Sunday, February 20, 2011
Windsor, Gandhi and Christ
I have been away for some time from the Motor City of Canada. The other day when I looked at the data after more than an year, I learnt that we have not yet suceeded in getting rid of the economic woes from which we have been suffering. My belief has been that Windsor has the strengths to be able to lead the way for Canada. But for it to happen, the leaders of the city have to sit with the intellectuals, to do a swot analysis dispassionately and to work with passion to implement the plan, which may emerge from such a brainstorming. The intellectuals and the leaders should be persons, who can understand the pain of the city. Some of the millionaires in our society and some of the intellectuals may feel no empathy with the hoi polloi. Such persons will not be able to contribute any thing. You require persons, who can think like a Gandhi and who can solve a problem, considered to be too hard to even make an attempt. Gandhi was an out-of-the-box thinker. Moreover he was like Christ, who loved the poorest and the unwashed masses and who would refuse to hate even the great slave drivers of his times.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Windsor Needs Help
Windsor has lost 10,000 well-paying jobs in auto industry. Federal and provincial governments have poured in money to retain these jobs. Thus $ 150 million were given to GM so that jobs in Canada in the auto sector are not lost.
While these efforts are going on, a coalition of ICT businesses and researchers has been formed at Windsor to strengthen the software industry. This coalition is SOFTECH ALLIANCE.
This is a unique effort in that ICT professionals in the area have joined together to strengthen the ICT businesses through bootstrapping. Softech believes that it is possible to add new jobs in software sector and to make the region's economy vibrant again.
The amazing thing about what has transpired so far is that everything has been done on a volunteer basis.
SHORTAGE OF PERSONNEL: The small units in Windsor are suffering from an acute shortage of software personnel. The small units are not able to pay as well as the larger companies of Toronto, Waterloo, Detroit or California. Hence Windsor's software businesses are not able to get even the local graduates of University of Windsor. Who would help?
Helping put locally trained personnel into local businesses, providing continuing training facilities to businesses are the kind of things, which a University can do, if it is suppoprted.
CYBER-SECURITY: Cross border security conferences at Windsor work on the physical security by bringing together experts from both sides of the border. Cyber security is important both for providing secure cyber infrastructure and also for maintaining secure communication. Whereas cross-border collaboration in physical security is encouraged through a full governmental support of such conferences at Windsor, the Federal government supports cyber security conference at Ottawa through Royal Mounties.
Why should Royal Mounties be asked to do this job? Why not ask School of Computer Science at University of Windsor to annually manage the conference by bringing in cross-border experts also? In fact establishing a CERT unit at the School may be the right thing to do.
INCUBATOR: Softech Alliance has established an Incubator Committee for mentoring new businesses in software. The School of Computer Science is willing that new entrepreneurs should develop their products in graduate research laboratory area where more than 100 doctoral and Master's students are researching. Informal inter-actions among researchers and entrepreneurs can lead to tomorrow's Hewlett-Packard or RIM.
Will the governments, who took large taxes from Windsor, when it had well-paying auto jobs, come forward to help?(Estimate: In 5 years: Every 100 auto sector jobs provided $ 37.5 million of salary. It meant $11.25 million of income tax @ 30%, $1 million of House tax @ $2,000 etc.)If the Governments give back a part of what they collected from the 10,000 jobs, which the city has lost, for developing the software sector, we can create well-paying jobs in software. It will not only make the city's economy vibrant again, it would give the city an excellent and improved quality of life. (It is well known that in intelligent cities, quality of life tends to be better. Or Software industry is attracted to those places, where quality of life is better.)
While these efforts are going on, a coalition of ICT businesses and researchers has been formed at Windsor to strengthen the software industry. This coalition is SOFTECH ALLIANCE.
This is a unique effort in that ICT professionals in the area have joined together to strengthen the ICT businesses through bootstrapping. Softech believes that it is possible to add new jobs in software sector and to make the region's economy vibrant again.
The amazing thing about what has transpired so far is that everything has been done on a volunteer basis.
- People giving up their personal time for the "greater good" knowing that the Alliance is the right thing ... the right idea ... the right direction ... the right future for our region.
- Small companies coming forward to sponsor different events.
- Softech Alliance - till now- having no other support, except the sponsorships for each program and the great support of the ICT community giving their time.
SHORTAGE OF PERSONNEL: The small units in Windsor are suffering from an acute shortage of software personnel. The small units are not able to pay as well as the larger companies of Toronto, Waterloo, Detroit or California. Hence Windsor's software businesses are not able to get even the local graduates of University of Windsor. Who would help?
Helping put locally trained personnel into local businesses, providing continuing training facilities to businesses are the kind of things, which a University can do, if it is suppoprted.
CYBER-SECURITY: Cross border security conferences at Windsor work on the physical security by bringing together experts from both sides of the border. Cyber security is important both for providing secure cyber infrastructure and also for maintaining secure communication. Whereas cross-border collaboration in physical security is encouraged through a full governmental support of such conferences at Windsor, the Federal government supports cyber security conference at Ottawa through Royal Mounties.
Why should Royal Mounties be asked to do this job? Why not ask School of Computer Science at University of Windsor to annually manage the conference by bringing in cross-border experts also? In fact establishing a CERT unit at the School may be the right thing to do.
INCUBATOR: Softech Alliance has established an Incubator Committee for mentoring new businesses in software. The School of Computer Science is willing that new entrepreneurs should develop their products in graduate research laboratory area where more than 100 doctoral and Master's students are researching. Informal inter-actions among researchers and entrepreneurs can lead to tomorrow's Hewlett-Packard or RIM.
Will the governments, who took large taxes from Windsor, when it had well-paying auto jobs, come forward to help?(Estimate: In 5 years: Every 100 auto sector jobs provided $ 37.5 million of salary. It meant $11.25 million of income tax @ 30%, $1 million of House tax @ $2,000 etc.)If the Governments give back a part of what they collected from the 10,000 jobs, which the city has lost, for developing the software sector, we can create well-paying jobs in software. It will not only make the city's economy vibrant again, it would give the city an excellent and improved quality of life. (It is well known that in intelligent cities, quality of life tends to be better. Or Software industry is attracted to those places, where quality of life is better.)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Intelligent Motor City
Creating Jobs in the Motor City
Akshai Aggarwal
School of Computer Science
University of Windsor
Windsor is located right on the shores of the largest market for software in the world. The economy of Windsor is suffering since the big three auto companies are in a mode of reducing the employment and benefits. Windsor needs a big source of new jobs. Software industry can be that big source.
Example of Needs for software being satisfied by distant sources:
AUTOs: Today’s autos contain 8-16 microprocessors, linked through a Real-time operating system. BOSCH, Germany is the supplier of such an OS. The Japanese government is funding a large project for development of such an OS.
There would be a need to develop such new OSs, and to add more features to the existing OS for every new car design.
AUTO 21 project may be interested in sponsoring such a research work and the associated software companies.
The School of Computer Science id offering one full course in Operating Systems and is going to offer a second project-based course in OS soon.
Health Management Software: Detroit is home to one of the largest concentration of hospitals and health care facilities in North America. All these facilities have needs for securing data, for easy availability of data to authorized personnel and for privacy.
Our faculty of Nursing has some projects in the area. We are working on a new Medical School on the campus. These would have an interest in joint research in this area.
Dr. Robert Kent of the School of Computer Science is associated with Dr Anne Snowdon in some of the Health Software Research Projects. One of our doctoral students has won a CHIR fellowship for such work.
Managing Server centers and managing servers remotely: Many of the large MNCs from USA have established large Server centers at Toronto, since it reduces the costs and since Toronto is well-connected with USA. Thus GM’s server center is located in Toronto.
Windsor can provide the server centers at even a lower cost. It is connected to US cities even better, through the Detroit airports.
The School of Computer Science has been managing a large set of servers successfully. It has trained technical personnel in the area. It is planning to offer short term courses in server management.
ITS at UoW also has a competence in this area.
Thus the University has the capability to help such an industry with expertise and training.
Managing Security: Besides requirements of securing data and businesses from hacking, legal requirements for such safeguards have been set up in every country. Business requirements for security services in businesses, government and at the border crossings continue to increase.
45 US Universities have developed full programs in Internet Security after 9/11, with the support of Homeland Security. Association with the well-funded universities in the area of security can be mutually beneficial to a Canadian Univ.
The School of Computer Science has been offering 1.5 graduate courses in Network Security and Privacy. About 10 graduate students in the HPGC Research Lab of the School are working in the area.
There is no CERT unit at a university in Canada. CERT at University of Carnegie-Mellon not only provides a 24/7 surveillance, it also leads the world in research in security issues. The School of Computer Science at University of Windsor is the right place to establish a University CERT in Canada, sinceits group of 15 graduate researchers in the HPGC Research Group is one of the largest such groups in Canada. Moreover Windsor is located at the border and on the path of the high speed optical link between Chicago and Toronto. CERT can provide regular up-date courses to RCMP and other Federal and provincial officers.
Electronic Games: British Columbia has established a good industry in this area. A small beginning has been made in Ontario.
Animation, Visualization and Multimedia are associated areas, which can help Games design. Each of these has many other applications.
The School of Computer Science is planning a special set of courses in game design.
The School has an honors program in Multimedia design.
Library and Information Science systems: These are large networked systems, which require a great deal of networking support.
The School of Computer Science has many networking courses at both undergraduate and at graduate level. Performance measurement of latge networks has been the research area in the High performance and Grid Computing Research lab.
CSCI, an organization created by the University of Windsor,has provided high speed connectivity to hospitals, schools, libraries and many other public facilities in Windsor-Essex county.
Software development for businesses, including web design and data ware-housing and data mining are the basic tools in all Computer Science schools. These are also the IT wheels on which the businesses of today run.
The School of Computer Science has many courses at both undergraduate and at graduate level in these areas and there are many recognized researchers on the faculty in all these areas.
To begin working in the area, one can suggest the following units at University of Windsor:
(i) Center for Education and Research in Internet Security (CERIS)
(ii) CENTER for DEVELOPMENT of SOFTWARE INDUSTRY at WINDSOR (CDSI)
(iii) CERT
Akshai Aggarwal
School of Computer Science
University of Windsor
Windsor is located right on the shores of the largest market for software in the world. The economy of Windsor is suffering since the big three auto companies are in a mode of reducing the employment and benefits. Windsor needs a big source of new jobs. Software industry can be that big source.
Example of Needs for software being satisfied by distant sources:
AUTOs: Today’s autos contain 8-16 microprocessors, linked through a Real-time operating system. BOSCH, Germany is the supplier of such an OS. The Japanese government is funding a large project for development of such an OS.
There would be a need to develop such new OSs, and to add more features to the existing OS for every new car design.
AUTO 21 project may be interested in sponsoring such a research work and the associated software companies.
The School of Computer Science id offering one full course in Operating Systems and is going to offer a second project-based course in OS soon.
Health Management Software: Detroit is home to one of the largest concentration of hospitals and health care facilities in North America. All these facilities have needs for securing data, for easy availability of data to authorized personnel and for privacy.
Our faculty of Nursing has some projects in the area. We are working on a new Medical School on the campus. These would have an interest in joint research in this area.
Dr. Robert Kent of the School of Computer Science is associated with Dr Anne Snowdon in some of the Health Software Research Projects. One of our doctoral students has won a CHIR fellowship for such work.
Managing Server centers and managing servers remotely: Many of the large MNCs from USA have established large Server centers at Toronto, since it reduces the costs and since Toronto is well-connected with USA. Thus GM’s server center is located in Toronto.
Windsor can provide the server centers at even a lower cost. It is connected to US cities even better, through the Detroit airports.
The School of Computer Science has been managing a large set of servers successfully. It has trained technical personnel in the area. It is planning to offer short term courses in server management.
ITS at UoW also has a competence in this area.
Thus the University has the capability to help such an industry with expertise and training.
Managing Security: Besides requirements of securing data and businesses from hacking, legal requirements for such safeguards have been set up in every country. Business requirements for security services in businesses, government and at the border crossings continue to increase.
45 US Universities have developed full programs in Internet Security after 9/11, with the support of Homeland Security. Association with the well-funded universities in the area of security can be mutually beneficial to a Canadian Univ.
The School of Computer Science has been offering 1.5 graduate courses in Network Security and Privacy. About 10 graduate students in the HPGC Research Lab of the School are working in the area.
There is no CERT unit at a university in Canada. CERT at University of Carnegie-Mellon not only provides a 24/7 surveillance, it also leads the world in research in security issues. The School of Computer Science at University of Windsor is the right place to establish a University CERT in Canada, sinceits group of 15 graduate researchers in the HPGC Research Group is one of the largest such groups in Canada. Moreover Windsor is located at the border and on the path of the high speed optical link between Chicago and Toronto. CERT can provide regular up-date courses to RCMP and other Federal and provincial officers.
Electronic Games: British Columbia has established a good industry in this area. A small beginning has been made in Ontario.
Animation, Visualization and Multimedia are associated areas, which can help Games design. Each of these has many other applications.
The School of Computer Science is planning a special set of courses in game design.
The School has an honors program in Multimedia design.
Library and Information Science systems: These are large networked systems, which require a great deal of networking support.
The School of Computer Science has many networking courses at both undergraduate and at graduate level. Performance measurement of latge networks has been the research area in the High performance and Grid Computing Research lab.
CSCI, an organization created by the University of Windsor,has provided high speed connectivity to hospitals, schools, libraries and many other public facilities in Windsor-Essex county.
Software development for businesses, including web design and data ware-housing and data mining are the basic tools in all Computer Science schools. These are also the IT wheels on which the businesses of today run.
The School of Computer Science has many courses at both undergraduate and at graduate level in these areas and there are many recognized researchers on the faculty in all these areas.
To begin working in the area, one can suggest the following units at University of Windsor:
(i) Center for Education and Research in Internet Security (CERIS)
(ii) CENTER for DEVELOPMENT of SOFTWARE INDUSTRY at WINDSOR (CDSI)
(iii) CERT
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Have your Software Industry in Windsor!
Why it makes business sense to have your Software Industry in Windsor?
- University of Windsor :
o School of Computer Science with active researchers in its ten Graduate Research laboratories
o Odette School of Business
o New Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Windsor Campus and Anthony P. Toldo Health Education & Learning Centre
o Faculty of Law - Windsor-Essex Development Commission
- Association of Knowledge industries of Windsor-Essex
- Excellent access to huge North American market through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport hub, roads etc
- Excellent e-connectivity; located on the 64-strand gigabit cable linking the Canadian network with the Chicago NAP
- Close to Detroit, Chicago, Boston, New York and Philadelphia
- Mild weather, with the highest number of sunny days in Canada
- Low start up and operation costs
- Significant subsidies from the federal and provincial govt. organizations such as Ontario Centres for Excellence , and National Research Council
R&D Fianancial Assistance
Research and Development Financial Assistance/Tax Credits Applicable to Software Industry
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Assistance is provided to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them meet the technological challenges they face in delivering new products, processes or services. The program is delivered by a network of Industrial Technology Advisors who provide both knowledge-based innovation assistance to SMEs and a cost-sharing program to aid in funding for client innovation activities (up to 50% of certain project research and development costs to a maximum of $500,000, depending on the project).
http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit
A 10% refundable tax credit is available to corporations that make expenditures on scientific research and experimental development. The maximum claim is $200,000 per taxation year.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/credit/oitc/
Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program
This federal tax incentive program encourages businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development in Canada. Canadian-controlled businesses can receive an investment tax credit of 20% (or 35% for corporations with less than $200,000 of taxable income) for qualifying expenditures (wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead) related to SR&ED projects.
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxcredit/sred/menu-e.html
Programs offered by Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/MRI.asp
The Health Technology Exchange – HTX.ca
Helps Ontario's scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas into innovative medical and assistive technology products.
Innovation Demonstration Fund
Financial support of up to 50% of eligible costs to help Ontario companies with the commercialization and initial demonstration of their innovative technologies.
International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP)
Funding of up to $150,000 over three years, for new strategic international collaborations.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Assistance is provided to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them meet the technological challenges they face in delivering new products, processes or services. The program is delivered by a network of Industrial Technology Advisors who provide both knowledge-based innovation assistance to SMEs and a cost-sharing program to aid in funding for client innovation activities (up to 50% of certain project research and development costs to a maximum of $500,000, depending on the project).
http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit
A 10% refundable tax credit is available to corporations that make expenditures on scientific research and experimental development. The maximum claim is $200,000 per taxation year.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/credit/oitc/
Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program
This federal tax incentive program encourages businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development in Canada. Canadian-controlled businesses can receive an investment tax credit of 20% (or 35% for corporations with less than $200,000 of taxable income) for qualifying expenditures (wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead) related to SR&ED projects.
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxcredit/sred/menu-e.html
Programs offered by Ministry of Research and Innovation
http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/MRI.asp
The Health Technology Exchange – HTX.ca
Helps Ontario's scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas into innovative medical and assistive technology products.
Innovation Demonstration Fund
Financial support of up to 50% of eligible costs to help Ontario companies with the commercialization and initial demonstration of their innovative technologies.
International Strategic Opportunities Program (ISOP)
Funding of up to $150,000 over three years, for new strategic international collaborations.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Technology Incubators
"Basically, we in North America have priced ourselves out of the low-income job market. So, building the knowledge economy has become very important."
--- Dinah Adkins, President and CEO, National Business Incubators Association
“Growing successful businesses is, by necessity, a collaborative effort. It's got to be about everybody -- universities, industry, and government on all levels -- because everybody benefits."
--- Marie Lussier, President, Canadian Association of Business Incubation
(from “Growing a knowledge economy“ by Scott Valentine in THE RECORD dated October 04, 2007 at http://news.therecord.com/article/250899 as of Dec 16, 2007; courtesy:
Wendy Stark, Economic Development Officer, Windsor Essex Development Commission)
--- Dinah Adkins, President and CEO, National Business Incubators Association
“Growing successful businesses is, by necessity, a collaborative effort. It's got to be about everybody -- universities, industry, and government on all levels -- because everybody benefits."
--- Marie Lussier, President, Canadian Association of Business Incubation
(from “Growing a knowledge economy“ by Scott Valentine in THE RECORD dated October 04, 2007 at http://news.therecord.com/article/250899 as of Dec 16, 2007; courtesy:
Wendy Stark, Economic Development Officer, Windsor Essex Development Commission)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Government Financial Incentive Programs available to Software Industries at Windsor
Select Government Financial Incentive Programs available to Software Industries at Windsor
Wage Subsidy Programs/Tax Credits/Training
A. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Job Creation Partnerships
The Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) employment benefit is a program designed to support projects developed by sponsors that create jobs that will provide insured participants (E.I. Claimants) with opportunities to gain meaningful work experience. Funding may be provided to sponsors/employers to cover such overhead costs as wages and employment related costs and eligible expenses negotiated with program officials. Funding may be provided, on a cost-shared basis, for capital costs to a maximum of $1 million per year where such costs are essential to the achievement of objectives.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/epb/sid/cia/grants/jcp/desc_jcp.shtml&hs=jzp
Opportunities Fund
The program is designed to assist persons with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment or self-employment as well as to develop the skills necessary to maintain that new employment. Funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs and it may also be provided to cover overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating, delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and employment related costs. Eligible expenses will be negotiated with program officials.
http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/epb/sid/cia/grants/of/desc_of.shtml
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
This is an investment tax credit equal to 10% of salaries and wages paid to eligible apprentices on or after May 2, 1006 to a maximum credit of $2000 per year per apprenticeship. The credit can be used to reduce federal taxes payable. Unused investment can be carried back three years to recover federal taxes previously paid or carried forward 20 years to reduce taxes payable in future years. This federal credit may be claimed in addition to the Ontario Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit (see below). Employers who qualify under both programs may receive tax credits up to $7000 per year per apprentice.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whatsnew/apprenticeship-e.html
B. PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
Ontario Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit
Employers are encouraged to hire and train apprentices in certain skilled trades (designated service, construction, industrial and motive power trades). Apprentices must be hired before January 1, 2008. There is a 25% refundable tax credit on eligible expenditures incurred with respect to eligible apprentices. For businesses with total payroll costs not exceeding $400,000, the tax credit rate is increased to 30%. An employer is eligible for a tax credit of up to $5,000 per year per eligible apprentice to a maximum of $15,000 over the first 36 months of the apprenticeship.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/employers/taxcredit/calculator.asp
Targeted Wage Subsidies Program
This program provides a subsidy of wages and other costs to hire new employees. The subsidy covers up to 60% of wages. The duration of the subsidies agreement may last up to 78 weeks. Eligible workers must be unemployed, and currently receiving or have received employment insurance benefits in the last three years.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/epb/sid/cia/grants/tws/desc_tws.shtml
Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC)
The CETC is a refundable tax credit of 10% (15% for companies whose total payroll does not exceed $400,000) for businesses hiring students enrolled in recognized post-secondary education programs. This credit will first reduce Ontario tax payable for the year and any excess will be refunded. The maximum credit is $1,000 for each work placement. Work placements must be a minimum of 10 weeks and the maximum employment period is four months.
http://www.2ontario.com/software/government_programs_progdetails.asp?pID=43
Ontario Employer Health Tax Exemption
Employers are exempt from paying Employer Health Tax on the first $400,000 of annual total Ontario remuneration.
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/english/resources/smallbusiness/register_eht.html
Ontario Job Connect
This program provides recruiting services and skills assessment to companies looking to hire and provide on-the-job training to people looking for work. The program offers an employer a training re-imbursement up to $4000 (maximum) over a period of 6 months. Subsidy amounts are negotiated on an individual basis and vary depending on the training requirements of the position and the skills of the individual.
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/cepp/aboutjc.html
Ontario Summer Jobs Service
This program provides wage support of $2 per hour for jobs lasting up to 16 weeks during the summer months.
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/brochure/summerjobs.html
Ontario Works
Delivered by municipal administrators, Ontario Works assists social assistance recipients in finding and securing employment. Participating qualified companies may receive financial incentives for up to six months to offset costs associated with additional training. There is no limit to the number of employees hired through this program. The amount of the government contribution varies depending on the wage paid by the employer.
www.cfcs.gov.on.ca/CFCS/en/programs/IES/OntarioWorks/Publications/broch-employers.htm
Research and Development Financial Assistance/Tax Credits
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Assistance is provided to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them meet the technological challenges they face in delivering new products, processes or services. The program is delivered by a network of Industrial Technology Advisors who provide both knowledge-based innovation assistance to SMEs and a cost-sharing program to aid in funding for client innovation activities (up to 50% of certain project research and development costs to a maximum of $500,000, depending on the project).
http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Ontario Business-Research Institute Tax Credit
A 20% refundable tax credit for scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) expenditures under an eligible contract with an eligible research institute. The maximum tax credit is $4 million. This tax credit can be claimed in addition to the 10% Ontario Innovation Tax Credit for a combined credit of 30%. For more information, see Tax Legislation Bulletin, January 2000.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/credit/obritc/
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit
A 10% refundable tax credit is available to corporations that make expenditures on scientific research and experimental development. The maximum claim is $200,000 per taxation year.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/credit/oitc/
Ontario Retail Sales Tax Exemption on R&D and Manufacturing Equipment
Exemptions are provided on equipment used primarily in manufacturing, exclusively for R&D, or for a combination of the two. For more information, please refer to the list of exemptions in the Retail Sales Tax Act.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/guides/rst/pdf/400.pdf
Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program
This federal tax incentive program encourages businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development in Canada. Canadian-controlled businesses can receive an investment tax credit of 20% (or 35% for corporations with less than $200,000 of taxable income) for qualifying expenditures (wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead) related to SR&ED projects.
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxcredit/sred/menu-e.html
General Financial Assistance Programs
Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS)
The Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS) is a $500 million repayable loan program to encourage companies to invest in leading edge technologies and processes that will increase productivity and competitiveness. It is administered through the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT). The goal of the AMIS program is to increase economic growth by stimulating private sector investment in innovation and leading edge technologies and processes across a range of sectors. Applications to the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS) will be sought through a competitive “Call for Proposals” process. This means that even if a proposal meets all of the program’s objectives and criteria, there is no guarantee that funding will be awarded, as there may be more projects that more effectively meet the program’s objectives and criteria. MEDT staff will meet with individual companies to conduct a pre-assessment of the company’s eligibility.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Services
BDC provides financial and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses with a focus on technology and export sectors. Available programs include Co-Vision, Innovation Financing and the Productivity Plus Loan.
www.bdc.ca
Canada Small Business Financing Program
This program provides assistance to small businesses in obtaining, through a qualified lender, term loans and capital leases of up to $250,000 to help finance fixed asset needs. To qualify, the estimated gross annual revenues generated from all the operations within the small business of the borrower must not exceed $5,000,000 for the business's fiscal year during which the CSBF loan is approved.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/Home
Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
The RED program supports projects that will help rural communities (any community with fewer than 100,000 people) thrive and grow. Companies investing in rural communities may receive up to a 50% grant to reimburse costs that are actual cash outlays to third parties, which they wouldn’t otherwise incur, such as: marketing and promotional costs, professional fees (legal, architectural, accounting), travel costs, studies, consultant or sub-contractor fees, equipment (R&D), internship funding for youth and displaced workers, skills upgrading, minor capital improvements (including engineering, architectural and renovations) and skills development. In order to qualify, the project must involve partnerships or strategic alliances between any combination of individuals, businesses, community organizations and municipalities.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/industry/red-program.htm
Source: Windsor Essex Development Commission (WEDC)
Through: Rakesh Naidu, Director, Business Attraction, WEDC
Wage Subsidy Programs/Tax Credits/Training
A. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Job Creation Partnerships
The Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) employment benefit is a program designed to support projects developed by sponsors that create jobs that will provide insured participants (E.I. Claimants) with opportunities to gain meaningful work experience. Funding may be provided to sponsors/employers to cover such overhead costs as wages and employment related costs and eligible expenses negotiated with program officials. Funding may be provided, on a cost-shared basis, for capital costs to a maximum of $1 million per year where such costs are essential to the achievement of objectives.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/epb/sid/cia/grants/jcp/desc_jcp.shtml&hs=jzp
Opportunities Fund
The program is designed to assist persons with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment or self-employment as well as to develop the skills necessary to maintain that new employment. Funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs and it may also be provided to cover overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating, delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and employment related costs. Eligible expenses will be negotiated with program officials.
http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/epb/sid/cia/grants/of/desc_of.shtml
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
This is an investment tax credit equal to 10% of salaries and wages paid to eligible apprentices on or after May 2, 1006 to a maximum credit of $2000 per year per apprenticeship. The credit can be used to reduce federal taxes payable. Unused investment can be carried back three years to recover federal taxes previously paid or carried forward 20 years to reduce taxes payable in future years. This federal credit may be claimed in addition to the Ontario Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit (see below). Employers who qualify under both programs may receive tax credits up to $7000 per year per apprentice.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whatsnew/apprenticeship-e.html
B. PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
Ontario Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit
Employers are encouraged to hire and train apprentices in certain skilled trades (designated service, construction, industrial and motive power trades). Apprentices must be hired before January 1, 2008. There is a 25% refundable tax credit on eligible expenditures incurred with respect to eligible apprentices. For businesses with total payroll costs not exceeding $400,000, the tax credit rate is increased to 30%. An employer is eligible for a tax credit of up to $5,000 per year per eligible apprentice to a maximum of $15,000 over the first 36 months of the apprenticeship.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/employers/taxcredit/calculator.asp
Targeted Wage Subsidies Program
This program provides a subsidy of wages and other costs to hire new employees. The subsidy covers up to 60% of wages. The duration of the subsidies agreement may last up to 78 weeks. Eligible workers must be unemployed, and currently receiving or have received employment insurance benefits in the last three years.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/epb/sid/cia/grants/tws/desc_tws.shtml
Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC)
The CETC is a refundable tax credit of 10% (15% for companies whose total payroll does not exceed $400,000) for businesses hiring students enrolled in recognized post-secondary education programs. This credit will first reduce Ontario tax payable for the year and any excess will be refunded. The maximum credit is $1,000 for each work placement. Work placements must be a minimum of 10 weeks and the maximum employment period is four months.
http://www.2ontario.com/software/government_programs_progdetails.asp?pID=43
Ontario Employer Health Tax Exemption
Employers are exempt from paying Employer Health Tax on the first $400,000 of annual total Ontario remuneration.
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/english/resources/smallbusiness/register_eht.html
Ontario Job Connect
This program provides recruiting services and skills assessment to companies looking to hire and provide on-the-job training to people looking for work. The program offers an employer a training re-imbursement up to $4000 (maximum) over a period of 6 months. Subsidy amounts are negotiated on an individual basis and vary depending on the training requirements of the position and the skills of the individual.
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/cepp/aboutjc.html
Ontario Summer Jobs Service
This program provides wage support of $2 per hour for jobs lasting up to 16 weeks during the summer months.
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/brochure/summerjobs.html
Ontario Works
Delivered by municipal administrators, Ontario Works assists social assistance recipients in finding and securing employment. Participating qualified companies may receive financial incentives for up to six months to offset costs associated with additional training. There is no limit to the number of employees hired through this program. The amount of the government contribution varies depending on the wage paid by the employer.
www.cfcs.gov.on.ca/CFCS/en/programs/IES/OntarioWorks/Publications/broch-employers.htm
Research and Development Financial Assistance/Tax Credits
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Assistance is provided to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them meet the technological challenges they face in delivering new products, processes or services. The program is delivered by a network of Industrial Technology Advisors who provide both knowledge-based innovation assistance to SMEs and a cost-sharing program to aid in funding for client innovation activities (up to 50% of certain project research and development costs to a maximum of $500,000, depending on the project).
http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Ontario Business-Research Institute Tax Credit
A 20% refundable tax credit for scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) expenditures under an eligible contract with an eligible research institute. The maximum tax credit is $4 million. This tax credit can be claimed in addition to the 10% Ontario Innovation Tax Credit for a combined credit of 30%. For more information, see Tax Legislation Bulletin, January 2000.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/credit/obritc/
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit
A 10% refundable tax credit is available to corporations that make expenditures on scientific research and experimental development. The maximum claim is $200,000 per taxation year.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/credit/oitc/
Ontario Retail Sales Tax Exemption on R&D and Manufacturing Equipment
Exemptions are provided on equipment used primarily in manufacturing, exclusively for R&D, or for a combination of the two. For more information, please refer to the list of exemptions in the Retail Sales Tax Act.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/guides/rst/pdf/400.pdf
Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program
This federal tax incentive program encourages businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development in Canada. Canadian-controlled businesses can receive an investment tax credit of 20% (or 35% for corporations with less than $200,000 of taxable income) for qualifying expenditures (wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead) related to SR&ED projects.
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxcredit/sred/menu-e.html
General Financial Assistance Programs
Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS)
The Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS) is a $500 million repayable loan program to encourage companies to invest in leading edge technologies and processes that will increase productivity and competitiveness. It is administered through the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT). The goal of the AMIS program is to increase economic growth by stimulating private sector investment in innovation and leading edge technologies and processes across a range of sectors. Applications to the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS) will be sought through a competitive “Call for Proposals” process. This means that even if a proposal meets all of the program’s objectives and criteria, there is no guarantee that funding will be awarded, as there may be more projects that more effectively meet the program’s objectives and criteria. MEDT staff will meet with individual companies to conduct a pre-assessment of the company’s eligibility.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Services
BDC provides financial and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses with a focus on technology and export sectors. Available programs include Co-Vision, Innovation Financing and the Productivity Plus Loan.
www.bdc.ca
Canada Small Business Financing Program
This program provides assistance to small businesses in obtaining, through a qualified lender, term loans and capital leases of up to $250,000 to help finance fixed asset needs. To qualify, the estimated gross annual revenues generated from all the operations within the small business of the borrower must not exceed $5,000,000 for the business's fiscal year during which the CSBF loan is approved.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/Home
Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
The RED program supports projects that will help rural communities (any community with fewer than 100,000 people) thrive and grow. Companies investing in rural communities may receive up to a 50% grant to reimburse costs that are actual cash outlays to third parties, which they wouldn’t otherwise incur, such as: marketing and promotional costs, professional fees (legal, architectural, accounting), travel costs, studies, consultant or sub-contractor fees, equipment (R&D), internship funding for youth and displaced workers, skills upgrading, minor capital improvements (including engineering, architectural and renovations) and skills development. In order to qualify, the project must involve partnerships or strategic alliances between any combination of individuals, businesses, community organizations and municipalities.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/industry/red-program.htm
Source: Windsor Essex Development Commission (WEDC)
Through: Rakesh Naidu, Director, Business Attraction, WEDC
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