Government Grants for Small Businesses in Ontario
As a small business owner, it can feel overwhelming trying to navigate the world of government grants—especially when many programs are time-sensitive and can be limited based on your business stage or industry. The good news is that there are official, no-cost resources available that can help you access funding without the risk of being charged or asked to provide unnecessary personal information.
Today, we’re sharing how to find government grants through official channels and providing a breakdown of some valuable programs that could help grow your small business. Plus, we’ll highlight some local government grants that are often overlooked but can offer great support for local businesses.
Where to Look for Grants
- Business Benefits Finder (Government of Canada)
This tool from the Government of Canada helps businesses find relevant grants, funding programs, and financial options tailored to your specific business needs. Simply fill out a form about your business, and you’ll be matched with programs specific to your industry and goals.
Explore: Business Benefits Finder - Ontario Government Funding Opportunities
The Ontario government regularly updates its list of available funding opportunities, which include a wide variety of programs across various sectors, such as community development, health, infrastructure, and more. While these programs are not exclusively for businesses, there may be specific opportunities that align with your business mission, industry, or area of work, helping you qualify for support. Whether you’re involved in Indigenous development, community services, environmental initiatives, or infrastructure projects, it’s important to explore programs that could complement your business goals.
Explore: Ontario Government Funding
Government Grants for Small Businesses: Examples of Programs
- Starter Company Plus
What It Is: Starter Company Plus offers support if you want to start a new company, expand an existing company, or buy a business in Ontario. This program runs several times a year, so be sure to watch for application periods.
Why It’s Great: It’s an excellent option for entrepreneurs just starting out, offering funding and mentorship to help you get your business off the ground and on a path to success. Through this program, you can:
- Get one-on-one guidance from a Small Business Enterprise Centre advisor
- Participate in business workshops, seminars, or networking events covering topics such as business planning, budgeting, and marketing strategies
- Connect with a mentor who has experience in starting, expanding, or buying a small business
- Apply for a grant of up to $5,000
- Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
What It Is: The SWODF provides financial support to businesses in the growth phase, focusing on those that are expanding and creating jobs, especially in Southwestern Ontario.
Why It’s Great: If your business is expanding and making an economic impact, this fund can provide both financial support and strategic resources to help you scale.
The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern and southwestern Ontario make investments to:
Get one-on-one guidance from a Small Business Enterprise Centre advisor- Grow their businesses
- Improve productivity
- Invest in innovation and skills development
- Pursue new markets
- Generate broad positive regional economic impact
- Create new good, sustainable jobs
- Hiring and training incentives for employers
What It Is: Take advantage of various funding programs and federal tax incentives aimed at helping businesses, not-for-profits, and public-sector organizations with the hiring and training of employees.
Why It’s Great: These initiatives offer financial support for businesses looking to expand their workforce, including incentives for both hiring new talent and providing training for existing employees. Key options include:- Apprenticeship Programs: Learn how to hire and train apprentices and discover the benefits for your business.
- Canada-Ontario Job Grant: Access funding to help cover the cost of training for your current and new employees.
- Youth Hiring Programs: Utilize programs like Employment Service, Youth Job Connection, and Youth Job Connection Summer to hire young people, with added financial incentives to support your business.
- FedNor youth internships: If you are interested in hiring a youth intern in Northern Ontario, you may be eligible for funding to help with salary, employee benefits, and equipment and training costs.
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP): If you can provide supervision and a training structure in the skilled trades, you could be matched with a pre-screened apprentice.
- Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS): Various programs designed to make it easier for employers to hire a young person or recent graduate. Each program offers different supports to help you find – or offset the costs of – recruiting or training a new student or summer employee.
- Municipal and Regional Grants
Local governments often provide unique funding opportunities to support businesses, community groups, and neighborhood projects.
These incentives can vary widely but may include:- Affordable Housing Initiatives: Support for projects focused on creating new affordable rental units.
- Business Façade and Startup Grants: Financial incentives for property and business owners to improve commercial areas and support startup ventures.
- Youth and Diversity Programs: Funding for youth employment, travel for sports, and programs supporting racialized and Indigenous communities.
- Environmental and Community Action Funds: Grants to promote climate action, community development, and neighborhood improvement projects.
- Brownfield and Revitalization Programs: Funding to encourage the renewal of underutilized or historical properties.
Connecting with your municipal or regional government can reveal opportunities specific to your area, helping you access tailored support for growth, innovation, or community impact.
Final Thoughts
Navigating government grants doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have access to trusted, no-cost resources. By using the official channels above and keeping an eye on regional and municipal opportunities, you can access the support you need without the worry of hidden fees or misleading services.
If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to browse our other topics for helpful business tips, or if you need assistance with registering your business, we’re here to help!
