Ontario Small Business Grants: Key Programs & How to Qualify
Ontario, anchored by Toronto as its business epicenter, is home to approximately 1,230 grant programs tailored for small businesses. These programs are part of the larger landscape of over 2,000 national-level grants, reflecting Ontario's critical role in Canada's economy and its commitment to fostering business growth and innovation.
Eligibility for these grants requires that a small business be incorporated in Ontario, with fewer than 500 employees, and possess a valid business number. Specific programs may target smaller enterprises, limiting eligibility to businesses with under 50 employees, thus necessitating careful review of each grant's stipulations.
While established small businesses have access to a wide array of funding opportunities, the grant environment for startups in Ontario is structured differently, focusing on supporting businesses in their initial stages of development. These grants are explicitly designed to help new companies stabilize and expand their operations within the competitive markets of Ontario, particularly in Toronto.
By program:
FedDev Ontario EAF SWODF OLMP Starter Company Plus INIRC Launch Lab EIR INGS INLS INLaunchS INISTop Federal Small Business Grant Programs Active in Canada (2024)
| Program Name | Grant Range or Benefit | Ideal Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative | Varies; typically supports economic development projects | Small businesses and nonprofits in Southern Ontario |
| Enabling Accessibility Fund — Small projects | Funding to create accessible, safe spaces | Businesses improving accessibility in facilities |
| Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Business project grants | Up to $1.5 million or 15% of project costs | Businesses looking to grow or expand in Southwestern Ontario |
| Ontario Labour Market Partnerships | Funding varies; supports employer-community partnerships | Organizations involved in arts, recreation, and other services |
| Starter Company Plus | Up to $5,000 or 75% of project costs | Emerging small businesses needing start-up assistance |
| INVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair | Up to $1 million or 50% of project costs | Businesses enhancing research capabilities in all industries |
| Launch Lab — Entrepreneurs In Residence (EIR) | Expert advice and guidance | Technology-based businesses in Southern Ontario |
| INVEST North Program — Investment - Grow Stream | Up to $1 million or 50% of project costs | Businesses aiming to expand in Northern Ontario |
| INVEST North Program — Investment - Locate Stream | Up to $5 million or 20% of project costs | New business setups in Northern Ontario |
| INVEST North Program — Investment - Launch Stream | Up to $200,000 or 50% of eligible expenses | Startups beginning operations in Northern Ontario |
| INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream | Up to $2 million or 50% of project costs | Businesses focused on innovative technology in Northern Ontario |
Ontario Small Business Grant Program Summaries
FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative
This initiative supports economic development projects tailored for small businesses and nonprofits in Southern Ontario, fostering regional growth and innovation.
FedDev Ontario ApplicationEnabling Accessibility Fund — Small projects
This fund provides financial assistance to improve accessibility and safety in workplaces and public spaces, making them more accessible for everyone.
EAF ApplicationSouthwestern Ontario Development Fund — Business project grants
Grants to support businesses looking to grow or expand in Southwestern Ontario, covering up to 15% of project costs with a cap of $1.5 million.
SWODF ApplicationOntario Labour Market Partnerships
Funding to enhance collaboration among Ontario employers, employees, and communities to address workforce challenges through innovative solutions.
OLMP ApplicationStarter Company Plus
Provides critical early-stage funding and advice to help small businesses establish and expand, covering up to 75% of project costs or a maximum of $5,000.
Starter Company Plus ApplicationINVEST North Program — Innovation – Industrial Research Chair
Supports the establishment and enhancement of research capacities in businesses across all industries in Northern Ontario, funding up to 50% of project costs.
INIRC ApplicationLaunch Lab — Entrepreneurs In Residence (EIR)
Provides expert advice and strategic support to technology-based businesses in Southern Ontario, fostering growth and technological advancement.
Launch Lab EIR ApplicationINVEST North Program — Investment - Grow Stream
Offers financial support for the expansion of businesses in Northern Ontario, aiming to stimulate economic growth and development.
INGS ApplicationINVEST North Program — Investment - Locate Stream
Supports new business setups in Northern Ontario with substantial funding for infrastructure and technology investments.
INLS ApplicationINVEST North Program — Investment - Launch Stream
Provides grants to help start new businesses in Northern Ontario, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $200,000.
INLaunchS ApplicationINVEST North Program — Innovation Stream
Funds research, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies in Northern Ontario, offering significant financial backing.
INIS Application