Automotive & Vehicle Services
Auto shops can find funding for shop equipment, the storefront, energy costs and staff training. Government-backed loans may pay for lifts, tools and other equipment. Many cities offer storefront grants for signage, exterior lighting and facade work. Energy rebates in some provinces may help pay for efficient lighting and HVAC. Training grants may help with the cost of training staff. We check which programs are open, explain the rules and deadlines, and send deadline alerts. You apply on the official program site.
Common costs
Costs funding can help with
Shop equipment costs
Lifts, diagnostic tools and other equipment are large costs. Loans under the Canada Small Business Financing Program and the BDC Equipment Purchase Loan may pay for new or used equipment. These are loans, so you pay them back.
A storefront that needs work
Faded signage, old doors and dark lighting cost money to fix. Many cities run storefront grants that may pay part of the cost of signage, exterior lighting, doors and windows.
Energy bills for large bays
Large bays need a lot of light and heat. In some provinces, energy rebates may pay part of the cost of efficient lighting and HVAC.
Training and hiring staff
New technicians need training, and courses cost money. Training grants such as the Ontario Job Grant may pay part of the cost. Apprenticeship programs may apply when you hire an apprentice in a designated trade.
Funding paths
Where to start, in order
- 01
Buy shop equipment
Help for shop equipment usually comes as a loan. The BDC Equipment Purchase Loan may finance up to 125% of the price of new or used equipment. Compare the loan terms before you apply.
- 02
Fix up the storefront
City storefront and facade grants may pay part of the cost of signage, exterior lighting, doors and windows. Each city sets its own amounts, areas and intake dates.
- 03
Cut energy costs
Provincial and utility energy rebates may help pay for efficient lighting and HVAC. In Ontario, the Save on Energy Retrofit Program may cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.
- 04
Train and hire staff
Training grants may pay part of the cost of courses for your staff. Apprenticeship grants and tax credits may apply when you hire and train an apprentice.
Funding categories
Programs that may relate
Equipment loans, energy rebates and training programs may apply to automotive businesses, and many cities run storefront or signage grants that shops can use. Each has its own rules and intake timing, and the program decides who is approved. We link every program to its official source, where you apply.
We track 119 programs across Canada that may fit an auto shop. Here are examples from different provinces. You can also check your funding fit to see the ones your province offers.
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
Up to $45,000
Corporations can claim a 10% refundable corporate income tax credit on eligible commercial or industrial building expenditures in designated Ontario…
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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 improvements like lighting,…
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Student Work Placement Program
Up to $5,000
A federal wage subsidy for employers who hire post-secondary students through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).
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Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED): Entrepreneur Support
Up to $25,000
This territorial program helps NWT entrepreneurs fund start-ups, expansion, and market development.
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takeCHARGE Business Efficiency Program
Up to $100,000
TakeCHARGE helps commercial businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador reduce energy consumption through tailored efficiency projects.
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Business energy rebates
Efficiency Nova Scotia offers small businesses rebates on energy-efficient improvements. You can also pay for eligible improvements interest-free…
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New auto shop funding, straight to your inbox
Programs for businesses like yours open and close all year. One short email when something worth your time changes, and nothing else.
Funding by need
Funding for what auto shops need
Funding for Storefronts and Facades
Grants and loans that may help pay for storefront and facade work.
Funding for Storefront Signage
Grants and loans that may help pay for new storefront signage.
Funding for Energy Efficiency
Grants and loans may help pay for lighting, HVAC and refrigeration improvements.
Funding for Training
Grants to help you train staff and adopt new digital tools.
Where you are
Funding and grants in your province
Frequently asked questions
Is there funding for auto shop equipment or signage?
For equipment, help usually comes as a loan, not a grant. The Canada Small Business Financing Program and the BDC Equipment Purchase Loan may pay for new or used equipment. For signage, many cities run storefront grants that shops can use. Programs change and budgets run out, so we check what is open now and link you to the official source, where you apply.
Can an auto shop get an energy rebate?
Possibly. Energy rebates from provinces and utilities may pay part of the cost of efficient lighting and HVAC in a commercial building. In Ontario, the Save on Energy Retrofit Program may cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. Some rebates need approval before you buy, so read the rules first.