NORTH BAY — A new fund is available to support promising, early-stage startups in North Bay.

The Entrepreneurship Innovation Fund, an initiative of Canadore College, has $300,000 at its disposal to “initiate, support, and leverage innovation and entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario.”

One of the eligibility requirements is that projects include the participation of Canadore students and/or faculty and staff.

“This initiative provides an opportunity to increase innovation and elevate sustainability in Northern Ontario communities while expanding inclusion, diversity, and accessibility,” according to a Canadore statement.

“More specifically, the Entrepreneurship Innovation Fund provides qualified Canadore faculty, staff, and students with one-time funding that boosts productivity and innovation in Northern Ontario communities.”

To be considered, project ideas have to demonstrate how the funding will accelerate growth or support innovation and sustainability in Northern Ontario. Applications must outline how Canadore students or staff will be involved, along with a commitment to fostering community development.

Applications to the fund are being accepted now until Feb. 3 at 12 p.m.

The fund is an initiative of Canadore’s Entrepreneurship Academy, which was announced in 2021.

Described as the first of its kind in Canada, the academy’s specialized business programming is aimed at steering more students toward entrepreneurship.