Funding Programs and Incentives

Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
- $2,400 Grow Your Business Online

As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the Government of Canada has partnered with four organizations to provide the ‘Grow Your Business Online’ grant to small businesses across the Ontario.

Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting e-commerce and supported by a network of e-commerce advisors.

Applications can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:

• Is a for-profit business (including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives)
• Is a registered or incorporated business
• Is a consumer-facing business
• Can be accessed by consumers or provides in-person services to consumers
• Has at least one employee

Where to Apply?

• For businesses in Gananoque, Kingston and surrounding areas (Lennox and Addington, Frontenac County) - Kingston Economic Development Corporation
• For Aboriginal businesses - Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses
• All other businesses - Digital Main Street OR Ontario Chamber of Commerce

 For more information on the Canadian Digital Adoption Program visit the website. 

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

Employers can get up to $10,000 in government support per person for training costs. The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides opportunities for employers, individually or in groups, to invest in their workforce, with help from the government. This grant provides direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia who wish to purchase training for their employees. It is available to small, medium and large businesses with a plan to deliver short-term training to existing and new employees.

To learn about your eligibility, the application process, and more, contact a representative in your area.

• Employment + Education Centre, Brockville & Area
  Business Services Manager Teanne Larocque: teanne@eecentre.com or call 613-498-2111, ext. 365.
• ontrac, Smiths Falls
  Job Developer Joanne Watson: JWatson@getontrac.ca or call 613-283-6978.
• KEYS, Gananoque & Rideau Lakes, Westport, Leeds & the Thousand Islands
  Program Administrator Dana Betournay: danab@keys.ca or call 613-546-5559, ext. 218
• CSE Consulting: South & North Grenville
  Program Facilitator Rod Palmer (South Grenville)
  rod@cseconsulting.com or call 613-213-2898
  Tracy McDonald (North Grenville)
  tracy@cseconsulting.com or call 613-498-4410.

Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy (CLOSED for 2024)

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.

The annual Call for Applications for 2024 the Canada Summer Jobs Program closed on January 10, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time).

The program typically accepts applications in November. 

For more information on the program click here.

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.

Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative

The purpose of the Initiative is to provide cost-share support to Dairy Processors for equipment upgrades that create or increase processing efficiencies and/or improve food safety. 

A Recipient is eligible to be approved for 50% of Eligible Costs up to a maximum of $200,000 in funding under the Initiative.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EST November 30, 2025, or until funding runs out — whichever comes first.

For more information, 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. 

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

FedDev Ontario Regional Program Funding

FedDev Ontario is excited to launch the spring intake of applications under our regional program streams. Businesses and organizations in the region can now apply until June 24, 2024. Please visit the For businesses and For organizations that help businesses grow web pages for more information.

There are two simplified ways to apply:

1.Funding for incorporated businesses – No-interest, repayable contributions from $125,000 up to $10 million for companies to grow, innovate and diversify.

2.Funding for organizations that help businesses grow (not-for-profit)– Non-repayable contributions from $125,000 up to $10 million for organizations to grow regional ecosystems, transform local economies, and foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Spring 2024 intake priorities are:

• Clean economic growth
• Innovation-led growth companies
• Technology - high-potential firms in cutting-edge sectors
• Industrial transition - expansion in traditional sectors, develop new sectors
• Zero-emission vehicles (new)
• Housing manufacturing innovation (new)
• Inclusive growth for underrepresented groups and across urban centres and small and rural communities alike.

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.

Futurpreneur Canada

• Financing and mentoring to aspiring business owners aged 18-39 to launch successful businesses across Canada.
• Up to $60,000 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.

Grow Ontario Market Initiative 

This Initiative will support Primary Producers, Processors and Industry Organizations to grow their business through marketing analysis and planning, new product development and marketing activities to find, develop and capture new or expand domestic or export market opportunities.

Eligible activities will include:

• analysis and planning for new export and domestic market opportunities
• implementation of new export and domestic marketing activities
• development of new products that meet market opportunities 

Under the Grow Ontario Market Initiative applicants can receive up to 50 per cent cost share for eligible costs, to a maximum of $60,000 for producers and processors, and up to $125,000 for industry organizations. 

Learn how to apply for funding to grow your agri-food business through marketing analysis and planning, new product development and marketing activities at this link Grow Ontario Market Initiative Guidelines | ontario.ca

Honey Bee Health Initiative

This program was launched to help support beekeepers in maintaining healthy honey bee colonies as well as grow their number of colonies to increase the sustainability of the beekeeping industry in Ontario.

The program provides up to 50% cost-share funding up to a maximum of $25,000 per registered commercial beekeeper and $4,500 per registered hobbyist beekeeper.

For more information visit the program website. 

Intake reopens: June 3, 2024, 9 am ET
Intake will close when the available funding is fully allocated.

RTO9 Tourism Partnership Program

RTO 9’s Partnership Fund initiative is available to tourism businesses and is designed to introduce new tourism products and build on existing tourism products that enhance the region’s diversity of tourism attractions. 

There are 3 categories to apply under:

1. New Events
2. Development of Indigenous Tourism Product
3. Signage

Applications are accepted starting July 5th, 2024. For more information, visit the RTO9 Website, or reach out to Meg Dabros at mdabros@region9tourism.ca. 

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.

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.

Wage Incentive and Training Subsidies for
Trucking and Logistics Businesses

Trucking HR Canada's Career Expressway Program offers three support streams for employers looking to hire and train people into the trucking and logistics sector:

• Up to $7,000 for eligible student hires in any department of the business
• Up to $10,000 towards AZ License tuition, and an additional $10,000 in the form of a 75% wage reimbursement once a driver starts working
• Up to $10,000 towards in-demand non-driver roles, in the form of a 75% wage reimbursement.

The program is open to all Canadian trucking and logistics employers who are looking to hire for driving and non-driving positions. Qualified candidates must be either a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or Granted Refugee Status.

For more information visit the Trucking HR Canada's website or email  info@truckinghr.com

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 

Rural Economic Development Program (CLOSED)

Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides cost-share funding to support activities that create strong rural communities in Ontario, and opens doors to rural economic development through:

• funding assistance to address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges, better position rural communities to attract or retain investment, and enhance economic growth
• funding to build community capacity and support for economic development in Ontario’s rural communities
• investments in rural communities to help diversify and grow local economies – making economic growth more inclusive so rural Ontario continues to share in the province’s economic prosperity

To be eligible to apply to the RED program, you must be:

• a municipality
• a not-for-profit entity
• an Ontario Indigenous community or organization
• a Local Services Board

For more information visit the program website.