Funding and Grants

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is an annual program that provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years.

Call for Applications is now closed and will re-open in November of 2026. 

Not-for-profit employers can receive a wage subsidy of up to 100% of the current provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage. Public and private sector employers are eligible to receive a wage subsidy of up to 50% of the current provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage.

You can apply for funding to offer quality summer jobs for youth today..

Visit the website to learn about the key steps of a Canada Summer Jobs project and the essential requirements for successfully completing an approved project.

Prepare to Apply

Remember to read the Applicant Guide. It explains the application process and offers practical information on how to prepare your application, including how you can demonstrate the quality of your proposed jobs.

The Future Ready program provides support for Ontario-based SMEs working in CIT’s four key sectors (Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Agri-food and Mining) to upskill/reskill current employees on Critical Technologies to support the company's adoption of Critical Technologies and commercialization of new products and services. Under this program eligible SMEs receive support to hire an external third-party consultant to train their employees in the adoption and implementation of these Critical Technologies.

See the full program guidelines here

Program Fast Facts:

• • $10,000 grant available at 1:1 match for upskilling in one of the 6 critical technologies (AI, robotics, cybersecurity, quantum, blockchain, 5G/advanced networks) for businesses that are in 1 of the 4 industries (advanced manufacturing, construction, mining, agri-food)
  • Grant be used for defence procurement-type training, but not certification specific costs; can used for training multiple employees
  • Training must be from a third-party & be approved prior; view details about applying found here
  • Projects and Funding must be completed by 30-Sep

For more information, reach out to Randy Ringuette, Manager, Business Development & Commercialization
Phone: 613-581-4451 email: rringuette@oc-innovation.ca 

Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) support community economic development by assisting communities to strengthen and diversify their economies. As a community-based, not-for-profit, organization, the CFDCs are run by a board of local volunteers and staffed by professionals who encourage entrepreneurship and the pursuit of economic opportunities.

The CFDCs are supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and offer the following services:

• strategic community planning and socio-economic development;
• support for community-based projects;
• business support services; and
• access to financing.

Community Futures Grenville Serves businesses in Prescott, Augusta Township, Municipality of North Grenville and the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal. 

CF Grneville is partnering with Green Economy Canada to help local businesses turn an emissions inventory into a competitive advantage.

✔ Cost-shared Green Economy Canada membership
✔ Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs
✔ Improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness
✔ Receive a customized action plan to guide future investments
✔ Access EcoFutures financing of up to $300,000 for eligible projects

Space is limited. Click here to learn more and apply. 

Community Improvement Plan programs (CIPs) are funds used to support business upgrades. Individual municipalities may designate a portion of the annual budget for CIPs. Funds are available through an application process to private property owners to help offset project costs that achieve community planning and development goals. They emphasize business sustainability, increases local investment, and helps support job creation. CIP funding varies by municipality, location, type and timing.

Listed here are local programs with links to their respective information:

Brockville

• Downtown CIP - download
• Brownfields CIP - download

Edwardsburgh Cardinal

• Website info and applications for Cardinal and Spencerville

Gananoque

• Website info and application

Leeds and the Thousand Islands

• Website info and application

North Grenville 

• Website info
• Downtown Kemptville CIP
• North Grenville CIP Matching Loan - email

Prescott

• CIP Investment Program - download
• Application form - download

Rideau Lakes - Chaffeys Lock, Delta, Elgin, Lombardy, Newboro, Portland

• Website info & application

Community Futures Grenville CIP Matching Loan Program

Are you applying for a grant or loan under your municipality’s Community Improvement Plan within our service area? Community Futures Grenville can provide a matching loan, which can count towards your contribution to the project. Low interest rate and flexible repayment terms.

Proof of municipal CIP approval is required.

For more details, email Darren Gallacher, call 613-213-8575 or visit the program website. 

DELIA offers $15,000 microloans to Women-owned businesses in Canada with an attractive term sheet, and prioritizes diverse, intersectional and under-served Women.

Successful DELIA applicants will be contacted by a member of the DELIA team who will organize an onboarding and orientation session.

Select DELIA loan recipients may benefit from additional 1:1 mentoring and support including business advisory, networking and referrals, group-based training and workshops and other supports.

Click here for more information. 

The DMAP program supports Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing a tailored digital adoption strategy. Through a cost-share model, eligible businesses can access funding to work with a qualified Digital Adoption Consultant to assess their digital needs and create a modernization plan. This program is being funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Centre for Innovation.

Funding available: Up to $15,000 (50% of eligible costs)

Eligibility:

• Incorporated, for-profit Ontario SMEs with 1–499 employees
• Be able to express why they need a digital strategy and recognize its importance in guiding change

Application process: Applications MUST be initiated by an OCI Business Development Manager (BDM) or an OCI Digital Adoption Advisor (DAA). Businesses that wish to be connected with an OCI-BDM or OCI-DAA can fill out a Client Intake Form, and check the box noting interest in adopting digital solutions and the Digital Competence Centre.

For more information, visit the OCI’s Drop Box Link. 

Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)

Once a DMAP is complete, eligible businesses can apply to the TDP stream to implement the digital solutions identified in their plan. This program supports the adoption of Ontario-based technologies that address operational needs and drive measurable business improvements such as CRM platforms, inventory systems, cybersecurity tools, and other digital solutions.

Funding available: Up to $150,000 (50% of eligible costs)

Eligibility:

• Ontario SMEs with 1–499 employees and at least $500,000 in annual revenue in one of the last three tax years
• Completion of a DMAP is required
• Implementation must involve a commercially available Ontario-based technology solution

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario.

• funding support
• complementary services and support

• create jobs and build talent
• attract and encourage private sector investment
• lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
• encourage innovation, collaboration and cluster development

• EDC guarantees a new one-year term or operating line of credit for 80% of its value, up to $6.25M allowing businesses to deal with payroll and operating cost issues and enabling their financial institution to take on less risk. Available for all Canadian companies, including non-exporting businesses that sell domestically.
• Apply now.

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario is now accepting applications under the Southern Ontario regional program stream.  Businesses and organizations can now apply at any time, and funds will be awarded on a first-com-first-served basis. 

For profit businesses: Funding for businesses in Southern Ontario 

• No-interest, repayable contributions from $125,000 up to $10 million for companies to grow, innovate and diversify.

Eligible applicants are growing and established businesses, co-operatives and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples) businesses located or expanding in southern Ontario that:

• are for-profit entities located and operating in southern Ontario at the time of your application
• have a minimum of 5 full-time employees and no more than 500 FTEs
• are incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario for at least the past 3 years

We support the following activities:

• Developing, commercializing, and/or producing new and innovative products, processes and services
• Improving productivity, capacity and competitiveness
• Scaling-up or expanding business lines to tap into new markets or reach new customers

Application form here (in step 2): Funding for businesses in southern Ontario: How to apply

Application guide here : Funding for businesses in southern Ontario: Application Guide

Applicants of previous intake should have received a decision letter, or will imminently.  These applicants may not submit for the same project, only new activities.

For projects in Leeds Grenville, reach out to Carl.Lamarche@FedDevOntario.gc.ca / Tel. : 416-806-7154

Our commitment to support Indigenous businesses and organizationscontinues and they are welcome to apply anytime or reach out to us for assistance at 1‑877‑553-5507 or indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca

Futurpreneur helps empower aspiring young entrepreneurs on their journey to success! The Core Startup Program provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, with added access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.

• Financing and mentoring to aspiring business owners aged 18-39 to launch successful businesses across Canada.
• Up to $75,000 in financing (in partnership with the BDC), an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage and grow your business.
• Collateral-free loans at better interest rates than most banks.
• For more information on eligibility or to apply, visit the Futurpreneur Canada website.

Check out other programs offered by Futurepreneur here. 

The Grassroots Growth Program provides funding for initiatives that create broader opportunities and greater benefits for the agri-food sector and rural communities in Ontario.

The objectives of the GGP are to:

• increase public engagement and support for agriculture, local food and rural development
• build youth leadership capacity and increase youth involvement in the agri-food sector
• enhance safety and risk management practices in the agri-food sector
• strengthen public trust and public knowledge about Ontario’s agri-food systems
• encourage agri-food and rural development outcomes

For full details about the program and application process, visit the Grassroots Growth Initiative website.

If you have questions about the program, please contact:

• Toll-free: 1-877-424-1300
• AHOA.admin@ontario.ca

Spark Centre, in partnership with Launch Lab and PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise, and funded by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, the Landing-Pad Accelerator Program is offering $10,000 grants — but only for eligible female-led founders and newcomer startups in the EN3 sectors (Energy, Environment, and Engineering).

Aside from the $10,000 accelerator grant, program perks include a customized action plan, dedicated advisors, targeted workshops and masterclasses, support in protecting IP assets, access to networking, industry partners and so much more. 

Take this short quiz to find out if you're eligible: https://sparkcentre.org/landing-pad-accelerator-program-questionnaire/

Questions? Please contact info@sparkcentre.org 

The Life Sciences Scale-up Fund provides financial support to help small-to-medium sized enterprises scale up in the life sciences sector. LSSUF aims to help build a pipeline of strong innovative SMEs based in Ontario (or intending to relocate to Ontario) that are ready to respond to procurement opportunities.

For Round 2, we are interested in receiving proposals that:

• Incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and AI-related knowledge, or other innovative approaches.

• Accelerate the adoption of innovation into the healthcare system or have been identified or validated by HIP.
• Have solutions that are central to the province’s healthcare priorities and broader vision to provide connected, convenient care closer to home. Eligible technologies in scope include, but are not limited to:
  • medical devices
  • digital health technologies
  • medical and surgical procedures
  • medical imaging and screening programs
  • lab testing and genetic testing
  • complex health system interventions, such as models of health care delivery

A successful applicant could receive up to $2.5 million to help cover up to 33% of eligible project costs. Successful applicants are required to secure funding to cover at least 67% of remaining eligible project costs.

Before applying, companies must first complete the mandatory self-assessment eligibility screening form to help determine if they are eligible for the LSSUF.

Applications are open from June 22, 2026 to August 4, 2026.

For full details on the program, visit the website. 

The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. With a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the program will help businesses, build local capacity, enhance trade resiliency, and make the necessary investments to successfully expand into new markets.

Projects must address the impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including:

Trade diversity:

• Diversifying sales portfolios: Expanding market reach to new markets, with a focus on interprovincial trade.

Trade security:

• Enhancing competitiveness: Increasing manufacturing capacity and capabilities and increasing profitability through investments in advanced technology and innovative processes.
• Contributing to regional and sectoral ecosystems: Strengthening Ontario’s supply chains through reshoring and efforts to procure more equipment and supplies from Ontario and Canada.
• Creating and or retaining jobs

To be eligible, businesses need to:

• operate within Ontario
• have at least three years of operations/financial statements (refer to Operating Experience section in program guidelines to determine financial statement requirements)
• employ at least 5 full time equivalent (FTE’s) active employees
• demonstrate any of the following impacts due to the imposition of U.S. tariffs:
  • operates in a sector extensively targeted by U.S. tariffs (for example, steel sector, auto sector, aluminum)
  • significant exposure to trade risk (for example, revenue loss of 30% or higher), or pivoting operations to supply a customer that is looking to replace a current supplier due to tariffs
    
    The application intake period will be open on April 23, 2025. The intake period is continuous which means applicants can submit their application any time while the program is open.
    
    For more information visit the program website. 

With BDC, get up to $5 million to help you counter the effects of tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. by preserving cash flow, diversifying your market or buying equipment. This program provides financing that can help you maintain operations, seize new opportunities, invest in productivity and adapt to a changing business environment while protecting your cash flow.

Eligibility requirements:

Location: Canadian-based
Annual revenue: $1M or more
Years in business: 3 years
Cash flow: Historically positive
Eligible profile: Minimum 15% of sales must be derived from exports to the U.S.

For more information, visit the BDC Website:
https://www.bdc.ca/en/financing/pivot-grow-loan

The Protect Ontario Financing Program is designed to provide critical support for businesses that are facing significant tariff-related disruptions as a result of s.232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and autos. This fund will provide immediate relief for Ontario businesses that are facing s.232 tariff-related working capital challenges, such as:

• payroll
• lease payments
• utility payments

To be eligible, organizations need to meet all of the following criteria:

• operate within the province of Ontario
• operate within (either direct exporter or supporting the supply-chain) the following sectors that are subject to s.232 tariffs: steel, aluminum, copper, autos
• have at least $2 million in annual revenue
• employ at least 10 full-time employees in Ontario
• have minimum 3 years of operations and financial statements
• facing material working capital challenges due to the imposition of s.232 U.S. tariffs (for example, your organization will have difficulty meeting short term financial obligations such as payroll)
• have explored and exhausted or faced significant barriers in accessing federally offered financial support options to access working capital

Funding will be provided through a term loan to support working capital costs (for example payroll, leases, utilities).

Term loan parameters:

• minimum $250,000.00
• repayable up to 72 months (6 years)
• no penalty for prepayment
• annual repayment frequency

For more information, visit the website. 

The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a $357.5-million initiative, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, to support Canada’s defence and security needs while strengthening regional economic development.

Eligibility:

Incorporated for-profit businesses:

• located and operating in southern Ontario
• employing at least 5 full-time equivalent employees in the region
• within defence supply chains or looking to integrate into them

Not-for-profit incorporated organizations in southern Ontario that support businesses and/or capability development in the defence sector.

Funding:

Businesses can normally request:

• a minimum of $125,000 to $10 million in repayable funding

Not-for-profit organizations can normally request:

• a minimum of $125,000 to $10 million in non-repayable funding

For more details, visit the website. 

 The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. It will provide investments in:

• capital equipment
• technology adoption
• skills development

The types of support available include:

• funding support
• complementary services and support

The fund supports projects that:

• create jobs and build talent
• attract and encourage private sector investment
• help companies to adopt technologies that improve their competitiveness
• lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
• encourage innovation, collaboration, and cluster development

Who is eligible

The fund supports business and organizations in advanced manufacturing sectors, including:

• aerospace, automotive, chemical, information and communications technology (ICT), life sciences or steel

To be eligible, businesses need to:

• have at least three years of operations/financial statements
• employ at least 10 people
• commit to creating at least five new jobs and/or upskilled current jobs
• invest at least $500,000 in their project
• be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in Ontario

Funding

Up to 15% of eligible project costs in loans or grants depending on eligibility. 

Application opening: November 4, 2025 – February 3, 2026

Application deadline: February 3, 2026

Notification date: April 30, 2026

*Registration on TPON and consulting with regional advisor regarding your application is advised two weeks in advance of the application deadline.

Visit the website for more details. 

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries and supply chains. The RTRI provides support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) impacted by tariffs, strengthening the competitiveness of Canadian businesses by helping them boost productivity, cut costs, build more resilient supply chains and reach new markets. It equips SMEs, and the organizations that support them, to seize new opportunities, adapt to global trade disruptions, and boost domestic trade. 

Eligible businesses may apply for up to 12 months of liquidity assistance, pivot project funding, or both.

• A business may receive up to a maximum of $3 million in combined non-repayable funding, consisting of up to $2 million in liquidity assistance and up to $1 million for a non-repayable pivot project.
• A business may receive up to a maximum of $20 million in total RTRI funding when repayable support is included. This maximum could include non-repayable liquidity assistance, up to $2 million.

To be eligible, your business must:

• be an incorporated for-profit business located and operating in southern Ontario
• have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue in one or both of your company’s last two fiscal years
• have been viable prior to tariffs

• In addition, your business must demonstrate that it has been affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures or countervailing duties. This could be demonstrated if your business:

  • operates in a sector impacted by Section 338 or Section 232 tariffs (including direct exporters and also indirect exposure, for example as a supply chain partner to an affected exporter), or operates in another tariff impacted sector
  • has at least 25% or more revenue coming from goods that are ultimately exported to the U.S.
  • has experienced significant cost increases where tariffs have raised the price of goods and materials needed for production; supply chain disruption; or loss of revenue or customers

For more information visit the program website or email info@feddevontario.gc.ca

The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is designed to support retail businesses with the purchase of effective digital equipment and software to help them transform and grow. This program is being funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Centre for Innovation.

Funding Available:

• up to $5,000 (50% of eligible costs)
• Grants will be provided on a first come, first served basis while funds last.

Eligibility:  

• Minimum 1 year in business with at least $100K of annual revenue  
• Direct-to-Consumer business with a physical storefront (i.e., retail, restaurants & food, professional services such as hairstyling, florists, etc.)   
• Ontario-based-for-profit business with between 1-50 employees

What can be funded?

• Point-of-sale systems
• Inventory tracking solutions
• Customer relationship management (CRM) tools
• Online ordering or digital storefront platforms
• Digitally enabled booking or reservation systems

For more information visit the program website. 

Applications are currently closed, but this program opens annually and may have additional intakes.

RTO 9’s Partnership Fund initiative is designed to build on existing tourism products that enhance the region’s diversity of tourism attractions. The program is open for applications. If you are interested in applying, it is important that you take this time to carefully review the guidelines, check eligibility and ask questions before putting together an application. See below for additional resources.

Click here to view the 2026/2027 Guidelines 

There are 3 categories to apply under:

1. Digital Capacity Building
2. Photography & Videography
3. Marquee & Wayfinding Signage

Important to note:

• You must provide Proof of Incorporation, a CRA Business Number, Certificate of Indian Status Registry Number or a Métis Registry Number.
• You must have $2M Commercial General Liability Insurance.
• A letter of acknowledgment from your DMO is mandatory. please contact Shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca for a letter of support. 
• All partner contributions must be made electronically – via either EFT or e-transfer.
• There is one general application. Applications are submitted through an online form that can be re-accessed from the same device.

For more information, visit the program webpage. 

The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program provides Cost-Share funding to support activities that create strong rural businesses in Ontario by funding projects that:

• address barriers to economic development
• build capacity to attract, retain and expand businesses
• better position rural businesses to attract or retain investment
• support jobs being attracted and retained in rural businesses

Eligible businesses can get 35% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $10,000 in funding for a Project under the ROD Program - Business Development.

General Eligibility:

• has 1 to 20 employees on its current payroll and for the duration of the Project, excluding the owner(s) of the business
• is physically located in Rural Ontario (as defined in the section below)
• is paying agricultural, commercial or industrial property tax, either directly or through rent or lease (Indigenous businesses are exempt from this requirement)
• is not occupying a property that is considered solely residential under its municipality’s Official Plan and zoning by-law (Indigenous businesses are exempt from this requirement)
• is open for business/operating at the time of application
• is in compliance with all applicable Requirements of Law and at the time of application and for the duration of the Project, has no outstanding fees, levies or taxes owed to the governments of Ontario and Canada, or has made and maintained satisfactory arrangements for their payment

Eligible Project Types:

1. Market diversification or product diversification: Projects to support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their competitiveness. Example: 

• Complete a market analysis, and/or a marketing plan for a new product and/or a new or expanded existing market OR Development of new marketing collateral OR Implementation of a business or marketing plan to access or expand into a new market

2. Enhancing cyber security: Projects to support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their cyber security. Example: Implementation of activities to increase cyber security measures within a business or Cyber security analysis

3. Succession planning: Projects to support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their readiness for business succession. Example: Succession plan for business

4. Accessibility: Projects to support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their accessibility. Example: Improve accessibility infrastructure (ramps, door opener, etc.)

For more information visit the website or Email RODprogram@ontario.ca with:

Becoming more energy efficient doesn't take a lot of time, even for the busiest business owners. Find the right program for your needs. Learn which program is the right fit for your business. 

1. Instant Discounts Program

   Receive upfront discounts from participating distributors on the purchase of energy-efficient lighting products that will help to lower your business’s energy consumption, improve your bottom line and transform your space.

2. Small Business Program

   Drive your business forward with Save on Energy incentives of up to $3,000 for eligible lighting equipment and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment.

3. Retrofit program

   For a small business, energy costs can add up. The good news is that the Save on Energy Retrofit program can help you make your business more efficient.

For more details, visit the program website. 

Starter Company Plus includes:

• guidance from a Small Business Centre advisor
• participation in an online business plan boot camp and coaching/training from professional consultants and coaches
• funding of up to $5,000
• training and mentorship that will better position you to be more successful and profitable in your business and to obtain more traditional financing

Those who aren’t eligible

• Non-profits will not be eligible for the grant but may be eligible to take part in the training.  This will be looked at on a case by case basis.
• OW & ODSP may be able to take part in the training but are not eligible for the funding.
• Any franchise businesses.
• Previous Starter Company and Starter Company Plus participants are not eligible.

How to Apply 

Application Deadline: September 18

Please reach out if you are interested in applying for the next intake, to take place until fall. Email meagan.metcalf@uclg.on.ca 

The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) helps Canadian industries innovate, adapt and compete in a changing global economy. The SRF supports large-scale, transformative projects that build economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and protect good jobs in key sectors such as steel, aluminum, automotive, forest products, AI and advanced technologies.

Building on the success of the former Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), the SRF not only continues existing commitments but also expands support for industries affected by trade disruptions and tariff challenges.

The SRF supports projects across three main priorities that reflect Canada's industrial and economic goals:

• Tariff response: Funding to help Canada's industries including steel, aluminum and forest products recover from U.S. tariffs and strengthen resilience
• Innovation: Support for large-scale R&D and innovation projects in key sectors including critical minerals, aerospace, cleantech, biomanufacturing and life sciences
• AI Compute Challenge: Investment in Canada's artificial intelligence infrastructure to expand compute capacity, boost competitiveness and drive commercialization

The minimum SRF contribution amount is $10 million for projects with total costs of at least $20 million. The amount you request from SRF should be based on your project needs.

Visit the website for more information on the program. 

The Work-Sharing Program helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity that is out of control of the employer.

To be eligible for a Work-Sharing agreement, your business or organization must:

• be a year-round business in Canada for at least 2 years
• have experienced a minimum 10% reduction in their business activities within the last six months
• have at least 2 eligible employees in the Work-Sharing unit that must share the available work equally

For full eligibility and program details, visit the website.

Introducing the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing employers