Technology and Innovation Info-Guide

This guide has been 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Initial Planning
2. Technology Programs and Services
3. Financing
4. Regulations
5. Taxation
6. Other Resources

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. Visit Industry Canada's web site to gain a better perspective of current initiatives and insights into research technology and 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 Enterprises 

The program provides financial assistance to innovative Canadian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the hiring of post-secondary graduates to work on innovation projects in these firms.

The program is in effect until March 31st, 2008 .

For further information:
please call 1-877-994-4727
visit the web site: Internship Program with Innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
see the document: Internship Program with Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises 

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
Research and Innovation Programs and Funding

Sources of Technical, Marketing and Business Support

Innovation and Research Centres in Ontario

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 

Ontario Centres of Excellence

The Ontario Centres of Excellence, founded in 1987 are involved in the full chain of development of new technologies. From the start of pure research, they assist by facilitating, connecting and encouraging the individual and institutional researchers. And at the end they aid these researchers to make connections to sources of financing and business expertise that will allow the full commercialization of new technologies and innovative applications.

The Ontario Centres of Excellence are made up of five centres:

For further information:
please call  416-861-1092 or (toll free) 1-866-759-6014
visit the web site: Ontario Centres of Excellence   

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 519-885-5870
visit the web site: Canadian Innovation Centre
see the document: Canadian Innovation Centre - CIC 

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

BDC Consulting

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC ) offers customized consulting solutions for the complex challenges you face everyday as a Canadian entrepreneur.

For further information:
please call 1-877-232-2269
visit the web site: BDC Consulting
see the document: BDC Consulting

3. Financing

Financing for Technology and Innovation

Grants, Subsidies and Contributions Info-Guide

This Info-Guide provides an overview of grants, subsidies and contributions potentially available for businesses in Ontario, including programs offered or supported by the governments of Canada and Ontario.

For further information:
see the document: Grants, Subsidies and Contributions Info-Guide  

Funding Guide for International Science and Technology Cooperation

A guide describing the grants and bursaries, post-doctoral fellowships, and major international prizes available for Canadian research institutes, universities and firms for research.

For further information:
visit the web site: Funding Guide for International Science and Technology Cooperation
see the document: Funding Guide for International Science and Technology Cooperation

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
see the document: Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED;) Program 

Industrial Technologies Office (ITO)

Industrial Technologies Office (ITO) will help advance leading-edge R&D by Canadian industries through the new Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) program, as well as through projects already contracted. The agency also acts as the administrator for Industry Canada's Program for Strategic Industrial Projects.

For further information:
please call 1-800-266-7531
visit the web site: Industrial Technologies Office (ITO)   
see the document: Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative  

Innovation Financing

In order to support innovative companies, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has developed Innovation Financing (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: BDC Financing
see the document: Innovation Financing  

BDC Venture Capital

BDC Venture Capital is active at every stage of the company's development cycle, from seed through expansion, with a focus on technology-based businesses.

For further information:
please call 1-877-232-2269
visit the web site: BDC Venture Capital
see the document: BDC Venture Capital

Networks of Centres of Excellence Program

Funds networks involved in leading-edge, multidisciplinary, university-based research and training.

For further information:
please call : 613-995-6010
visit the web site:  Networks of Centres for Excellence
see the document: Networks of Centres of Excellence Program  

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
Research and Innovation Programs and Funding

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) 

ecoFREIGHT Program - Transport Canada

Provides the freight transportation industry with cost shared funding for real world testing of freight transportation technologies that have the potential to reduce the emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG).

For further information:
call 613-991-1196
visit the web site:  ecoFREIGHT Program - Transport Canada  

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's Lawyer Referral Service
see the document: Selecting Professional Services

Depending on what your product or service you are supplying, different regulations will apply.

Business Regulations Info-Guide

This document will assist you in navigating federal, provincial and municipal regulations that apply to a number of industries and businesses in Ontario.

For further information:
see the document: Business Regulations Info-Guide

Business Licences

The Business Licences document is designed to provide general business licencing information for a number of specific industries and is best used as a starting point when researching regulations.

For further information:
see the document: Business Licences 

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).

CIPO and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently agreed to establish a new cooperative initiative called the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) on a one-year trial basis beginning in early 2008. The PPH will serve to fast-track patent applications in one country when a patent has been granted in another.

For further information:
please call 1-819-997-1936
visit the web site: Canadian Intellectual Property Office  (CIPO)

Intellectual Property Info-Guide

This document is intented to provide intellectual property information, including trade-mark, copyright and patent information, to businesses in Ontario.

For further information:
see the document: Intellectual Property Info-Guide

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.

Taxation Info-Guide

The Taxation Info-Guide is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations related to taxation that may apply to individuals starting or operating a business in Ontario.

For further information:
see the document: Taxation Info-Guide 

6. Other Resources

Information Sources Related to Technology and Innovation

Industry Canada

Industry Canada provides a single point of entry to government programs and services. It provides fast, accurate and value-added information aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as consumers.

Through the web site, Canadian businesses have access to a vast array of management resources, perspectives and data that can help you further develop and expand markets, create alliances and find new clients.

For further information:
please call 1-800-328-6189
visit the web site:  Industry Canada - Innovation, Research, Science and Technology

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

NRC Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI)

The NRC 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: NRC Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information
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

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

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

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
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  
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
see the document: Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Web sites of Interest

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ontario  

Canadian Institute Health Research

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council  

Innovation Institute of Ontario (IIO)   

Canada Foundation for Innovation  

The Business Case for Innovation  (Pdf 341 kb)

IT succession planning: Have you started yet?  

Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc

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Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.

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Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Call: 1-800-567-2345
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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.

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