Funding Programs and Incentives

Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy (CLOSED)

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.

Consult the section How to apply to determine if you should submit more than one application.

Don’t hesitate to contact the CSJ Team if you still have questions about the program or the application process after reading the guide.

Community Development Corporations - Business Loans 

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 Improvement Plans

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 Microloan for Women-Owned Business

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. 

Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP)

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

Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF)

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 Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium Sized Businesses

• 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.

FedDev Regional Program Funding

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 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.

Grassroots Growth Initiative

The objectives of the GGI 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.

i.d.e.a Fund

Landing-Pad Accelerator Program for Newcomer and Female Entrepreneurs

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 

Ontario Together Trade Fund

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. 

Protect Ontario Financing Program

• 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. 

Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario

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.

Apply by January 21, 2026, if your proposed project and eligible costs start before March 31, 2026. Applications that show immediate and significant expenditure need during the current fiscal year will be given priority. 

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. 

Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream

• 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. 

Regional Tariff Response Initiative for Businesses

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. 

Funding Amounts:

• Businesses can request one of the following: $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million in fully repayable financial support; OR Under $100,000 in non-repayable financial support. Total project costs must be a minimum of $125,000.

Eligibility:

• Be incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario for at least the past 3 years.
• Operate as a for-profit business.
• Employ a minimum of 5 full-time employees in southern Ontario and fewer than 500 full-time employees.
• Viable prior to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, and prior to March 21, 2025.
• Have at least 25% of your sales in the markets targeted by the tariffs; OR
• Demonstrate that it has been directly affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. and China tariffs or Canadian countermeasures.

Eligible Projects:

The RTRI supports businesses and sectors impacted by tariffs through projects that can be executed in the timeframe of this initiative (March 2025 to March 2028), by:

• Helping businesses undertake projects to boost productivity, enhance competitiveness and reduce costs to mitigate tariff impacts; and
• Enabling greater resiliency among Canadian businesses through more robust domestic supply chains, enhanced internal trade, market diversification, and future-proofing operations.

Note Regarding Steel and Automotive Sector: Additional support is available to businesses in the steel and automotive sectors. visit the program webpage for more information. 

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

Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)

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. 

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program

Program opens for applications on June 3, 2024.

As part of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative, the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) provides funding to eligible Ontario farmers to implement projects focused on addressing climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon. Funding is available for:

•           Natural Grassland Establishment;

•           Perennial Biomass Crops;

•           Perennial Warm Season Pastures;

•           Reduced Tillage;

•           Tree and Shrub Planting;

•           Water Retention Features, and;

•           Wetlands.

The maximum RALP funding allocation for a single project is $150,000, and effective for applications submitted after April 1, 2024, a single applicant (farm business) may receive approval for new projects up to a maximum of $400,000 in total RALP funding for the duration of 5 year lifespan of the RALP (2024-2028).

Information on the program is now available in the online Program Guide at https://programguides.ontariosoilcrop.org/. The Program Guide provides information on eligible activities and costs, available funding, documentation required to be submitted with an application, and a link to the application form.

For more information, please contact us at s-cap@ontariosoilcrop.org.

RTO9 Tourism Partnership Fund (CLOSED) 

This program is currently not accepting applications, but will open back up in early 2026. 

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.

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/DMP 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. 

Rural Ontario Development (ROD) for Business (Re-Opening Jan 19, 2026)

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:

Save On Energy Programs

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. 

thriveFORWARD

thriveFORWARD is a new initiative, aimed at accelerating sustainable industrial investment in innovation capital across southern Ontario. thriveFORWARD will assist participants in future-proofing their business, building resiliency, and preparing for long-term growth by transitioning to a green economy.

Eligible projects include the commercialization of innovation or the adoption of an innovation by start-ups and SMEs that are investing in sustainable and inclusive growth. This new program is coordinated through the Northumberland CFDC and is available to eligible SME across Southern Ontario.

For more information about the program, please visit the website.

Work Share 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.

Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement must agree to a reduced schedule of work, and share the available work equally over the term of the agreement.

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.

Community Futures Grenville Economic Development Initiative

This program provides non-repayable funding to support community economic development projects, up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $3000. The grant supports projects that:

• address strategic economic development priorities;
• support the business community;
• have a significant, measurable impact;
• demonstrate collaboration with community economic development partners;
• support community capacity for economic development.

The following organizations are eligible to apply for a microgrant:

• Not for profit organizations operating within Grenville County;
• Business Improvement Areas located in Grenville County;
• Municipalities located within or comprising Grenville County.

For full details about the program, click here.

All potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Grenville Community Futures office to discuss their potential project prior to completing an application. Katie Nolan, Executive Director 613-925-4275 ext. 1 or katie@cfgrenville.ca 

Community Futures Grenville Futures Grant

Offering non-repayable funding to support legacy projects that will enhance our community in the decades to come, covering up to 100% of eligible project expenses. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Investments that enable arts and culture activities;
• Restoration, protection or enhancement of natural resources;
• Community art, education, or heritage installations;
• Projects that increase community engagement and vitality;
• Initiatives that reduce carbon emissions or make it easier for others to do so.

For full details about the program, click here.

All potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Grenville Community Futures office to discuss their potential project prior to completing an application. Katie Nolan, Executive Director 613-925-4275 ext. 1 or katie@cfgrenville.ca 

Ontario Trillium Foundation - Capital Grant

The Ontario Trillium Foundation – Capital Grant (OTF-C) provides critical funding to help Ontario organizations strengthen and modernize community infrastructure.

Designed to support new construction, facility expansions, renovations, and equipment upgrades, this program enables organizations to enhance access to community spaces, improve program delivery, and make more effective use of technology. 

The grant application period is from February 4, 2026 to March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Eligible projects may include:

• New construction or building expansions
• Renovations or repairs to community spaces
• Purchase of land or buildings
• Equipment purchases, upgrades, or retrofits
• Technology investments that improve service delivery

Who Should Apply

This funding opportunity is open to:

• Not-for-profit organizations and registered charities
• Municipalities and local governments
• Arts, culture, recreation, and community organizations
• Organizations delivering community programs and services across Ontario

Funding Range: $10,000 – $200,000
Holdback: 10% released upon satisfactory final report review
Estimated Project Timeline: Up to 1 year

For more information, visit the program webpage.