Small business funding in Ontario
Ontario currently runs several programs for small businesses: the OCI retail and digital-adoption grants, Save on Energy direct-install and retrofit incentives, Enbridge equipment programs and the Ontario Job Grant. Each has its own rules. We explain the rules and deadlines, and you apply on each official program site.
Local funding options
Ontario's small-business funding currently clusters around five themes: retail and digital modernization (the OCI pathway), energy efficiency (IESO's Save on Energy programs and Enbridge's gas-side incentives), employer training (Ontario Job Grant), municipal community-improvement plans, and federal programs available to Ontario businesses.
Municipal CIPs matter too: cities and towns designate improvement areas where facade, signage and accessibility grants apply, but each municipality writes its own rules, exclusions and intake windows. Ottawa, London, Brampton and Windsor are among the cities that run facade programs (London's is an interest-free loan, not a grant), each with very different terms and intake windows.
City rules we checked
- When we last checked (September 20, 2026), the OCI Digital Competence Centre was accepting applications across its retail grant (up to $5,000), DMAP planning (up to $15,000) and TDP implementation (up to $50,000) streams, first-come while funds last. source ↗
- Save on Energy's Small Business Program currently installs up to $3,000 of lighting plus up to $2,500 of non-lighting measures at no cost for Ontario businesses with 50 or fewer employees. source ↗
- The Save on Energy Retrofit Program covers up to 50% of eligible project costs with strict pre-project approval; incentive rates change on a schedule, so re-check current rates before you commit. source ↗
Notes reflect official sources as checked on September 24, 2026; programs change, so confirm with the administrator.
Programs
Funding programs for Ontario
Every program shows its official source, what kind of help it is, and when we last checked it.
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…
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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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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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Ontario: Achievement Incentive Program
Up to $17,000
An Ontario grant for employers and group sponsors who train apprentices. The province offers up to $17,000 to eligible employers when their…
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Access to Capital
From $150,000
Access to Capital provides repayable financing through Community Futures Ontario. It helps small businesses and social enterprises that need money to…
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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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Funding by need
What funding can pay for in Ontario
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 Retail POS
Grants and loans that may help pay for point-of-sale systems and other store technology.
Funding for Restaurants
Open funding programs that restaurants may be able to use.
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ontario program should my business look at first?
It depends on what you're improving: storefront retailers adopting technology often start with the OCI retail grant; energy-heavy operations with Save on Energy; teams upskilling with the Ontario Job Grant; storefront facades with their municipal CIP. The Funding Fit Check walks through it in a few minutes and shows what may apply. Administrators make the final call.
Also see: all verified funding in Ontario, the full funding list and our guides.