Makers Momentum

Grant Program 

The Makers Momentum Grant is designed to help Northern Ontario’s handmade entrepreneurs shine! Whether you’re just starting your creative journey or ready to take your business to the next level, this grant is designed to give you the boost you need to grow, expand, and thrive in the North.

What makes the MNC: Makers Momentum Grant different?

  • Mountain range with turquoise lake and grassy hills under cloudy sky.

    FUNDING

    The Makers Momentum Grant offers a total of $2000 in funding, which can be used in any way that best supports the growth of your handmade business.

  • Mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks and a modern house on a grassy hill.

    PARTNERSHIPS

    Makers Momentum Grant recipients will have access to a network of amazing community partners offering specialized services to help elevate your business. From graphic design and branding to product photography, these partners are here to help you bring your vision to life.

  • A modern wooden house with large windows set against a mountainous landscape.

    COMMUNITY

    Makers Momentum recipients also receive a free year of membership to The Collective, a creative community of Northern makers. Enjoy workshops, networking, and support from fellow artisans to help your business grow and thrive!

  • Modern wooden house with large windows and a stone walkway, set against a mountainous landscape.

    EDUCATION

    Makers Momentum recipients will also receive free entry to the Modern Maker Method course by MNC Co founder, Julieanne Steedman, The School for Modern Makers. This course is designed to help you set clear goals, boost your productivity, and create a roadmap for a successful year—giving you the tools you need to make your business vision a reality!

What can the grant be used for?

  • Supplies & Materials
    Purchase of raw materials or supplies needed to create your handmade products.

  • Equipment
    Buying new tools, machinery, or equipment to enhance your production process.

  • Marketing & Advertising
    Investment in marketing campaigns, digital ads, website development, or social media promotion.

  • Branding & Design
    Funding for professional design services, including logo creation, product packaging, or brand identity development.

  • Professional Development
    Courses, workshops, or mentoring programs to improve your skills and business knowledge.

  • Product Expansion
    Development of new product lines, packaging improvements, or upgrades to your existing offerings.


Landscape with a modern wooden cabin, grassy field, trees, a large body of water, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky at sunset.

Makers Momentum

The Makers Momentum Grant is here to help Northern Ontario’s handmade entrepreneurs shine! Whether you’re just starting your creative journey or ready to take your business to the next level, this grant is designed to give you the boost you need to grow, expand, and thrive in the North.

Running a handmade business in Northern Ontario comes with its own set of challenges—remote locations, limited resources, and that “where do I even begin?” feeling. That’s where we come in! The Makers Momentum Grant offers the financial support and resources to help you push past those barriers and take your business to new heights.

Think of this grant as your ticket to a bigger, bolder handmade business. Want to scale your production? Increase your marketing? Invest in your craft? We’ve got your back! With this funding, you’ll get the momentum you need to make your business dreams a reality.

We're all about growing the handmade movement in the North—because when makers succeed, we all succeed. By nurturing local talent and growing the handmade sector in Northern Ontario, we’re committed to fostering a vibrant creative community and ensuring that the future of handmade businesses in the North is strong, sustainable, and impactful.

Eligibility

  • Handmade-Only Business:
    Your business must be dedicated to creating and selling handmade products.

  • Based in Northern Ontario
    Your business must be based in one of the communities within Northern Ontario.

  • Over the Age of 18
    Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of applying.

  • Active Business
    Your business should be operational and actively selling products.

  • Passion for Growth
    You must have a clear vision for expanding or growing your handmade business.

  • Grant Money Strategy
    You should have a clear plan for how the grant funding will best support the growth and development of your business.

“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”

Keith Finley

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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”

Monet Goode

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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”

Channing Lee

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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

 FAQs

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.