Government Grants for Ontario Small Businesses
If you are thinking of starting a business in Ontario, or if you already have an existing business, there are various government grants that are available.
These funds are available from the Ontario government directly, as well as the federal government of Canada, and they range from startup funding to grants for small businesses.
Finding and using a government grant is one of the best things you can do for your small business in Ontario, no matter what stage your business is in.
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Below you will find out how to get government grants and funding for startups in Ontario.
Finding Government Grants for Your Ontario Small Business
As a small business in Ontario, a government grant can help your business get a much-needed boost.
A grant is simply an amount of money that is provided by the Ontario government, or the federal government, in order to fund your startup or business expenses. In most cases, the funds provided in the form of a grant do not have to be paid back.
This creates a win-win situation for both your business and the government.
The available government grants in Ontario depend on a number of factors. These factors are primarily focused on the application criteria that the grant agency has set in place.
With that in mind, when applying to any government grant for your Ontario small business, it is crucial that you thoroughly read the requirements of each grant program.
Your time is important, and the last thing you want to do is apply to a grant program that you are not eligible for.
With the Funding Database, you will be able to access and see all available government grants for startups in Ontario and Canada.
Available Government Grants for Ontario Small Businesses
To help you with your funding search for grants in Ontario, review the information below as we discuss the various available grants for business expansion, research and development, hiring and training, as well as grants for capital investments in Ontario.
Expert Tip: Before you apply for any government grants for your business, be sure to speak with a funding expert who can ensure you have all that is needed before you make the move. This essential list may include your business plan, properly prepared financial projections, a pitch deck, and more. Speak to a funding expert now by calling 1-800-288-9691.
Business Expansion Grants in Ontario
Business expansion grants in Ontario can help with expanding your product or service line, exporting your goods, and other growth-related activities. In general, any activity that helps your small business grow can be considered part of a business expansion funding strategy.
- Business Scale-up and Productivity Program (BSP) Southern Ontario
- CanExport
- Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)
- OCE Voucher Programs
- IESO Conservation Fund
- Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF)
- Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
- Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation Corporation Programs
- CDMN Soft Landing Program
- Rural Economic Development (RED)
- OCE Market Readiness Program
- MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund
- Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)
- Canada Media Fund: Experimental Stream
- Dairy Processing Investment Fund (DPIF)
- Regional Innovation Ecosystem (RIE)
- Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
If you are unsure how to take part in these available grants for your business, use the Funding Database to see each program and how to apply.
Research and Development (R&D) Grants for Startups in Ontario
There is a significant amount of research and development involved in building a business. What many small business owners do not realize is that R&D is not limited to the technology, medical, manufacturing, or agriculture sectors.
Research and development plays a crucial role in helping business owners develop quality products or services that last and generate revenue.
With this process comes a number of business expenses.
The following is a list of available R&D grants in Ontario for small business owners.
- ENCQOR 5G SME Technology Development Program (5G SDP)
- Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC)
- Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund
- Canada Media Fund: Experimental Stream
- OCE Voucher Programs
- Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)
- IRAP Accelerated Review Process (ARP)
- IRAP Mid-Size Projects
- IESO Conservation Fund
- Scientific Research and Development (SR&ED)
- Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) WinterTech Development Program
- MITACS Elevate
- MITACS Accelerate
- Dairy Processing Investment Fund (DPIF)
- MaRS Regional Innovation Centres
- Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation Corporation Programs
- MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund
- Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC)
- Business Scale-up and Productivity Program (BSP) Southern Ontario
- Alberta-Ontario Innovation Program
- OCE Customer Demonstration Program
- Health Technologies Fund (HTF)
- Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)
That is a large number of grant programs, but they are simply the sources.
To determine whether your small business qualifies for any R&D grants in Ontario, use the Funding Database and work with a funding expert.
Hiring and Training Grants for Small Businesses in Ontario
One of the most beneficial grant programs in Ontario focuses on hiring and training.
As a small business owner, you need to hire staff and train them to help run your business more efficiently.
Hiring and training can be costly, but there are grants available to help offset these expenses.
- FedDev Ontario Training Program
- Youth Employment Program (IRAP)
- Connect Canada Internship
- Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)
- Mitacs Accelerate
- Northern Ontario Internship Program
- Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
If you need funding to hire or train employees, use the expert services available through the Funding Database.
Capital Investment Grants in Ontario
Capital investments are investments in long-term business assets. These may include equipment, machinery, technology, real estate, or property.
These assets add value to your business and can potentially be used as collateral for future funding.
- Business Scale-up and Productivity Program (BSP) Southern Ontario
- Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF)
- Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
- Dairy Processing Investment Fund (DPIF)
- Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)
- Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP)
- Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation Corporation (NOHFC)
If you want to see whether you can receive a government grant for equipment or real estate purchases, use the Funding Database and speak with a funding expert.
As a small business, you may have a number of business startup costs.
Many of these startup costs can be covered through government funding options.
While government grants often focus on major expenses such as expansion, wages, training, equipment purchases, and R&D, there are other government funding options available.