Business Grants, Government Loans in Ontario
Starting, or growing a small business in Ontario, while exciting, can also be a challenging journey. One of the elements that can have a major impact on the success of your business, is access to funding.
Luckily, the province of Ontario, offers a number of great business grants, government loans, tax breaks and incentives to help small businesses and to support entrepreneurs at different stages of their business development.
These business grants and funding options can provide a financial boost that is required to turn innovation into a reality, expand operations and overcome the unexpected challenges of business ownership.
Join us as we explore all available Ontario business grants for 2026.
We will be looking at the regions in Ontario which will be able to provide you with the funding, the different types of funding available, what the funds can be used for, eligibility criteria as well, your access to over 190+ business grants, government loans..etc
Regions of Ontario Government Funding Covers
As a small business in Ontario, there are various funding options that your business may be able to obtain.
This funding comes from local governments, as well as regional governments.
Northern Ontario:
The Norther Ontario region includes areas like Thunder Bay, Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and other northern communities. Special funding programs often target this region due to its unique economic and geographic challenges. This includes business grants, government loans as well as tax breaks and incentives.
Eastern Ontario:
The Eastern Ontario region encompasses cities like Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall, and other eastern municipalities. Funding may focus on rural development, urban infrastructure, and economic growth.
Central Ontario:
Central Ontario includes the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Barrie, and surrounding areas. Given the dense population and economic significance, funding is often directed towards infrastructure, transit, and social services.
Southwestern Ontario:
Southwestern Ontario, focuses on cities like London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Hamilton which all fall under this region. Funding initiatives often aim at manufacturing, agriculture, and technological innovation.
Western Ontario:
In the Western Ontario region, smaller communities and rural areas located west of Central Ontario, including regions like Bruce County and Grey County fit here. Funding here may support agriculture, small business development, and rural infrastructure.
Northeastern Ontario:
Covering areas from North Bay to Timmins and the surrounding communities. Similar to Northern Ontario, funding focuses on addressing remote area challenges and promoting regional development.
Government funding in Ontario is tailored to address the specific needs and opportunities of each of these regions, aiming to promote balanced growth and equitable resource distribution across the province. You can review all regions of Ontario within the Funding Database in order to access all options at your fingertips.
Are Ontario Business Grants and Funding Right For You
If you are considering starting a business, or have an existing business in Ontario, you should consider government funding.
Remember, government funding does not meant just borrowing money (via Loan), but utilizing provided funding options such as government grants, incentives, tax breaks, credits..etc, towards the various expenses you may have in order to grow your business.
The benefit of being in Ontario, or the above mentioned regions of Ontario is that the government puts a lot towards the success of entrepreneurship, covering many audience types, including Startups, Women, Immigrants, Youth, Indigenous, Veterans, Minority Owned Businesses, Non Profits, Specific Regions as well as those in Specific Industries.
In other words, if you are a Canadian (or have PR); or are in business with a Canadian Citizen (or PR holder) and in need of funding support, chances are you are eligible for certain Ontario business grants and government funding programs.
With that in mind, you must have expenses that you’d like to cover. Have a look at the below, to see what Ontario small business grants can be used for!
What Can Ontario Small Business Grants Be Used For?
Ontario business grants and funding options can be used to cover a number of startup and expansion costs as you run your business. Here are some of the more commonly used user cases as how to benefit from the available funding:
☑️ To cover the initial startup and/or expansion costs
☑️ To assist you with purchase of tools, equipment and inventory to lower your initial costs
☑️ To help you adopt technology use in your business and get your business online
☑️ To provide you costs for marketing and advertising campaigns, or hire marketing related assistance
☑️ To give you working capital for the every day, day to day expenses
☑️ To cover the cost of wages for yourself, your staff and provide training
** ☑️ **and much more
These are just a few of the expenses that Ontario business grants and funding can be used towards. For a full list, access the Funding Database and take advantage of over 1,500 different options, covering hundreds of possible expenses your business may have.
What are the types of government funding options in Ontario?
The province of Ontario, including the mentioned local and regional government offices provide a large number of options for small business owners to take advantage of. These options vary from business to business, however the majority will come in the form of business grants, business loans and tax breaks/credits.
While these funds are all government funds, some can be government backed as well (via banks and lenders).
Ontario Business Grants
Business grants, considered free money is often the best form of funding that a business owner can obtain as it can give a business several key benefits, including:
Government grants in Ontario offer several benefits for businesses, including:
- Non-Repayable Funding: These are grants that do not need to be repaid, unlike loans, which helps businesses manage cash flow and reduce financial burden.
- Financial Support: These business grants provide crucial financial support, allowing businesses to invest in growth, innovation, and development without impacting their capital reserves.
- Risk Mitigation: Accessing these business grants reduces the financial risk associated with new projects, research and development, or expansion plans.
- Competitive Advantage: Government grants can enhance a business’s competitive edge by enabling investments in new technology, skilled labor, and market expansion.
- Encourages Innovation: Grants often target innovative projects, helping businesses develop new products, services, or processes that can lead to significant market advantages.
- Improves Credibility: Receiving a government grant can enhance a business’s credibility with investors, customers, and partners, as it demonstrates government support and validation of the business’s potential.
- Access to Expertise: Many grant programs offer additional resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts, which can be invaluable for business growth and development.
- Job Creation: These business grants aimed at job creation help businesses hire more staff, contributing to local economic development and increasing the company’s operational capacity.
Ontario Government Loans
Much like traditional bank loans, Ontario government loans are not different in a standard sense that you are still borrowing money, however, government loans have number of key benefits to a business owner utilizing them, including:
- Lower Interest Rates: Government loans often come with lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans, making them more affordable and reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: These loans typically offer more flexible repayment terms, allowing businesses to choose repayment schedules that align with their cash flow and financial situation.
- Access to Larger Amounts: Government loans may provide access to larger amounts of capital than other funding sources, enabling businesses to undertake significant projects or expansions.
- Support for Specific Sectors: Many government loan programs are tailored to support specific industries or sectors, providing targeted financial assistance to businesses in those areas.
- Encourages Investment in Innovation: Government loans often support innovation and development projects, helping businesses invest in new technologies, research, and development efforts that can drive growth and competitiveness.
- Boosts Business Credit: Successfully securing and repaying a government loan can help build and improve a business’s credit history, making it easier to obtain additional financing in the future.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: Government loans can facilitate job creation and contribute to local economic development, benefiting both the business and the wider community.
- Supplementary Support: In addition to financial assistance, government loan programs may offer supplementary support such as business advisory services, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Less Stringent Requirements: Government loans may have less stringent eligibility and collateral requirements compared to private sector loans, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to qualify
Ontario Tax Breaks / Tax Credits For Small Businesses
One of the easier funding types offered by the government of Ontario and the federal government is the available tax breaks and credits. These tax breaks and credits directly reduce the amount of taxes a business owes, resulting in significant cost savings that can be reinvested into the business.
By lowering tax liabilities, businesses retain more of their earnings, improving cash flow and financial stability. This also can encourage businesses to invest in new equipment, research and development, employee training, and other growth initiatives that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
No matter of the type of funding, be it a government business grant, a government loan, or a tax break/credit, as a startup or growing business, you should regularly check available government funding options in Ontario and take advantage of them.
How Much Grant Money Or Funding Can I Get For My Ontario Business
Our Funding Database currently has over 1,500 different funding options available.
A typical business owner in Ontario, starting up, or expanding their business, will be eligible to 4-5 different options. Multiple more options, if regular funding searches are conducted (this is done by our experts for you).
Funding amounts and how much you can get in grant funding varies from business to business, as it is based on your specific funding needs, in accordance to the expenses that you wish to cover.
Currently, for 2026, business grants and funding ranges from $1,000 to $500,000 (larger options are available when combined)
Am I Eligible for Ontario Small Business Grants?
Based on the current availability of government grants for small businesses in Ontario, there are key factors that can determine eligibility. Not all factors apply to every program, but worth noting to help maximize your access to grants and funding.
☑️Business Location (often your city or region)
☑️Business Type (ie: your industry)
☑️Business Stage, or Business Size (new business, existing business, # of employees and revenue)
☑️Funding Needs (what the funds will be used for)
☑️Economic Impact (what your business can do for the economy; ie: create jobs)
It is important to note: Most cities and regions within Ontario, offer some sort of government business grants and funding options to startups and existing business owners. While not every single business can get funds for every single type of expense, working with a funding expert can unlock potential to these options for you.
As mentioned, using our Funding Database, a typical business in Ontario is eligible to 4-5 funding options!
2026 Ontario Small Business Grants and Funding List - 190+ Options
Government funding options are constantly changing.
New city and regional options are constantly closing; and new incentives are coming in. Staying on top of these funding options is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any business grants and funding options for 2026.
Below is a list of over 190+ business grants, government loans and funding options that can help your small business in Ontario.
If you wish to consider any of the options, speaking with a qualified expert is recommended - call 1-800-288-9691.
Access 190+ Business Grants and Government Loans in Ontario
| Program | Funding Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Mining Program | $7,300 | Allows companies to test their new and innovative IoT-based smart mining product solutions that make Ontario mines safer and more efficient |
| Mining Supply and Services Export Assistance Program | $10,000 | Two multifaceted projects planned to help Northern Ontario mining supply and services companies penetrate new markets and increase revenue streams |
| CaféTO Property Improvement Program | $7,500 | Up to $7,500 in funding for Toronto cafés |
| Ontario Restaurant & Bar Support Fund | $5,000 | Grants for eligible Ontario-based restaurants, bars, pubs, pool halls, sports bars, and licensed food & beverage establishments |
| Patio Installation Grant | $4,000 | Funding for business and property owners to install or expand an outdoor patio |
| Ontario Main Street Relief Grant: PPE Support | $1,000 | Up to $1,000 for Ontario SMEs to cover PPE expenses |
| Small Business Program | $2,500 | Incentives up to $2,000 for eligible lighting equipment and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment |
| Community Marketing Grant | $2,500 | Marketing grants supporting the downtown Bruce County economy |
| Digital Transformation Grant Program | $2,500 | Provides digital assessment, online training, and a $2,500 grant for small brick-and-mortar businesses to implement digital transformation |
| Fascia Signage Grant | $1,000 | Grants for Bruce County building signage |
| Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC) | $20,000 | Tax credit supporting interactive digital media producers in Ontario |
| Community Development Infrastructure Program (CDIP) | $10,000 | Seed money for neighbourhood associations and communities to address local issues |
| Travel Assistance Grant – Kitchener | $1,000 | Grants for Kitchener youth |
| Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit | $30,000 | Tax credit for publishers of Canadian literary works |
| Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant | $20,000 | One-time payments for small tourism and travel sector businesses |
| Community Signage Grant | $5,000 | Funding for community signage |
| Collective Impact Grants | $190,000 | Funding for groups developing Collective Impact initiatives; includes launch and execution funding |
| Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) | $75,000 | Supports socio-economic development and business growth in Eastern Ontario |
| Inclusion Grants – City of Kitchener | $20,000 | Supports recreation and leisure program delivery |
| Small Project Matching Grant Program | $2,500 | Grants for Mississauga community groups to strengthen neighbourhoods and increase engagement |
| Film & Television Stream | $2,000,000 | Funding for film and TV productions from Northern Ontario |
| Interactive Digital Media Fund | $250,000 | Funding to strengthen economic growth in Ontario’s digital media sector; supports production and concept development |
| Digital Service Squad Grant | $150,000 | Training, advisory support, and funding for Digital Service Squads across Ontario |
| Market Access Initiative | $30,000 | Funding for Ontario companies affected by trade restrictions |
| INVEST North Program – Innovation: Industrial Research Chair | $1,000,000 | Funding for Northern Ontario academic institutions |
| Resilient Communities Fund | $200,000 | COVID-19 recovery support for Ontario non-profits |
| Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant | $10,000 | For Ontario small businesses affected by mandatory closures |
| Neighbourhood Matching Grant – Kitchener | $15,000 | Grants for community improvement initiatives |
| Energy-Efficient Building Grants | $300,000 | Supports energy efficiency improvements for commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential buildings in the GTHA |
| Achievement Incentive Grant | $4,000 | Grants for employers who train apprentices |
| IDM Fund: Industry Development | $60,000 | Funding for trade/event organizations serving media sectors |
| IDM Fund: Global Market Development | $15,000 | Supports Ontario’s interactive digital media sector growth |
| Literary Creation Projects – Works for Publication | $12,000 | Grants for Ontario literary artists completing book-length works or performance literature |
| Stingray Stimulus Plan | $15,000,000 | Radio advertising grants for local Canadian businesses |
| Toronto Arts Council – Music Projects | $15,000 | Funding for music projects in Toronto |
| IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition | $250,000 | Funding for IDM content creation activities |
| IDM Fund: Discoverability and Commercialization | $50,000 | Funding for Ontario producers of interactive content |
| Media Artists Creation Projects | No data provided (cut off) | Description not fully provided — please paste the rest if needed |