Small Business Startup Grants and Funding in Ontario

Every year new entrepreneurs and experienced small business owners start looking for financing to either start or expand their businesses. Many of these entrepreneurs have heard about the benefits of receiving a grant to help with funding, but they do not know where to look and find programs that they could be qualified for.

Luckily, we have put together a list of small business startup grants that are available in Ontario.

So, if you are one of these individuals, enjoy the read, and do not forget to apply.

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Ontario Startup Business Grants

While these small business startup grants for entrepreneurs in Ontario may not always be the perfect match for you, do not worry. Use the Funding Database to help locate funding options as well as other grants for your Ontario small business.

Canada Periodical Fund: Business Innovation

The Business Innovation program provides support to eligible small digital periodical and printed magazine publishers. The program was created to encourage innovation to adapt to changing market conditions.

Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur

The Accelerate Entrepreneur program was designed to support the needs of student entrepreneurs from postdoctoral, undergraduate, graduate, and college programs to increase the development of their research or technology that is at the center of their start-up.

Mitacs Globalink

Through collaborations with international and Canadian researchers, Globalink can help expand your reach. This program supports projects that can help you develop partnerships, strengthen your networks, stay on top of trends in your sector globally, and create a joint venture. Starting at $7,500, Globalink can match project funds for a 16 to 24 week project.

Farm Credit Canada Young Farmers Starter Loan

Through the Starter Loan and Young Farmer Loan, you can receive customized financing to help buy equipment, livestock, or shares in a company.

Canada Start-Up Business Loans, Equity Capital, and More

IDEABOOST Investment Programs

IDEABOOST is a start-up accelerator for businesses that are building next-generation technology media and entertainment services, products, and brands. Each business in the program can receive up to $35,000 in seed funding.

Business Development Bank of Canada Start-Up Financing

The BDC provides funding for Canadian start-up businesses that have started operations for at least 12 months and have generated revenue. These funds can be used to buy assets, pay start-up fees, or purchase a franchise.

Business Development Bank of Canada Indigenous Entrepreneur

The BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur program provides funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners to finance start-ups, ongoing operations, acquisitions, and expansion. Businesses can receive up to $350,000.

Business Development Bank of Canada Strategic Investment Programs

The Strategic Investment programs strengthen and expand BDC strategic initiatives within the Canadian venture capital ecosystem by attracting financial and non-financial support for tech entrepreneurs.

Communitech Fierce Founders

The Fierce Founders Bootcamp is a six-week program supporting women-identifying and non-binary founders to validate ideas, start and grow their business, and build an MVP.

Futurpreneur Canada Financing

Aspiring business owners aged 18 to 39 can receive financing, mentorship, and support for up to two years. Eligible businesses may receive collateral-free loans up to $60,000.

Canadian Agriculture Loans Act Program

The CALA Program increases the availability of loans to farmers and agricultural cooperatives through a loan guarantee program.

Canada Small Business Financing Program

This program makes it easier for small businesses to obtain loans for purchasing or improving land, buildings, equipment, or leasehold improvements.

RISE Small Business Lending Program

Entrepreneurs affected by addiction or mental health conditions can receive up to $10,000 in financing to launch or grow a business.

Brightspark Ventures

Brightspark Ventures is a Canadian venture capital firm investing in exceptional early-stage technology companies.

TandemLaunch

TandemLaunch supports early-stage technology companies with up to $600,000 in seed funding and close partnerships with major consumer electronics brands.

DMZ Growth Accelerator

DMZ is a four-month accelerator program designed to help tech start-ups scale through sales execution, mentorship, and workspace access.

York Entrepreneurship Development Institute VC Fund

Entrepreneurs can receive up to $500,000 in funding through the YEDI VC Fund after completing eligible accelerator or incubator programs.

Velocity Fund Pitch Competition

The Velocity Fund Pitch Competition awards $50,000 investments to early-stage start-ups three times per year.

TELUS Pitch

The TELUS Pitch competition awards a $100,000 cash prize to the winner and $10,000 to four finalists.

SheEO

SheEO provides interest-free loans to women-identifying and gender non-conforming entrepreneurs working toward sustainable goals.

Round13 Capital

Round13 Capital focuses on growth-stage Canadian businesses in healthcare and technology.

Mantella Venture Partners

Mantella Venture Partners invests in early-stage technology companies and provides hands-on involvement, typically starting with investments of up to $1,000,000.

Ontario Start-Up Incentives

These small business startup incentives may help when you are looking for funding for your small business.

If these do not apply to you, contact a Canada Startups expert to find relevant Ontario grants and loans.

40 Small Business Startup Grants for Entrepreneurs in Ontario