Credits: vecteezy.com
Ontario provides various financial supports for small businesses, including grants, loans, and tax credits. These programs are offered by both the federal and provincial governments, as well as through regional development organizations. They aim to assist with start-up costs, expansion, modernization, and operational expenses.
Federal Programs:
- Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP): This program encourages banks and other lenders to provide loans to small businesses by sharing the risk with the lender.
- FedDev Ontario: Provides support for businesses in Southern Ontario, including financing and business support services.
- FedNor: Offers support for businesses in Northern Ontario.
Provincial Programs:
- Starter Company Plus:
Offers training, mentoring, and grants (up to $5,000) to those starting, expanding, or buying a business.
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant:
Provides funding to help businesses with revenue loss due to province-wide shutdowns.
- Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) & Southwestern Ontario Development Fund:
Regional development programs that offer support for businesses in those areas.
- NOHFC (Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation):
Provides funding for projects that support economic development in Northern Ontario.
- Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit:
Supports investments in buildings, machinery, and equipment used in manufacturing and processing.
- Skills Development Fund:
Offers funding for training and workforce development.
- Futurpreneur:
Provides financing, mentoring, and resources for young entrepreneurs aged 18-39.
- Community Futures Ontario:
Offers loans and business support services to businesses in rural areas.
Other Resources:
- Small Business Enterprise Centres: Provide advice, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- City of Toronto Business Incentives: Offers various programs and incentives for businesses in Toronto.
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Provides financing and consulting services to Canadian businesses.
- Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs): Offer financing and business support services.
Key Considerations:
- Eligibility criteria vary for each program.
- Some programs are sector-specific or targeted to certain regions.
- Businesses may need to meet certain conditions, such as creating or maintaining jobs.
- Some programs may require businesses to contribute financially to the project.
To access these supports:
- Visit the websites of the relevant organizations mentioned above.
- Contact your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.
- Consult with a business advisor or funding specialist.
The reader is encouraged to select the words for the financial support of their interest and look them up with the desired search engine. External links were not added to the post so the page would not appear overloaded.

