Technology and Innovation Info-Guide

The following document was prepared by the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), a single point of access to information on federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations.

This Info-Guide is designed to help you navigate through the technology-related federal and provincial government programs and resources available to businesses in Ontario that are interested in developing technology. Although many of your questions will be answered in this document, the list of resources given here is not exhaustive. If you are new to business, you should visit the COBSC Web site or review the document Business Start-up Info-Guide, which provides a general overview of starting a business in Ontario.

1. Initial Planning

When you are starting a new technology-based venture or developing an existing technology business there are many steps to be taken to ensure that the final product is market viable, on time and on budget. Regardless of where in the development process you find yourself, or whether you are a new or existing business, there are a number of tools available to assist you in making successful decisions.

While innovative ideas are essential to business progress, there are tests every idea must pass before it makes money. If you are at the "idea stage" of developing a new product, you may want to consult the document Can You Make Money With Your Idea or Invention.

If you are either inventing a new product or considering developing a new product to add to your existing product line(s), there are a number of critical factors to consider when assessing the feasibility of your new venture.

For further information:
see the document Critical Assessment Factors for New Products

You may want to locate technology opportunities, expertise, and useful tools that will help your business or your venture be more competitive. In order to gain a better perspective of current initiatives and insights into research technology and innovation, visit the Strategis Web site at http://strategis.gc.ca/innovation.

Business Plan

Your business plan is a statement describing the products or services you plan to sell, information about who you are, what you plan to achieve, where your business will be located, when you expect it to get under way, who your competitors are, and how you plan to overcome the risks involved in your new venture. It is a summary of your mission, mandate, and method. It also acts as a basic reference document telling your customers, suppliers, bankers, and partners, about your track record, tactics and targets.

The business plan is an essential planning and tracking tool. You need it to assist in both start-up and day-to-day operating decisions, to get the financing you need, and to keep yourself and your business on track. The COBSC has a number of resources that can help you develop your business plan:

For further information:
see these documents:
Business Plan Guide
Interactive Business Planner - IBP
Business Plan for Small Manufacturers
Business Plan for Retailers
Business Plan for Small Construction Firms
Business Plan for Small Service Firms
Guide to Market Research and Analysis

2. Technology Programs and Services

Funding to Hire New Employees in Science and Technology

The federal and provincial governments offer a variety of programs to assist employers with their hiring and training needs. The programs below relate to science and technology. You may wish to consult the Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide for other programs.

Internship Program with Innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
This program provides financial assistance to SME's that wish to hire recent college and university graduates as interns for six to twelve months (this program ends March 31, 2008).

For further information:
please call 1-877-994-4727
visit the Web site:
Internship Program with Innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/careers/career_main.nsf/EnglishAll/299B1B102CDF194685256C930071F468
see the document Youth Internships NRC-IRAP

NRC Science Collaborative Research Internships
This program recruits graduates, matches them with SME's involved in collaborative research with the NRC and the Communications Research Centre of Industry Canada to use their skills to help develop the company's technology.

For further information:
please call 1-877-994-4727
visit the Web site:
NRC Science Collaborative Research Internships
http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/Careers/career_main.nsf/pagee/STI.html
see the document NRC Science Collaborative Research Internships

Ministry of Research and Innovation
MRI works towards, among other things, targeting resources and government investments strategically, listening to the experts in research and innovation, helping investors find ideas to invest in and helping innovators get the support they need, supporting innovators early on, through schools, cultural institutions and businesses, bringing research from the lab to the marketplace, and supporting Ontario's research and innovation activities through their programs and funding.

For more information:
visit these Web sites:
Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/default.asp
Programs and funding
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/default.asp

Sources of Technical, Marketing and Business Support

The Innovation and Research Centres Document
This document was prepared by the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre and is designed to help entrepreneurs find innovation and research centres in Ontario that focus on commercialization. The organizations listed here offer a wide range of services, including advisory and knowledge-building assistance to small and medium-sized businesses.

For further information:
see the document Innovation and Research Centres in Ontario

Canadian Innovation Centre (CIC)
The CIC assists inventors and innovative companies by providing a range of services to include invention evaluation, technology due diligence, market research, and education programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises, innovators, inventors and researchers take their ideas from the drawing board to the store shelf. The CIC is an independent, non-profit corporation. All of its services are confidential.

For further information:
please call 1-800-265-4559
visit the Web site:
Canadian Innovation Centre
http://www.innovationcentre.ca
see the document Canadian Innovation Centre - CIC

Inventors' Alliance of Canada (IAC)
The IAC is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to helping inventors develop their business through education, recognition, friendship and support. The main services of the alliance are as follows.

For further information:
please call (416) 410-7792
visit the Web site:
Inventors' Alliance of Canada
http://www.inventorsalliance.com
see the document Inventors' Alliance of Canada

Business Consulting Services

Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (MSBE)
The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship's 12 business advisory service offices provide assistance to existing innovative growth firms, associations and municipalities. Business Advisors work with companies by assessing their current situation, supporting development of future plans and providing options for achieving their goals. They link firms with the right people, information and business resources to enhance competitiveness and profitability.

For further information:
please call 1-800-567-2345 or (416) 775-3456
see the document Business Advisory Services

Business Development Bank of Canada Consulting Group
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides customized consulting solutions to meet the complex challenges faced by today's Canadian entrepreneurs. Whether it's through individual consulting, group training, or a combination of both, BDC's Consulting Group (CG) helps innovative Canadian business succeed. These services are often combined with financial services to support an increasing number of innovative Canadian businesses prosper in today's global economy.

For further information:
please call 1-877-232-2269
visit the Web site:
Consulting Group
http://www.bdc.ca/en/business_solutions/consulting_group/default.htm
see the document Consulting Group

3. Financing

Financing for Technology and Innovation

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR and ED) Program
The Government of Canada has established a tax incentive program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes to conduct research and development that will lead to new or improved technologically advanced products or processes. The SR&ED Program gives claimants cash refunds and/or tax credits for their expenditures on eligible research and development work done in Canada.

An Account Executive Service was also developed as part of the Canada Revenue Agency's ongoing efforts to make the SR&ED Program more responsive to your needs. The account executive will help you understand the SR&ED Program, the requirements for eligibility of your work, the rules for determining qualified expenditures, ways to support your claim, and the review process.

For further information:
please call 1-800-959-5525
visit the Web site:
Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxcredit/sred/menu-e.html
see the document Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED;) Program

Innovation Financing Solution
In order to support innovative companies, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has developed Innovation Financing Solution (up to $250 000), a product designed to fund projects to develop e-business, explore new export markets, and to cover the costs of R & D associated with the introduction of new products and services.

For further information:
please call 1-877-232-2269
visit the Web site:
Financial Services
http://www.bdc.ca/en/business_solutions/financial_services/default.htm
see the document Innovation Financing Solution

Ontario Innovation Tax Credit
Small and medium-sized Canadian controlled private corporations performing research and development in Ontario can receive a tax credit for qualifying expenditures on research and development carried out in Ontario.

For further information:
please call 1-800-263-7965
see the document Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)

4. Regulations

For regulatory or legal questions, it may be useful to contact a lawyer through the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service.

For further information:
please call (416) 947-3300 or 1-800-668-7380
visit the Web site
Law Society of Upper Canada
http://www.lsuc.on.ca
see the document Selecting Professional Services

Depending on what your product or service you are supplying, different regulations will apply. Below are some basic governmental regulations that apply to all businesses in Ontario.

The Pay Equity Act

The Pay Equity Act requires that different jobs be evaluated and work mostly or traditionally done by women be compared to work mostly and traditionally done by men. An employer could, for example, compare the value of the work of a secretary, a traditionally female job, to the value of a shipper, a traditionally male job. If the value to the organization is equal or comparable, the secretary must receive at least the same job rate as the shipper.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-8813 or (416) 314-1896
visit the Web site :
PAY EQUITY AND EQUAL PAY; What is the Difference?
http://www.payequity.gov.on.ca/peo/english/pubs/difference.html
The Pay Equity Commission
http://www.payequity.gov.on.ca/index_pec.html
see the document Employer’s Introduction to Pay Equity

Ontario Human Rights Code

All employers in Ontario must adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code. The code states that all Employment decisions should be based on the applicant's ability to do the job and not on factors that are unrelated to the job.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-9080
visit the Web site :
Hiring : Your rights and responsibilities
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/guides/hiring.shtml

Employment Standards Act

The Employment Standards Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Employment Standards Act, which provides for minimum terms and conditions of employment in most industries.

For further information:
please call (416) 326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551
visit the Web site :
What You Should Know About The Ontario Employment Standards Act
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/poster_text.html
Form: Employment Standards Claim
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/claim/index.html
Employee Self Help Kit
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/selfhelp/index.html
see the documents:
Employment Regulations Info-Guide
Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide
Are You an Employee or Self-Employed?

Intellectual Property

Sometimes a person or business will want to protect an image or identity, a newly created product, an innovative design, or a creative work. You can receive legal recognition and protection for these endeavours, which are known as "intellectual property". Many intellectual property rights are administered through a federal agency called the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). The following are examples of intellectual property covered by CIPO:

For further information:
please call (819) 997-1936
visit the Web site:
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
http://cipo.gc.ca.

Trade-marks are words, symbols, designs, or a combination of these, used to distinguish the wares or services of one person or organization from others in the marketplace. As such, they are considered valuable intellectual property and can be legally protected from misuse and imitation.

For further information:
see the document Trade-marks

The Canadian Trade-marks Database enables you to look up all pending, registered and inactive trade-marks in Canada. Trade-mark information found in the database can include designs, wares and services covered by the registration, owner's name and more.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
The Canadian Trade-marks Database
http://strategis.gc.ca/tm
see the document Canadian Trade-marks Database

Copyright means the owner is the only person who may copy his or her work, or permit someone else to do so. Copyrights are automatically obtained when you create an original work, such as books, lyrics, musical scores, paintings, photographs, films and computer programs. For proof of ownership you may register the work with CIPO, but it is not a requirement to gain protection.

For further information:
see the document Copyrights

Patents are legal documents protecting the rights of inventors. When a person creates a new product for the marketplace, a patent can protect it. Through a patent, CIPO offers the inventor the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention for a maximum of 20 years after the patent application is approved. Patents can be sold, licensed or used as an asset to negotiate funding.

For further information:
see document Patents

The Canadian Patents Database is a searchable tool of Canadian Patent Bibliographic data, which lets you access patent descriptions and images from 1920 to the present. You can search, retrieve and study more than 1 500 000 patent documents.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
The Canadian Patents Database
http://Patents1.ic.gc.ca/intro-e.html
see the document Canadian Patents Database

Industrial design refers to the visual features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament (or any combination of these) applied to a finished article of manufacture. It may be, for example, the shape of a table or the ornamentation on the handle of a spoon. The article can be made by hand, tool or machine. If your design is an artistic work, it is protected by a copyright. However, if it is used as a model or pattern to produce 50 or more manufactured articles, it may be protected as an industrial design.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Industrial Designs
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/id/id_main-e.html
see the document Industrial Designs

Integrated Circuit Topographies refer to the three-dimensional configuration of the electronic circuits embodied in integrated circuit products or layout designs. An integrated circuit product is a product that performs an electronic function in which the elements and interconnections are integrally formed on or in a piece of material (such as a computer chip).

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Integrated Circuit Topographies
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/ict/ict_main-e.html
see the document Integrated Circuit Topographies

For further information on any of the above, you may want to contact the COBSC at 1-800-567-2345 or (416) 775-3456.

Note: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is responsible for plant breeders' rights, which apply to certain new plant varieties.

For further information:
please call (613) 225-2342
visit the Web site:
Plant Breeders' Rights Office
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pbrpov/pbrpove.shtml

Intellectual Property - IP Toolkit
The toolkit is based on the top questions that entrepreneurs ask about Intellectual Property (IP) including patents, trade-marks, copyrights and industrial designs. The toolkit provides an information component as well as a "how to" section. There are also tools, a glossary and a bibliography providing more reading resources. Featured on the main page are an IP facts presentation, success stories and a feedback mechanism. In addition, there are links to other IP sites, business portals and related organizations that offer further sources of information and assistance.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
IP Toolkit
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/toolkit/main-e.html
see the document Intellectual Property - IP Toolkit

5. Taxation

Dealing with Business Taxes

All businesses must be aware of the various taxes that may apply to their product or service. Depending on the type and location of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
Provincial Tax Forms and Publications
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_158_1.html
Small Business Tax Help
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_160_1.html
CRA Business Tax Web Page
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Income Tax Information

Business owners must be aware of the requirements of Income tax that may apply to their product or service. There are different tax implications for incorporated and non-incorporated businesses. For information specific to your organization you should consult an accountant or financial professional.

For further information:
please call 1-800-959-5525
visit the Web site:
Ontario Income Tax
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_2447_1.html
Canada Revenue Taxes Menu
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Below are links to publications that cover some of the general tax requirements for business owners in Ontario.

Ontario Small Business Guide
This booklet will guide you through various aspects of Retail Sales Tax, Corporations Tax and Employer Health Tax. This booklet also answers some of the frequently asked questions of small business owners regarding tax obligations.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_24414_1.html

Employer Health Tax (EHT)
Describes the main features of the EHT, including taxpayer rights and responsibilities under the Employer Health Tax Act
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_2697_1.html

For further information:
see the document Employer Health Tax - EHT

Retention/Destruction of Books & Records
Explains the retention period required for Ontario tax purposes, before books and records can be destroyed.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_20001_1.html

Voluntary Disclosure
Explains what voluntary compliance is and the basic principles under which Ontario's tax system operates
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_19999_1.html

6. Resources and Web Sites of Interest

Information Sources Related to Technology and Innovation

Strategis
Strategis is the largest business information Web site in Canada. Strategis helps Canadian businesses find partners, make critical decisions about new markets, form alliances, find and develop new technologies or processes, and determine the risk of new ventures. In the site's Research, Technology and Innovation section, you can locate technology opportunities, expertise and useful tools that will help your business be more competitive.

For further information:
please call 1-800-328-6189
visit the Web site:
Strategis
http://strategis.gc.ca
see the document Strategis

Innovation in Canada Portal
The Innovation in Canada Portal is a comprehensive inventory of the best links to universities, public laboratories, municipal agencies and businesses across Canada who can help you with your innovations. You can use diagnostic tools to help you zero in on your innovation needs, you can find out about hundreds of subjects related to innovation an how to improve your chances of success, and you can access our lists of innovation experts, researchers and technology experts either in your own community or across Canada.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Innovation in Canada Portal
http://www.innovation.gc.ca/

Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI)
The Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI) is one of the largest libraries of its kind in North America. The NRC Research Press, located in CISTI, also contributes significantly to NRC's international reputation as a leader in science and technology. As one of the largest disseminators of scientific, technical and medical (STM) information, CISTI is an essential service to researchers and publishers and a vital link in the innovation system.

For further information:
please call 1-800-668-1222
visit the Web site:
Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information
http://www.cisti.nrc.ca/cisti/cisti_e.shtml
see the document NRC Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (NRC-CISTI)

InnovationCanada.ca
InnovationCanada.ca is committed to bringing stories regarding the transformations taking place across Canada’s research landscape by means of an electronic, web-based magazine that showcases innovative research projects made possible with the investments made by the CFI in research infrastructure projects across Canada. It also underlines the commitment that the federal government has made to strengthen Canada’s research capacity and to build and encourage partnerships—with institutions, municipal and provincial governments, and the private and voluntary sectors.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
InnovationCanada.ca
http://www.innovationcanada.ca/24/en/

International Organization for Standardization
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer of standards. ISO's principal activity is the development of technical standards. The International Standards, which ISO develops, are useful to industrial and business organizations of all types, to governments and other regulatory bodies, to trade officials, to conformity assessment professionals, to suppliers and customers of products and services in both public and private sectors. ISO standards contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, safer and cleaner. They make trade between countries easier and fairer. They provide governments with a technical base for health, safety and environmental legislation. They aid in transferring technology to developing countries. ISO standards also serve to safeguard consumers, and users in general, of products and services. They provide a lot of documentation and publications.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
International Organization for Standardization
http://www.iso.org/iso/en/ISOOnline.frontpage

CATA WIT (Women in Technology) Forum
CATA's WIT (Women in Technology) Forum is a new community network designed to boost women's participation and advancement in the high-growth technology sector. Our mission is to help women in technology companies advance in their careers and succeed as entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, professional development and advocacy.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Women in Technology Forum
http://www.cata.ca/wit/

Technology Roadmaps
Technology roadmaps are a process whereby Canadian industry, academic institutions, research organizations and governments come together to identify the new critical technologies, skills and competencies required to meet future market demands. Initiated and supported by lead government departments, including Industry Canada, each technology roadmap exercise is led by industry.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Technology Roadmaps
http://strategis.gc.ca/trm
see the document Technology Roadmaps

NRC Expertise Database
The NRC Expertise Database is a bilingual database offering everyone more efficient and direct access to NRC expertise. The database is the newest way to keep informed about research expertise and contacts across NRC. Each bilingual record describes an individual's expertise and provides his or her title, telephone number, e-mail, Institute, group, and a hot link to their institute home page.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
NRC Expertise: Bringing our Experts to You
http://expert.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/home_e.html
see the document NRC Expertise

Program for New Environmental Technologies Evaluation (NETE)
The program provides an opportunity for the private sector to have new environmental technologies evaluated and assessed by the Ministry of Environment. Under this program, the ministry will provide a written opinion on the potential of a particular technology's application in Ontario and whether it is likely to satisfy site-specific applications of new technologies.

For further information:
please call (416) 327-8220
see the document Program for New Environmental Technologies Evaluation (NETE)

Canadian Standards Association
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a not-for-profit membership-based association serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace.

For further information:
visit the Web site
Canadian Standards Association
http://www.cbsc.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1125985507720&pagename=CBSC_FE/display&lang=en&c=Services

Web sites of Interest

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade - Research, Technology and Skills
http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/en/rts.jsp

The Business Case for Innovation
http://www.cme-mec.ca/national/documents/caseforinnovation.pdf

Ontario Centres of Excellence
http://www.oce-ontario.org/

Canadian Foundation for Innovation
http://www.innovation.ca/

IT succession planning: Have you started yet?
http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=40428

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.

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