What grants and funding can a small business in Ontario get?
Updated August 2026 · 83 programs verified
83 verified funding programs are open to Ontario small businesses right now: 45 grants and rebates, 35 loans and financing programs, and 3 other supports. They range from Canada-wide federal programs to Ontario-specific ones, including grants from individual cities. Every record shows what it's worth, who qualifies, the official source, and the date we last checked it. Verified as recently as yesterday.
- 83
- open right now
- 13
- Canada-wide
- 16
- Ontario-wide
- 35
- city & municipal
- 19
- for specific owner groups
At a glance
The biggest verified caps in Ontario
The largest verified caps first. Every figure comes from the program's own record; the program page has the full rules and the official source.
| Program | Up to | Type | Where | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INVEST North Program — Investment — Locate Stream | $5,000,000 | Grant | Northern Ontario | No fixed date |
| Canada Small Business Financing Program | $1,150,000 | Loan | Canada-wide | No fixed date |
| Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream | $500,000 | Loan | Northern Ontario | No fixed date |
| INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream | $400,000 | Grant + loan | Northern Ontario | No fixed date |
| Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) | $50,000 | Grant | Province-wide | No fixed date |
| London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant | $50,000 | Grant | London | No fixed date |
| Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit | $45,000 | Tax credit | Province-wide | December 31, 2026 |
| Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan | $15,000 | Grant | Province-wide | No fixed date |
"No fixed date" means the record shows no stated intake deadline — programs can still pause when budgets run out, so the verified date on each record matters.
How the math works
Take Technology Demonstration Program (TDP): it covers 50% of eligible costs up to $50,000. On a $120,000 project, 50% would be $60,000 — but the cap kicks in, so the most you could get back is $50,000. Every program on this page works this way: a percentage, a cap, and rules on what counts. Approval always rests with the program.
Ontario-wide
Ontario-wide and regional programs
Some serve one region or sector; each card says who it's for.
Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario – Productivity Improvements
Up to 33% of costs
This Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario program helps established manufacturers in Northern Ontario invest in productivity.
Checked yesterday
Access to Capital
From $150,000
Access to Capital provides substantial, repayable funding through Community Futures Ontario.
Checked yesterday
Starter Company Plus
Up to $5,000
Starter Company Plus pairs a grant of up to $5,000 with hands-on training and one-on-one guidance from your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Checked yesterday
Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream
Up to $500,000
The Business Scale-up and Productivity Stream helps established Northern Ontario businesses modernize and expand.
Checked yesterday
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
Up to $45,000
Boost your bottom line by claiming a 10% refundable corporate income tax credit on eligible commercial or industrial building expenditures in…
Checked yesterday
INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream
Up to $500,000
This matching grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation helps you cover technical labour, prototyping, and testing for new products…
Checked yesterday
INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream
Up to $200,000
INVEST North helps you build your new Northern Ontario business by reimbursing half of your eligible project costs.
Checked yesterday
INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream
Up to $400,000
This competitive program supports product-based and B2B businesses in Northern Ontario with a 20% cost-share contribution and an optional 30% term…
Checked yesterday
INVEST North Program — Investment — Locate Stream
Up to $5,000,000
INVEST North helps non-retail businesses bring new economic value to Northern Ontario by funding major capital projects.
Checked yesterday
Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program
Up to $10,000
Accelerate your growth with a matching grant that covers 50% of eligible costs for innovative products or services.
Checked yesterday
Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan
Up to $15,000
Ontario B2B product companies can get 50% back, up to $15,000, on a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan built with an approved consultant: an…
Checked yesterday
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario
Up to 50% of costs
This Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario program helps for-profit and not-for-profit organizations build or adopt AI.
Checked yesterday
Retrofit Program
Up to 50% of costs
The Retrofit Program helps Ontario businesses lower operating costs by covering up to 50% of eligible energy-efficiency upgrades like lighting, HVAC,…
Checked yesterday
REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity
Up to $500,000
Accelerate your growth by adopting new technology or expanding capacity with FedNor's REGI program.
Checked yesterday
Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)
Up to $5,000
Ontario shops can get 50% back, up to $5,000, on modern store technology: POS systems, inventory tracking, self-checkout kiosks, CRM and more.
Checked yesterday
Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
Up to $50,000
Finished your DMAP? This Ontario program reimburses 50% of implementing it, up to $50,000: the platforms, software, integration work and one-time…
Checked yesterday
Canada-wide
Federal programs Ontario businesses can use
Community Futures Network of Canada
Tap into a network of 267 non-profit offices across Canada that provide small business loans, training, and local support to help rural and remote…
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Certified Green Building Loan
Up to 100% of costs
Secure the capital you need to buy, build, or renovate a property with the goal of earning top-tier environmental certifications like LEED or Zero…
Checked yesterday
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Up to $1,150,000
This program makes it easier to get a business loan by having the government share the lending risk with your bank or credit union.
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Small Business Loan
Up to $350,000
Access flexible online financing from Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use these funds to scale operations, hire staff, or upgrade equipment…
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Commercial Real Estate Loan
This BDC commercial real estate loan helps established Canadian businesses acquire, expand, or renovate their premises.
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Start-up
Up to $150,000
BDC Start-up Financing provides the capital you need to turn your business plan into reality.
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Working Capital Term Loan
Secure the cash you need for inventory, hiring, or daily operations without draining your current funds.
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Equipment Purchase Loan
Up to 125% of costs
Secure the machinery, vehicles, or tech you need to scale operations. BDC offers flexible loan terms including interest-only periods and long…
Checked yesterday
Technology Equipment Loan (BDC)
Secure the capital you need for digital infrastructure, IT equipment, and cybersecurity upgrades.
Checked yesterday
Rise — Small Business Lending
$500–$10,000
Rise offers flexible micro-loans to help you build your business when traditional financing is out of reach.
Checked yesterday
Food and Beverage Industry Financing (FCC)
Access tailored financing from Farm Credit Canada to build, expand, or equip your food and beverage operation anywhere in Canada.
Checked yesterday
Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund
This funding stream under the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund helps Northern agriculture and food businesses build a strong territorial…
Checked yesterday
Futurpreneur Canada Side Hustle
Up to $25,000
Launch or scale your side business while keeping your day job. You get access to capital, expert mentoring, and planning tools to build your venture…
Checked yesterday
City & municipal
City programs in Ontario
Address-specific: designated areas and local rules decide, and many require approval before you spend.
Ottawa Centretown Heritage Facade Improvement Program
Up to $75,000
Bring new life to your designated heritage building on Bank Street or in Somerset Village. This program helps cover the costs of facade upgrades,…
Checked yesterday
Hamilton Commercial District Revitalization Grant (CDRG)
Up to $10,000
Hamilton helps you upgrade your exterior with a 50% match for facade, signage, awnings, and lighting.
Checked yesterday
London Facade Improvement Loan
Up to $50,000
This interest-free City of London loan helps you modernize your exterior by covering half the cost of facade, signage, and window upgrades.
Checked yesterday
London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant
Up to $50,000
Transform an empty London storefront into a thriving business with up to $50,000 in support.
Checked yesterday
London Upgrade to Building Code Loan
Up to $200,000
Bring your commercial interior up to code with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or fire protection upgrades.
Checked yesterday
Windsor Downtown Facade Improvement Program
Up to $20,000
This City of Windsor program helps you modernize your downtown exterior by reimbursing half the cost of approved facade and signage improvements, up…
Checked yesterday
Windsor Retail Reinvestment Grant
Up to $15,000
Refresh your downtown retail space with City of Windsor support that matches 50% of your interior renovation costs, up to $15,000, helping you…
Checked yesterday
Windsor Main Streets Facade Improvement Program
Up to $30,000
The City of Windsor matches 50% of your exterior improvement costs, helping you modernize your storefront on traditional Main Streets outside…
Checked yesterday
Kitchener Facade Grant Program
Up to $10,000
The City of Kitchener covers up to half the cost of exterior improvements, helping you modernize your shop front with rolling applications for…
Checked yesterday
Brampton Facade Improvement Program
Up to $20,000
Make your business stand out with a modern, inviting exterior. This program helps cover half the cost of facade and signage improvements, giving you…
Checked yesterday
Greater Sudbury Facade Improvement Program
Up to $20,000
This program helps you modernize your main street-facing facade and signage, covering half the cost up to $20,000.
Checked yesterday
Thunder Bay Commercial Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $10,000
Refresh your business presence with city support for exterior improvements like signs, awnings, and lighting.
Checked yesterday
St. Catharines Facade Improvement Program
Up to $10,000
This cost-share program reimburses 50% of eligible facade and signage costs for commercial buildings in St.
Checked yesterday
Waterloo Commercial / Facade Improvement Grant (Uptown CIP)
Up to $10,000
Waterloo helps you upgrade your commercial space by covering 50% of eligible facade and storefront work.
Checked yesterday
Peterborough Central Area Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $15,000
Peterborough helps you modernize your building's exterior by covering half the cost of facade, signage, or awning work.
Checked yesterday
Sarnia Building Facade Improvement Grant (CIP)
Up to $10,000
Refresh your commercial property in Sarnia's Downtown or Mitton Village areas with this cost-share program.
Checked yesterday
Richmond Hill Facade, Landscaping and Signage Improvement Grant
Up to $25,000
This cost-share program helps Richmond Hill business owners and tenants modernize their exterior appeal.
Checked yesterday
Oshawa Facade & Accessibility Improvement Grant
Up to $10,000
Boost your curb appeal and accessibility in downtown Oshawa with this city grant. It reimburses half of eligible construction costs, helping you…
Checked yesterday
Brantford Downtown Facade & Safety Improvement Grant
Up to $15,000
Refresh your commercial building's exterior with Brantford's Downtown Facade & Safety Improvement Grant.
Checked yesterday
Welland Downtown & Health Wellness Cluster Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $12,500
Welland’s Downtown and Health Wellness Cluster program helps you modernize your facade and signage.
Checked yesterday
Chatham-Kent Facade Improvement Grant (CIP)
Up to 50% of costs
This Chatham-Kent grant helps you modernize your exterior by reimbursing half of your eligible facade and signage expenses.
Checked yesterday
Downtown Whitby & Brooklin CIP Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $10,000
Get matching funds to upgrade your building facade or signage in Downtown Whitby or Brooklin.
Checked yesterday
Historic Downtown Newmarket CIP — Facade Improvement & Restoration Program
Up to $15,000
Upgrade your building's exterior with matching grants and optional interest-free loans designed for heritage properties in Historic Downtown…
Checked yesterday
Aurora Promenade CIP — Facade & Signage Improvement Grant Program
Up to $15,000
Refresh your storefront with a matching grant that covers half your eligible exterior improvement costs.
Checked yesterday
Belleville Facade Improvement Program
Up to $15,000
Make your business stand out with a fresh look. This program reimburses you for half of eligible facade and signage costs, helping you attract more…
Checked yesterday
Facade and Signage Improvement Grant (Heart of the City CIP)
Up to $10,000
Refresh your downtown presence with Cornwall's Heart of the City CIP. This program helps you modernize your building exterior and signage, making…
Checked yesterday
Growth CIP Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $15,000
This North Bay grant helps you modernize your street-facing appearance while preserving heritage character.
Checked yesterday
Downtown CIP Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $15,000
The City of Timmins helps you boost curb appeal with a Facade Improvement Grant that covers up to 50% of eligible costs.
Checked yesterday
Downtown Tomorrow CIP Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $5,000
Refresh your storefront with Orillia's Downtown Tomorrow Facade Improvement Grant. The 2026 application portal is open for eligible commercial,…
Checked yesterday
Comprehensive Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $12,500
Make your business stand out with funding for facade and signage improvements in Orangeville's Central Business District.
Checked yesterday
Downtown Area Facade Improvement Program
Up to $30,000
Boost your curb appeal and draw more customers with Woodstock's Downtown Area Facade Improvement Program.
Checked yesterday
Facade and Structural Improvement Program
Up to $7,500
This Community Improvement Plan grant helps you restore street-facing exteriors and structural elements in Owen Sound's River District and Harbour…
Checked yesterday
Commercial Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $40,000
Boost your curb appeal with funding for exterior improvements and new signage. Fort Erie supports local businesses through its Community Improvement…
Checked yesterday
Commercial/Mixed Use Building Facade Improvement Grant Program
Up to $12,500
Refresh your storefront with support from the Downtown Grimsby Community Improvement Plan. This grant covers half the cost of eligible exterior…
Checked yesterday
Pembroke Facade Improvement Grant
Up to $20,000
Make your business stand out with a modern look. This program helps Pembroke business owners cover half the cost of exterior improvements, paid out…
Checked yesterday
Specific owner groups
Programs for women, Indigenous, young and newcomer founders
These 19 programs are open only to specific owner groups, like women, Indigenous, young or newcomer founders. Worth a look if that's you.
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program — Access to Capital
Up to $99,999
Secure non-repayable equity funding to start, expand, or acquire your business. This federal program supports Indigenous entrepreneurs through local…
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan
Up to $50,000
Designed for new immigrants, this BDC loan helps you build your business and establish credit in Canada, even if you lack a strong local credit…
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan
Up to $350,000
Access flexible capital for equipment, technology, or expansion with a loan tailored to diverse leaders.
Checked yesterday
BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan
Up to $350,000
Access flexible financing from Canada's federal Crown-corporation bank to help you scale operations or modernize your business.
Checked yesterday
Two Rivers General Business Loan
Up to $1,250,000
This Indigenous financing program combines loans with contributions to support your startup, expansion, or acquisition goals, tailored for…
Checked yesterday
Black Entrepreneurship Program – Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
$25,000–$250,000
This federal loan program provides essential financing to help Black entrepreneurs scale their operations, modernize their tools, and capture new…
Checked yesterday
Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Startup Program (IESP)
Up to $75,000
Secure the funding and guidance you need to turn your vision into a thriving business. This program provides up to $75,000 in financing alongside up…
Checked yesterday
Waubetek — Aboriginal Business Financing Program
Up to $99,999
Waubetek provides conditional contributions to help Indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nation communities in North-East Ontario establish, expand, or…
Checked yesterday
Young Entrepreneur Loan (Farm Credit Canada)
Up to $2,000,000
Secure the capital you need to launch or expand your agricultural or food-related venture with a flexible loan tailored for young entrepreneurs.
Checked yesterday
Waubetek — Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Micro-Loan
Up to $20,000
Waubetek provides tailored financing and mentorship for Indigenous women entrepreneurs in North-Eastern Ontario.
Checked yesterday
Women Entrepreneur Program (Farm Credit Canada)
Access lower-cost capital and valuable skill development resources designed specifically for women in agriculture, agribusiness, and food.
Checked yesterday
Waubetek — Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund
Up to $50,000
Secure the capital you need to start or expand your business through Waubetek’s dedicated loan fund.
Checked yesterday
NADF Financing Solutions
Up to $500,000
Access flexible capital through NADF’s business loans and microloans, designed specifically to help Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario…
Checked yesterday
NADF Indigenous Women in Business Program
Partner with NADF to access tailored financing and hands-on business training designed specifically for Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
Checked yesterday
Futurpreneur Canada Core Entrepreneur Startup Program for Students
Up to $75,000
Futurpreneur Canada helps young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 turn their ideas into reality with flexible financing and dedicated mentorship.
Checked yesterday
Futurpreneur Canada Core Start-Up Program
Up to $75,000
Secure startup capital and expert guidance to turn your business idea into reality. This program pairs financing with mentorship to help young…
Checked yesterday
Futurpreneur Canada Newcomer Program
Up to $25,000
Get the capital and guidance you need to start a business in Canada. This program pairs up to $25,000 in financing with dedicated mentorship,…
Checked yesterday
Waubetek — Business loans
Up to $500,000
Secure the capital you need to start, expand, or buy a business in North Eastern Ontario. Waubetek offers flexible term and bridge loans designed…
Checked yesterday
Futurpreneur Canada Black Entrepreneur Startup Program
Up to $75,000
Secure equity-free funding and expert guidance to turn your vision into a thriving business.
Checked yesterday
Decision guide
Which program should you start with?
- You want money you don't repay →
- Start with the 43 grants and rebates on this page — sorted by cap in the table above.
- You can repay and need bigger capital →
- 19 loans and financing programs serve Ontario, up to $1,150,000 on record. A loan is never dressed up as a grant here.
- Your business has a street address in a program city →
- City programs (Northern Ontario, Ottawa, Hamilton and 29 more) are address-specific — designated streets and districts decide, so check your city's record first.
- Not sure where to start →
- The free 2-minute fit check matches your business, city and project to this list and shows what may fit.
Deadlines
The application calendar
Verified intake deadlines, grouped by quarter. Deadlines move — the date on each record shows when we last checked it.
Q3 2026
- Oshawa Facade & Accessibility Improvement Grant — closes September 1, 2026
Q4 2026
- Waterloo Commercial / Facade Improvement Grant (Uptown CIP) — closes October 31, 2026
- Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit — closes December 31, 2026
- Ottawa Centretown Heritage Facade Improvement Program — closes December 31, 2026
60 open programs have no fixed deadline on record — those intakes can close whenever budgets run out.
Frequently asked questions
How many funding programs are open to Ontario small businesses right now?
83 verified programs are open as of our latest checks: 13 Canada-wide, 16 Ontario-wide, 35 city and municipal programs and 19 open only to specific owner groups. Programs open and close through the year, so every record shows the date we last verified it.
Are these grants or loans?
Both, clearly labelled. Of the 83 open programs, 45 are grants or rebates you don't repay and 35 are loans or financing you do repay. The remaining 3 are tax credits and mixed grant-and-loan programs. A loan is never dressed up as a grant. Every card says which it is.
Do city programs apply to every business in the city?
Usually not. Most municipal programs are address-specific: designated main streets, downtown districts or community-improvement areas decide who qualifies, and many require approval before you spend. Each record lists the rules we found and links the official source to confirm your address.
Who decides whether my business gets approved?
Each program's administrator, never us. BBN Labs is an independent Canadian company, not a government agency. We verify and explain the programs, and applying through the official program site is always free.
Closed right now · re-checked weekly
Programs close and reopen on their own cycles. These Ontario programs are closed at our last weekly check — each page shows what the program offered, what may replace it, and a reopen alert you can join.
Barrie Conservation of Built Heritage Grant · Cambridge Core Areas Facade Improvement Grant · Community Improvement Plan - Facade and Signage Grants · Customized Export Development & Training Program · Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program · Export Marketing Assistance Program · Facade Improvement Grant (Downtown CIP) · Heritage Conservation Loan and Grant Programs · Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund · Kingston Heritage Property Grant Program · Markham Commercial Facade Improvement Grant · Million Dollar Makeover Funding Program · Niagara Falls Downtown Commercial Building & Facade Improvement Grant · Ottawa Heritage Property Grant Program · Pickering Village CIP Facade Improvement Grant & Sign Grant · Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) · Rural Ontario Development Program · Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — Clean Tech in Agri-Food · Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — New Products · Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — Productivity Enhancement · Toronto Commercial Facade Improvement Grant · Toronto Commercial Space Renovation Grant · Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
Sources
Every record on this page links its official source. The programs above are verified with:
- 1. bdc.ca · 10 programs
- 2. futurpreneur.ca · 6 programs
- 3. fednor.canada.ca · 4 programs
- 4. waubetek.com · 4 programs
- 5. fcc-fac.ca · 3 programs
- 6. myportal.nohfc.ca · 3 programs
- 7. oc-innovation.ca · 3 programs
- 8. london.ca · 3 programs
Guides
Read before you apply
Answer-first guides for the programs on this page: what pays, what's excluded, and how to apply without losing the funding.
Guide · updated
20 Ontario Small Business Grants Open in 2026: Up to $75,000
20 Ontario small business grants open in 2026, ranked: up to $75,000 for storefronts, 50% back on retail tech, plus city-by-city programs.
Guide · updated
Retail technology grants in Ontario: up to $5,000 from OCI
Up to $5,000 for Ontario retailers adopting POS and CRM via OCI's RMPG, plus the DMAP (up to $15,000) and TDP (up to $50,000) pathway for…
Guide · updated
CDAP Replacement 2026: Digital Adoption Grants Up to $50,000
CDAP closed in 2024. What exists in 2026: BDC's LIFT financing, Ontario's TDP (50% up to $50,000) and RMPG grants, and how to avoid 'new…
Guide · updated
Small business funding checklist: approval before you start
Most business funding programs can rule work started before approval ineligible. The readiness checklist: quotes, matching funds,…
Starting a business here? See the startup funding map for every province →
Funding in other provinces & territories
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Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Final decisions are made solely by each program administrator.