The partnership between the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association (APMA), the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Growth (MEDG) supports the auto parts sector in adopting industry leading software, hardware and/or provide training to improve processes and increase the competitiveness of the industry in Ontario.
Through Automotive Supplier Competitive Improvement Program (ASCIP), small and medium sized automotive suppliers, or large companies partnering with small or medium sized automotive suppliers, can apply for to up to $100,000 in project funding.
ASCIP will fund projects across two streams:
Stream 1 – Technology Adoption
- Stream 1 will provide grants to Ontario-based small and medium-sized auto parts supplier firms that conduct projects to advance product life cycle management and improve competitiveness through adoption of advanced hardware, software and/or training.
- OCE will contract with a company and reimburse up to 50 per cent of the total eligible project costs, or up to $100,000 per project, whichever is lower, with the company funding the remainder with matching cash contributions.
- The APMA will provide support to the applicant company by marketing the ASCIP program to its members and support the applicants in developing project proposals.
Stream 2 – Mentorship Pilot Program
- Stream 2 will provide grants to Ontario-based small and medium-sized auto parts supplier firms that conduct projects to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness.
- The mentors will be automotive industry experts with background and expertise in manufacturing process efficiency to assist suppliers with specific business development needs. They will be identified in collaboration between the applicant company and APMA, and matched based on project outcomes and overall company goals.
- The services provided by the mentor will qualify as an eligible cost for up to five selected projects. OCE will contract with a company and reimburse up to 50 per cent of the total eligible project costs, or up to $100,000 per project, whichever is lower, with the company funding the remainder with matching cash contributions.
Eligible Companies
- Priority: Small and medium sized Ontario-based enterprises (firms with either fewer than 500 employees globally or global revenues of less than $1 billion)
- Secondary: Larger firms are eligible, but must partner with at least one Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprise
- At least 50 per cent of the firm’s total sales revenue must come from auto supply sector
- Only one project per company is allowed for the lifetime of the program
Eligible Projects
- Stream 1 – Technology Adoption: Eligible projects must focus on advancing product life cycle management and improving competitiveness through the adoption of advanced IT technologies: hardware, software and/or training.
- Stream 2 – Mentorship Pilot Program: Eligible projects must focus on operational efficiency and competitiveness improvements. Adoption of advanced IT technologies may be included as part of the project overall scope.
