Ontario Automotive Modernization Program Grants for Manufacturing Innovation
When automotive manufacturers or suppliers introduce new lean manufacturing initiatives or technology to your organization’s operations, you can qualify for government funding through the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP). Government grants via O-AMP have been implemented to support Ontario’s automotive supply chain in becoming more competitive on a national and global stage to improve innovation and economic growth.
The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program offers successful applicants up to 50% of eligible costs for up to $100,000 in grant funding.
The O-AMP program provides grants for automotive technology adoption and lean manufacturing processes. O-AMP has a short intake period, with an upcoming deadline of October 7, 2020.
What is the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program?
The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program strengthens the automotive manufacturing sector by improving operational efficiency and competitiveness through the adoption of lean manufacturing processes and Industry 4.0-related technologies, including hardware/software implementation and training, such as the adoption of ERP, PLM, SPC, or Quality Management systems.
The goal is that the adoption of new technology and lean manufacturing training will eliminate production bottlenecks and inefficiencies as well as decrease overall costs for automotive manufacturers and distributors.
O-AMP Project Eligibility
Projects that receive automotive funding from the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program must enhance production cycle management and improve competitiveness through advanced IT adoption and/or improve operational efficiency and competitiveness through lean manufacturing practices. Projects cannot start before being approved for funding. The two eligible project categories include:
• Lean Manufacturing Practices
• Technology Adoption
O-AMP Automotive Funding: Eligible Expenses:
Expenses eligible for Ontario manufacturing grants include:
• Implementation costs;
• LEAN Training;
• Labour (e.g., project management); and
• Hardware/software or business systems such as an ERP;
• Materials – May be eligible if it directly relates to a software implementation and leverages benefits of that software.
O-AMP Applicant Eligibility
Applicants interested in applying for the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program should fit into the following criteria:
• SME (<500 employees OR <$1B annual revenue);
• Only one application per company;
• Financially positive;
• Minimum of two years of financial statements; and
• Ontario automotive parts manufacturers (at least 50% of total revenues must be generated from the automotive supply sector).
O-AMP Ontario Automotive Grants: Ineligible Expenses:
Expenses ineligible to receive funding support include:
• Research & development;
• Infrastructure costs (e.g., building and facilities); and
• Capital costs (e.g., vehicles and equipment).
How to Apply for O-AMP Grants
The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program is currently open, but has a short intake period, with a quickly approaching deadline of Wednesday, October 7, 2020.
If you already have a project in mind to support your continuous improvement initiatives, please contact ElevatIQ or Mentor Works with your questions, and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Author Bio:
Mentor Works is a business support organization specializing in Canadian government funding. The Ontario-based business has helped hundreds of businesses build and execute their funding strategy through a mix of federal and provincial government grants, loans, and tax credits.
This is a post by a Guest Author. Disclaimer: The author’s views are entirely his or her own, and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of ElevatIQ Inc.