Who We Serve

Explore the Typical Profile of Our Clients, Their Projects and Why They
Choose to Partner with Fifteen North

Each year, governments across Canada allocate billions of dollars in grants and repayable funding to incentivize investments in innovation, productivity enhancements, job creation, and to stimulate economic growth. This funding is available to a diverse range of sectors and initiatives, that contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy.

 

For businesses with strategies and planned investments naturally aligned to these priorities, there are significant opportunities to access substantial non-dilutive capital. Discover how Fifteen North partners with organizations to unlock funding for transformative growth.

Characteristics of our Typical Client

Our experience spans all sectors, supporting businesses both large and small.  While each business is unique, our clients often share these defining characteristics:

Employee Count & Scale
  • 10+ employees
  • $3MM+ capital raise
  • $5MM+ in revenue
Financial Stability
  • Profitable with solid financial fundamentals
  • 2+ years in operation
Innovation-Driven
  • Selling or developing an innovative technology, service or product
iStock-Client Profile Head
Target Industries
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Food & Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals
Growth Trajectory
  • Demonstrating consistent revenue growth
  • Exporting or aspiring to sell outside of Canada

Eligible Projects and Investments

Whether enhancing operations to boost capacity and sustainability, expanding and upskilling your workforce, or driving innovation, our team is equipped to navigate the intricacies of the process. Discover how your upcoming projects and business initiatives intersect with government funding priorities and align with our specialized knowledge.

Hiring & Training
  • Training your labour force
  • Onboarding new staff 
  • Technical skill development
Equipment & Physical Infrastructure


  • Buying equipment to increase capacity
  • Expanding existing and building greenfield facilities
  • Investments in automation and robotics
Research, Development & Commercialization
  • Design new products, commercialise existing products
  • Develop proprietary disruptive intellectual property (“IP”)
  • Launch joint R&D projects
  • Facilitate multi-disciplinary teams in cutting edge research
Reducing Environmental Impact
  • Investing in people, processes and equipment to reduce environmental impact
  • Operational improvements
  • GHG reducing equipment
Global Expansion
  • Tradeshows
  • IP protection, certification and regulatory requirements
  • Market research and intelligence
Digital Transformation
  • Enterprise resource planning
  • Websites redesign
  • Customer relationship management systems

Challenges our Clients Face

From emerging enterprises to established corporations, many companies struggle to navigate the complexities of government funding. Too often, they miss opportunities to secure essential capital that could accelerate growth and reduce risk.

 

Here are the top three reasons businesses choose to partner with us:

Don’t Have Time

Researching programs, writing applications and ongoing compliance requires time that many businesses don't have due to competing priorities and the associated opportunity cost.

Don’t Understand the Grant Landscape & Application Process

The significant number of programs, coupled with the daunting task of determining eligibility and the complex application process, can be overwhelming. This is further compounded by uncertainty regarding the likelihood of an approval.

Don’t Have the Expertise or Capability In-House

Developing a strategic funding plan and mastering the specialized task of application writing demands expertise many businesses lack. This frequently leads to overlooked programs and missed submission nuances ultimately leading to significant lost opportunities.

Frequently Asked Question

Can’t find the answers you need? Contact Us today – We’re here to help.

Why do governments offer grants, interest free loans and tax credits?

Governments in Canada offer grants, interest-free loans, and tax credits to achieve key economic and social objectives. These programs are designed to stimulate job creation, drive innovation, boost exports, and promote sustainability. By supporting businesses in these areas, governments aim to foster long-term economic growth, enhance global competitiveness, and address market gaps that private investment alone may not resolve.

Does Fifteen North in supporting particular industries or sectors?

Fifteen North's leadership team brings decades of combined experience in partnering with businesses across a wide range of sectors. While our experience spans all industries, our core focus lies in manufacturing, agri-food, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals,  and forestry, where we have specialized expertise.

Is there funding for start-ups?

Yes, funding is available for startups, though the options are more limited compared to established businesses. Many incentives are administered by local not-for-profit organizations dedicated to supporting new ventures. Due to the high-risk nature of startups and their unpredictable success rates, they often fall outside the typical risk tolerance of government-funded programs. However, specialized grants, accelerators, and startup competitions may offer additional opportunities for early-stage companies.

Can government funding be utilized to finance on-going expenses and working capital?

Government funding is typically not designed to cover working capital or ongoing operational expenses such as rent, utilities, inventory, or payroll for existing staff. These costs are generally expected to be financed through a business’s revenue, loans, or lines of credit. The rational is that government funding should act as a catalyst for growth and innovation that wouldn't occur otherwise, rather than sustaining day-to-day operations.

However, exceptions do exist in unique circumstances, such as during economic downturns, public health emergencies, or when specific industries are deemed critical to national interests.