Local Business Hub

If you own a business in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, or are thinking of starting one, find the resources you need to stay informed.

Local businesses are a driving force behind strong, resilient communities. Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding operations, or investing in innovation, there are funding programs available to help you succeed.

Two key sources of support for private businesses in our region are the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and FedNor (Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario).

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

NOHFC provides financial support to businesses that are creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and encouraging innovation across Northern Ontario.

What NOHFC Supports:

• Business expansions and modernization projects
• New business start-ups and early-stage growth
• Industrial and manufacturing improvements
• Innovation, research, and technology adoption
• Workforce development and training initiatives

Funding Highlights:

• Combination of grants and low-interest loans
• Flexible programs tailored to different business stages
• Focus on projects that create or retain jobs in the region

Ideal for: Businesses looking to scale operations, invest in equipment or technology, or bring new products and services to market.

FedNor (Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario)

FedNor delivers federal funding to help businesses grow, increase competitiveness, and strengthen regional economies.

What FedNor Supports:

• Business growth and productivity improvements
• Export development and market expansion
• Innovation and technology adoption
• Tourism development and diversification
• Strategic projects that enhance regional economic capacity

Funding Highlights:

• Non-repayable contributions (grants) available for eligible projects
• Support for both individual businesses and sector-wide initiatives
• Emphasis on innovation and long-term economic impact

Ideal for: Businesses ready to expand into new markets, improve productivity, or pursue innovative projects that drive regional growth.

LOWBIC (Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation)

In addition to funding programs, businesses can access hands-on support through the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation (LOWBIC).

LOWBIC offers free business advisory services to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including one-on-one mentoring, workshops and seminars, assistance with business plans and financing proposals, and access to small business loans. Their team works directly with business owners to provide practical guidance and solutions at every stage—from start-up to expansion.

LOWBIC's loans include:

• Micro-Loan ($100-$20,000)
• Term Loan ($20,000-$300,000)
• Pool Loan ($300,000-$600,000)
• Loan Guarantee (to allow your business approval to a line of credit)

LOWBIC's grants include:

• Business Improvement Program (up to $2,000 in funding to cover professional fees for planning projects)
• Tourism Incorporation Program (Up to $2,500 in funding to cover tourism-based businesses incorporate) 
• Northern Ontario Youth Internship Program (up to $40,000 in funding to cover an internship salary)

For more information, visit LOWBIC's website.

How We Can Help

Navigating funding programs can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our team can:

• Identify the right funding opportunities for your business
• Provide guidance on eligibility and application requirements
• Support you through the application process
• Help align your project with program priorities

Take the Next Step

Investing in your business is investing in the future of our community. If you’re considering a project and want to explore available funding:

Contact us today to learn how these funding programs can support your goals.

Training Opportunities

Free Marine Personnel Training

Tourism Excellence North (TEN) is partnering with Boating Ontario to bring you fully paid Marine Personnel Training!

Training will include:
- Customer Service
- TSSA Standards
- Servicing at the Fuel Dock
- Servicing a PWC
- Spills Response
- Emergency Response

Training Dates:
- Saturday, June 13, 2026; 9:00am - 1:00pm
- Wednesday, June 17, 2026; 9:00am - 1:00pm
- Thursday, June 25, 2026; 9:00am - 1:00pm

Registration is limited to 40 participants across the three class dates.

A Zoom invitation will be sent to students closer to the training date.

Training can be done as a group or individually, but certificates will only be issued to participants that have completed the online tests.

For more information, click here. To register, click here.

Strategies & Plans

Recent strategy documents and plans.

Economic Development Strategy (May 2022)

This Community Economic Development Strategy was created to guide the Township’s effort in promoting tourism and economic development for the next 5 to 10-years and beyond.

Community Improvement Plan (Aug 2020)

The purpose of this Community Improvement Plan is to establish a program for municipal financial incentives to encourage the rehabilitation and improvement to private lands and to coordinate public and private works in a manner that will make the most efficient use of public infrastructure.

Highway Corridor Re-development Plan (March 2020)

Part of an initiative to improve the streetscape of both townsites and to develop a set of design elements that could, by themselves, be effective in unifying the image of the streets without major changes to the streetscape. Areas within Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls were also identified as important sites for further development that would contribute to the continued growth and development of the area.

Trails Concept Plan (April 2020)

A trail concept plan to assist with the development of a multi-use trail network in and around Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

Data & Studies

Visitor data studies and related documents

Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls Tourism Insights (Fall 2025)

Data regarding tourism in the community of Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls.

Kenora District Housing Strategy "Placemat"

At-a-glance data about the district's housing strategy and statistics.

Tourism Presentation on Mobility Data (November 2023)

Presentation of tourism mobility data to better understand visitation patterns, visitor origins and consumer profiles.