

It was a full house yesterday at Canadore College aviation campus as Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort announced a federal investment of $4,574,347 to support six strategic initiatives in Nipissing-Timiskaming. The funded projects will support Canada’s defence sector and accelerate AI adoption, innovation, job creation and business growth in North Bay and surrounding areas.

IION - Innovation Initiatives Ontario North has received FedNor funding of more than $2.5 million to support the evolution of our Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program, kick-start our Ignite AI program, and extend the Skills Development Placement Program. Once complete, these programs are expected to support close to 150 businesses, create 120 jobs and maintain 105 more.

As a result of this funding, we at IION can help more businesses innovate, adopt new technologies, increase sales, create new jobs and develop new products. Our goal is to help innovators turn their ideas and projects into reality and this investment from FedNor will help make that happen.

Learn more about IION, our programs and events at www.iion.ca

03/16/2026

Great turnout for our Ignite AI workshops last week in Temiskaming Shores and North Bay!
Even with the weather rolling through North Bay on the 11th, we had strong attendance and great engagement from local businesses.
A big thank you to Avery Swartz of Camp Tech for delivering such a practical and engaging session and thanks to everyone who came out to learn and participate.
Our next AI workshop happens March 25th!
Keep up-to-date with upcoming workshops by visiting www.iion.ca/events

03/16/2026

Join us on Thursday to learn about our latest programs and services for innovative businesses!

Looking for funding to start or grow your business?

Join us for a free webinar with IION - Innovation Initiatives Ontario North to learn about funding programs and services available to innovative businesses in Northern Ontario.

This session will walk through IION’s funding opportunities, supports for scaling and commercialization, and how their team helps businesses navigate the funding landscape. You will learn what programs are available, who qualifies, and how to take the next steps.

IION funding and services are open to eligible businesses in Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka regions.

Register at: http://nbdcc.ca/iionwebinar

03/06/2026

It was a busy and inspiring week connecting with partners, clients, and entrepreneurs across the region!

On Wednesday, Miranda and Emily attended the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, hosted at Legend Spirits where we had the opportunity to connect with local partners and businesses in the community. The evening also served as a wonderful send-off for Ron Begin, who is wrapping up an incredible 25 years with FedNor.

Ron has been instrumental in supporting businesses across the region, helping entrepreneurs secure funding, providing mentorship, and building the connections that help companies grow and succeed.

Thank you, Ron, for your support, dedication and impact over the years. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter! 👏

On Thursday, Miranda and Emily were in Muskoka for the PARO Centre International Women’s event, connecting with partners and women entrepreneurs from across the region. It was a great opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship, share resources, and support the continued growth of women-led businesses.

We’re always proud to be out in the community, building relationships and supporting innovation across Northern Ontario.

03/06/2026

03/04/2026

Attention Innovative Companies!

Strengthen Your Team & Reduce Hiring Costs With SDPP's $7800 Wage Subsidy & Personal/Professional Development Workshops for Participants.

IION’s Skills Development Placement Program (SDPP) provides a competitive wage subsidy of $7,800 ($13/hour) to hire an individual full-time (37.5 hours/week) over a 16-week period (May 4th - August 21st, 2026).

Deadline to apply is April 10th!

*Participants are not required to be a youth, or student returning to school
*Participants must be working within the region, be legally entitled to work in Canada and be 18+ years of age
*To be eligible, businesses must meet IION’s innovation criteria and be a registered for-profit business, operating in the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, or Muskoka.

To learn more and apply go to: www.iion.ca/sdpp

03/03/2026

The Venture North Bay Pitch Pre-launch showed us something important: Northern Ontario is ready.
The conversations were strong. The room was engaged. The belief in our region’s entrepreneurs was clear.
Now we look ahead to Venture North Bay Pitch on November 5. Founders will take the stage. Accredited investors will be in the room. And our broader ecosystem will come together to support innovation across Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka.
🎟️ Tickets are now available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/venture-north-bay-pitch-tickets-1979736091944

03/02/2026

Matt from IION and Fran from North Bay Economic Development have arrived at Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC)