Funding Alert: Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII)

The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative’s (RHII) goal is to advance innovative homebuilding solutions and boost productivity within the homebuilding sector in Canada.

Intake Period:

Apply between October 22 and December 20, 2024. (Funding is reimbursed for approved costs, with all activities to finish by March 31, 2026.)

Region

• Southern Ontario

Program Funding Amount

• 50 percent cost share up to $5 million.
• Interest- free loan (Repayment will normally begin 1 year after the completion of the project)

Eligible Applicants

• Be incorporated and registered in Canada or Ontario
• Have a minimum of 5 full-time employees
• Have at least 3 years of operations, supported by financial statements
• Provide a commitment letter from at least one end-user/buyer of the project’s homebuilding solution, product or service.

Which Activities Are Eligible?

• Investing in advanced manufacturing technologies that improve productivity in housing construction (e.g., 3D printing, modular, and mass timber construction)
• Adopt and scale innovative construction methods to accelerate housing development (e.g., prefabrication, net-zero housing practice, etc)
• Promote innovation, commercialization, or adoption of new homebuilding materials/methods (e.g., cross-laminated timber, energy-efficient panels, recyclable materials, etc)
• Invest in automation and sustainable materials for efficiency and climate resilience (e.g., robotics for automated assembly, eco-friendly concrete, recycled steel, etc)
• Demonstrate and commercialize new technologies and materials to improve supply chain capacity (e.g., smart sensors, lightweight composite materials, advanced insulation products)
• Develop industry tools and technology that drive efficiency in construction (e.g., prefabricated components, off-site construction practices)

Eligible Costs

Capital-Cost

• Machinery and equipment: Eligible costs include the purchase and installation of equipment, machinery, or software directly related to the project. Excludes regular capital expenditures, asset replacement, and personal vehicles or off-site equipment
• Project facilities and infrastructure: Costs for renovation, site or leasehold improvements directly related to the purchase or installation of specialized equipment or assets related to the project. The purchase of land or building(s) is not eligible.

Non-Capital Cost

• Labour: Incremental salaries and benefits for employees directly working on the project, excluding those covered under contracted services or project management
• Expertise: Fees for professional, legal, and technical consultants. Excludes costs for application preparation
• Marketing and outreach: Costs for promoting project activities, product demonstrations, and translations. Excludes hospitality and entertainment
• Training and talent: Costs for relevant training, course materials, and external trainers, not covered by other categories
• Materials: Direct material costs for project activities, including prototypes and product testing. Excludes raw materials for regular operations.

Contact one of our Grant experts today and get your application started ASAP before program funding is depleted! We’re here to help and answer all of your questions.