Future Ready (FR) program
$10,000
Grant
Description:
The Future Ready (FR) program provides support for Ontario-based SMEs working in CIT’s four key sectors (Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Agri-food and Mining) to upskill/reskill current employees on Critical Technologies (5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum,
and Robotics) to support the company’s adoption of Critical Technologies and commercialization of new products and services. Under this program eligible SMEs receive support to hire an external third-party consultant to train their employees in the adoption and implementation of these Critical Technologies.
Comments on Funding:
The CIT-FT program contributes up to a maximum of $10,000 in reimbursement funds. SME’s must provide at least a 1:1 funding match
Continuous Intake
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
1. Be a small- and medium- sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees.
2. have registered operations (R&D, manufacturing, product management, etc.) in Ontario
and a valid CRA business number.
3. Applicants who have received over $500,000 of funding from OCI administered programs in their lifetime (excluding TalentEdge) are required to obtain OCI approval before a new application for funding is initiated. Your Business Development Manager can guide you through the process.
4. Demonstrate a genuine need for training in one or more of the following
critical technologies: 5G, AI, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain Companies must outline a clear plan for how the training will benefit their employees and contribute to the overall growth and development of the organization.
5. Have the capability to implement and internally sustain new Critical Technologies.
6. Have a change management culture and structure that values growth and innovation,
willingness to review/adopt new technologies to support scaling.
7. Has the intent and potential to apply, exploit and/or commercialize the results of the project for the economic benefit of Ontario.
8. Has the necessary expertise and resources to put the project into effect within an appropriate time frame.
9. In good financial and reporting standing with OCI.
10. Adoption of critical technologies is part of their long-term product roadmap.
Application Steps:
Applicants must:
1. be initiated in AccessOCI by a OCI Business Development Manager (BDM)
or CIT Sector Manager (SM).
a. Companies that wish to be connected with an OCI Business Development Manager or Sector Manager should submit an OCI Company Intake Form.
2. . Once the BDM/SM confirms that the opportunity is suitable for the program, the Applicant will receive login information to OCI’s online application system, AccessOCI, to begin completing the application.
3. Complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents
4. All submitted applications will undergo an initial internal review for eligibility, completeness, and financial compliance. A list of any deficiencies will be sent to the applicant for revision.
5. When the application is endorsed as eligible and complete by OCI’s internal team, the application will be sent for review to the external committee compromising of subject matter experts as well as the CIT Review Committee.
6. Applicants will be notified by OCI and provided an outline of conditions and additional information necessary to activate the project. Applicants who are not selected will be notified by OCI. Feedback on the decision can be provided by their BD.
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit:
1. Company Profile submitted by the applicant company/industry partner, including valid nine-digit CRA business number, incorporation date and number of employees (globally and in Ontario).
2. Letter of support from consultant providing the training.
Other Things to Note:
About the author
Maurice