Unlock Your Brand’s Potential: Ontario Made Program & Marketing Strategies

Unlock Your Brand’s Potential with the Ontario Made Program

In today’s market, “local” is more than a location—it’s a powerful statement of quality, community, and trust. For Ontario manufacturers, the Ontario Made Program offers a golden opportunity to leverage this consumer trend. It’s a free, government-supported branding initiative that can significantly boost your product’s visibility and appeal.

But simply getting the logo isn’t enough. At Zero Noise Marketing, we help you turn this badge of honour into a measurable business advantage.

More Than a Logo: The Strategic Advantages

The Ontario Made program, managed by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), provides a suite of marketing tools designed to help you stand out:

• Build Instant Consumer Trust: The recognizable Ontario Made logo acts as a visual guarantee of local production, immediately differentiating your product on a crowded shelf.
• Increase Your Discoverability: Approved products are featured in the official Ontario Made online directory, a go-to resource for consumers and B2B purchasers actively seeking local goods.
• Amplify Your Reach for Free: Benefit from the large-scale marketing campaigns run by CME, including social media promotion (#OntarioMade) and partnerships with major retailers, giving your brand exposure you might not otherwise afford.

Is Your Business a Fit? Eligibility Checklist

The program’s value is protected by clear and specific criteria. To qualify, your products must meet these two essential requirements:

• Substantial Transformation: The product must be fundamentally manufactured, not just packaged or lightly assembled, within Ontario. The core creation process happens here.
• 50% Cost Threshold: At least 50% of the total direct costs of producing the goods (including materials, labour, and overhead) must be incurred in Ontario.

The program is ongoing, with no application deadlines, making it accessible whenever your business is ready.

The Path to Approval: A Simple Process

Applying is straightforward, but attention to detail is key. The process involves:

1. Online Application: A comprehensive form is completed through the Ontario Made website where you provide details about your company and the specific products you want to register.
2. CME Vetting: The CME team thoroughly reviews your application to ensure your operations and products meet the stringent criteria. This can take several weeks.
3. Approval & Onboarding: Once approved, you receive the official logo files, usage guidelines, and access to the online directory to showcase your products.

Where We Come In: Turning Branding into Sales

Getting the Ontario Made logo is the first step. Maximizing its impact is where Zero Noise Marketing creates value. We ensure your new branding doesn’t just sit on your packaging—it drives results.

Strategic Brand Integration

We’ll help you seamlessly integrate the Ontario Made logo and messaging across all your marketing channels—from your website and product packaging to your email campaigns and social media profiles—for a consistent and powerful brand story.

Digital Marketing Amplification

We design and execute targeted digital marketing campaigns that specifically highlight your “Ontario Made” status. This includes creating compelling ad copy, social media content, and SEO strategies to capture customers searching for local products.

Content Creation & Storytelling

We help you tell the story behind your products. Through blog posts, videos, and social content, we can showcase your local manufacturing process, your team, and your commitment to the Ontario economy, building a deeper connection with your audience.