WEsearch: Funding and Services for Businesses
WEsearch simplifies the task of researching programs and services so employers and entrepreneurs can focus on what matters most – growing their business. This user-friendly and free-to-use tool provides streamlined access to the information and support necessary for businesses to thrive, all in one centralized platform.
The Funding and Financial Support section of the website features a diverse range of financial programs designed to support both new and established businesses. It emphasizes opportunities for marginalized communities and outlines various funding options available. This section is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by providing essential resources to help them secure funding, accelerate growth, and drive meaningful change within their communities.
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, OCE supports early-stage companies raising pre-seed and seed investments (with total round sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million). Market Readiness is a competitive co-investment fund. With more than 300 companies considered for funding each year, OCE completes 30-40 investments annually.
Eligibility Requirements:
- One or two team members from the business’s leadership team must be available to participate in the program
- The applicant must be an early-stage business or a Small to Medium Enterprise (1-499 employees), headquartered in Southern Ontario (regions outlined in Appendix A)
- The business must be incorporated (either in Ontario or federally)
- The business owner/founder must be working in the business full-time.
- The business must have a scalable product or service
- At least one team member must be available to participate in an online program with the University of Guelph during the project timeframe
Enrollment Period:
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) by FedDev Ontario supports Francophone communities in Southern Ontario by funding projects focused on economic diversification, business growth, and innovation. It provides non-repayable contributions to bilingual non-profits, helping them strengthen services, adopt new technologies, and expand into new markets.
Business Development Grant program provides financial incentive to stimulate new investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying Windsor’s economy. The program will also apply to projects that demonstrate a major investment resulting in a significant positive impact on the local economy and workforce.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Projects must create at least 50 new jobs within the manufacturing sector
- Alternatively, they must generate more than 20 new jobs in other targeted sectors
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream offers financial support to advanced manufacturing companies, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises in Ontario. It provides investments in capital equipment, technology adoption, and skills development. Available support includes funding and complementary services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have at least three years of operations or financial statements
- Must employ at least 10 people
- Must commit to creating at least five new jobs or upskilling current jobs
- Must invest at least $500,000 in the project
- Must be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in Ontario
Enrollment Period:
Visit the website for updated enrollment period dates.
Business Retention and Expansion Grant Program provides incentive to encourage existing businesses to make new capital investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying the local economy. The program will also apply to projects that demonstrate a significant investment resulting in the retention and/or expansion of high value industries and jobs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must create or retain at least 50 jobs within the manufacturing sector
- Alternatively, must create more than 20 jobs or retain a minimum of 35 jobs in other targeted sectors
The program provides financial incentives to encourage new investments in small businesses within targeted sectors, aiming to expand and diversify the local economy.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Businesses in the manufacturing sector must have fewer than 50 employees, while those in other targeted sectors must have fewer than 20 employees
- The investment must result in at least a $25,000 increase in assessed property value
The program provides financial incentives to encourage investment in targeted economic sectors to expand and diversify the local economy. It aims to attract new businesses to the city and support the growth of existing ones through development, redevelopment, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse of buildings and properties within the Community Improvement Project Area.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Projects must comply with all City by-laws and policies, including zoning and building regulations
- The subject property must not have any property tax arrears
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides financial support and services to businesses, municipalities, and non-profits to promote economic growth. It helps organizations enhance productivity, invest in innovation, expand markets, and create sustainable jobs. Eligible projects must be distinct from regular operations and aim to generate regional economic impact. The fund offers both funding support and complementary services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Businesses must have at least three years of operations and financial statements
- Must employ at least 10 people (or 5 if located in rural Ontario)
- Must commit to creating at least 5 new jobs or increasing the workforce by 30% if they have fewer than 15 employees
- Must invest at least $500,000 in the project (or $200,000 for rural Ontario)
- Must be located in or plan to locate in a community within southwestern Ontario
Enrollment Period:
The application submission period runs from November 5, 2024, to January 28, 2025, with the deadline on January 28, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the results by April 24, 2025.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program supports SMEs in Ontario’s advanced manufacturing industry through grants and loans. It focuses on companies investing in capital equipment, adopting new technologies, and developing employee skills to enhance business growth and competitiveness.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must operate in an advanced manufacturing sector such as aerospace, automotive, chemical, ICT, steel, or life sciences
- Must have at least three years of financial statements
- Must employ 10 or more employees
- Must commit to creating or upskilling at least five jobs
- Must invest a minimum of $500,000 in the project
- Must be located or planning to locate in a community within Ontario
Individuals with an idea to start a new business, purchase an existing one, or grow their current business may be eligible for the Starter Company PLUS program. This program offers a grant of up to $5,000, along with access to training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and one-on-one consulting support through the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
- Must not be full-time students or planning to return to school full-time
- Must reside in Ontario
- Must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Must be willing to operate the business full-time
- Must be starting a new business or operating one less than five years old
- Must demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash or in-kind assets
- The business must not be in the research and development stage
- Funds cannot be used to refinance existing debt
The Summer Company program helps students start a summer business and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience. Offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario, the program provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible students.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a sole proprietorship or a corporation where the applicant is the majority shareholder
- Must be an independent business venture
- Must be a new business, not previously registered or operated on an ongoing basis
- Must operate at arm’s length from family business ventures
- Must operate in Ontario
- Must operate full-time, as defined in the business plan
- Must comply with government rules and regulations for operating a business
Enrollment Period:
Application intake is currently closed and will open again in January 2025
Businesses can scale without giving up ownership. Their loans are tailored to meet specific needs and cash flow, providing the flexibility to achieve goals. Experts across Canada focus on potential rather than banking ratios and tangible assets, regardless of the stage of growth.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time generating revenue: 24 months or more
- Profitability: Currently generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
Young businesses need the right financing and the right partners to succeed. Experts provide advice to guide entrepreneurs as they take their businesses to the next level, along with access to funding of up to $250,000 to support their growth.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time in business: 12 months or more
- Profitability: Generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
Businesses can secure up to $100,000 to power their next project. Whether it’s for buying equipment, paying suppliers, or launching marketing campaigns, a small business loan can help entrepreneurs overcome challenges, meet their next milestones, or simply run a better business.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time generating revenue: 24 months or more
- Profitability: Generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
Whether a business is planning to renovate its offices or invest in a new warehouse, the commercial real estate loan adapts to specific needs. It offers great flexibility with an amortization period of up to 25 years and a variety of options that match repayments to the business’s reality.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time generating revenue: 24 months or more
- Profitability: Generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time generating revenue: 24 months or more
- Profitability: Generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time generating revenue: 24 months or more
- Profitability: Generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time generating revenue: 24 months or more
- Profitability: Generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
BDC’s Accelerator Loan Guarantee assists Canadian financial institutions in offering loans to entrepreneurs aiming to expand their businesses and enhance their cash flow. This initiative seeks to support the growth objectives of businesses while fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Time in operation: 12 months or more
- Profitability: Revenues of less than $10 million
- Loan amount: Between $25,000 and $500,000 for working capital needs
Whether a business is buying a company, making a merger, or purchasing a competitor, they don’t have to do it alone. The organization partners with them to help find a loan that is manageable for their cash flow and provides the flexibility to take their business to the next level.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
- Profitability: Currently generating revenue
- Credit history: Good track record
Funding for businesses in Southern Ontario outlines available support through no-interest, repayable contributions from $125,000 to $10 million. The initiative focuses on projects that foster innovation, enhance productivity, and scale operations for market expansion.
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) promotes Canadian innovation through transformative projects across various sectors. It provides funding for two types of projects: Business Innovation and Growth, supporting individual companies, and Collaborations and Networks, fostering partnerships among SMEs, large corporations, research institutes, post-secondary institutions, and not-for-profits.
The Core Startup Program offers loan financing, up to two years of mentorship, and access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 39 years old at the time of application
- Must demonstrate experience working in their industry and related to their business idea
- Cannot be an agent or contractor working for an already-existing business
Visit the Website to Learn More!
The Rise Small Business Lending Program offers access to low-interest business loans to help entrepreneurs launch or grow their small businesses, along with mentorship and networking opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be motivated entrepreneurs.
- They should self-identify as individuals who have experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges.
- They must be unable to secure traditional bank financing for their business.
- Applicants cannot be in active bankruptcy, behind on child support payments, or delinquent on government taxes.
- They must reside in Canada and be either Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Seed-stage companies represent the foundation on which innovation is built. With a $50 million Fund, the organization seeks to invest at the grassroots level to ensure the sustainability of the VC ecosystem in every Canadian region, particularly focusing on underserved markets. By working closely with incubators, accelerators, angels, and other venture capital investors and partners across the country, they plan to lead the majority of their investments in the nation’s most promising seed-stage start-ups.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Enterprise SaaS companies developing products that reduce costs and increase revenue in the following areas:
- Finance and operations
- Sales and marketing
- Human resources management
- Technology and risk management
BDC believes that investing in companies whose mission is to solve the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges will bring meaningful change and help build more resilient economies. With a $150 million Fund, BDC seeks to invest in early-stage businesses developing technologies that contribute to a net-zero economy and align with four United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Companies with capital-light business models
- Businesses that are commercially driven and economically durable
- Innovative technologies with universal applicability
- Seed stage to Series A/B investments in highly scalable Canadian companies
- Companies with a compelling sustainability narrative that will enable them to attract capital and talent and become global leaders
BDC’s $400 million fund invests in Canadian climate technology firms that demonstrate high potential to grow into global champions and deliver significant domestic and global greenhouse gas reductions. The team works in close partnership with their portfolio companies, providing advice and connections to government funding programs and private investors. BDC has the financial capacity to follow on in a meaningful way as these companies commercialize and scale.
Eligibility Requirements:
- BDC invests in firms developing technology that materially mitigates GHG emissions across several themes, including but not limited to:
- Electrification and mobility
- Built environment
- Carbon capture, utilization, conversion, and sequestration
- Low-carbon fuels and energy
- Farms, forests, and food
BDC invests in women-led technology companies to accelerate their growth and transform today’s markets. Their platform is reimagining entrepreneurship in Canada by seeking to partner with visionary, disruptive women entrepreneurs for the long term, while growing their businesses in greater numbers than ever before.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Seed and Series A/B women-led Canadian technology companies seeking equity investments
- Businesses with strong growth and scalable market potential
- Businesses across a wide range of sectors
The Thrive Lab program by BDC is focused on supporting women-led technology companies. It aims to accelerate the growth of these businesses by providing them with equity investments, resources, and mentorship. The program seeks to empower visionary women entrepreneurs, helping them scale their companies and transform markets. Through this initiative, BDC aims to address the funding gap for women entrepreneurs and foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Focus on woman-led, impact-driven companies providing solutions to pressing social issues
- Initial emphasis on businesses at their earliest stage of development
- Companies aim to achieve objectives while generating a financial return
- Targets companies actively raising capital
- Companies vetted and nominated by a BDC-approved co-investment partner or funded through an investment contest
As a fund investor and Canada’s most active limited partner, BDC supports fund managers who invest in technology-focused Canadian companies. Their goal is to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem for long-term growth and impact. They support emerging and established fund managers, specifically for funds with a dedicated Canadian strategy and presence, while developing at-scale venture and growth capital franchises.
Eligibility Requirements:
- BDC’s portfolio is for fund managers who:
- Invest in technology clusters that reflect Canada’s core competitive strengths
- Target underserved but high-potential areas of the innovation economy
- Strive to contribute to a diverse and inclusive venture and growth capital asset class in Canada
Eligibility Requirements:
- BDC looks for companies that leverage innovative technologies and business models in areas including:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications for eCommerce, AgTech, EdTech, and HealthTech
- Blockchain technology for Fintech, Cybersecurity, and Insurtech
- Internet of Things (IoT), mobility, and Industry 4.0
The Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) is an early-stage co-investment fund supporting companies in the life sciences and healthcare technology sectors focused on human health. It addresses the challenges entrepreneurs face in advancing capital-intensive innovations from concept to commercialization. LSIF, managed by OCI, co-invests alongside angel investors and others to reduce risks, helping startups become investor- and market-ready while attracting follow-on investments. The program aims to foster growth and innovation in areas such as cancer treatment, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a registered for-profit incorporated business
- Must be located in southern Ontario
- Must have been formed on or after January 1, 2020
- Should have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6-9 (from prototype to early commercialization)
Enrollment Period:
The application period is now open. Applications may be submitted at any time, and by no later than 11:59 PM EST March 31, 2025.
Canadian International Angel Investors (CIAI) supports early-stage technology companies relocating to Canada by providing financing, management expertise, and networking opportunities. They assist key team members with immigration as part of the business establishment process. CIAI partners with the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures in Canada through strategic investments and mentorship.
The Golden Triangle Angel Network (GTAN) is one of Canada’s leading angel investor groups, supporting early-stage technology startups primarily within the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor and across Canada. GTAN facilitates investments through monthly meetings, accelerates funding rounds, and focuses on diversity in its portfolio. With over $100 million invested in more than 200 companies, it aims to foster innovation and business growth in the region.
York Angel Investors focuses on six key industries: Agri-tech, Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Med-Tech, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and SaaS. Their mission is to deliver strong financial returns while providing hands-on mentorship to help entrepreneurs through early growth stages. With a track record of successful exits, York Angels offers more than just funding—providing guidance and partnerships to foster innovative business success.
Businesses can access capital without diluting ownership. They may be looking to raise working capital for growth initiatives but have insufficient tangible assets to secure conventional financing and do not want to dilute their ownership. The Growth & Transition Capital experts can provide a choice of customized growth financing solutions to ensure the success of their projects.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Operate as established or high-growth firms
- Have a strong management team
- Demonstrate quality financial reporting
Eligibility Requirements:
- Stable and growing commercial revenues
- Ownership or licensing of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, proprietary software, data, or copyrights
- A clear plan for global expansion and ambition
The Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) offers eligible production companies a tax credit of 16% on qualified Canadian labour costs for accredited productions. Co-administered by the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office and the Canada Revenue Agency, the PSTC aims to position Canada as a top location for film and video production, boost industry growth, and attract investments.
The Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC) encourages Ontario businesses to offer hands-on learning opportunities to post-secondary students through co-op work placements. Businesses can receive a 25-30% refundable tax credit on the wages paid to students enrolled in co-op programs, with a maximum credit of $3,000 per work placement. This initiative aims to foster experiential learning and strengthen the connection between businesses and educational institutions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- All corporations or unincorporated businesses with permanent establishments in Ontario, subject to Ontario corporate income tax or Ontario personal income tax
- Partnership members (excluding limited partners) may share the credit for each qualifying work placement
- If a student completes consecutive placements across associated corporations, the corporations will be considered one employer for the credit. One corporation must be designated to claim the work placements
Qualifying corporations can claim a non-refundable tax credit on eligible scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) expenditures in Ontario to reduce corporate income tax payable. For taxation years starting after May 31, 2016, the tax credit rate is 3.5%. The rate is prorated for taxation years straddling June 1, 2016, and for years ending before June 1, 2016, the rate is 4.5%.
Eligibility Requirements:
The Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC) is a refundable tax credit for qualifying corporations. It covers a portion of eligible Ontario labor, marketing, and distribution expenses related to the creation of interactive digital media products. This program encourages the development of innovative digital content within Ontario.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Canadian corporation (Canadian or foreign-owned)
- Must develop an eligible digital media product at a permanent establishment in Ontario
- Must file an Ontario tax return
Eligible corporations can claim a 20% refundable tax credit for scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) expenditures conducted under contract with eligible research institutes in Ontario. Small businesses can also claim this tax credit alongside the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit for qualified expenditures.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must carry on business through a permanent establishment in Ontario
- Must not be exempt from corporate income tax
- Must enter into an eligible contract with a research institute
- Must not be connected to the eligible research institute
Visit the Website to Learn More!
The Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) is an 8% refundable tax credit designed to support small and medium-sized companies conducting scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) in Ontario. This program aims to encourage innovation by reducing the financial burden associated with research activities, promoting growth and competitiveness within the province.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a permanent establishment in Ontario
- Must conduct scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) activities within Ontario
- Must qualify for the federal investment tax credit under section 127 of the Income Tax Act (Canada)
- Must not be exempt from paying corporate income tax
- Must submit a scientific research and experimental development claim using federal form T661 for the relevant tax year
Eligible corporations in Ontario can claim a 20% refundable tax credit for expenditures on scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) performed under contract with eligible research institutes. Small businesses can apply for both this tax credit and the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit on qualifying expenses. The program caps qualified expenditures at $20 million annually, with a maximum tax credit of $4 million per year. This initiative encourages innovation by supporting research partnerships with institutes across the province.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must carry on business during the tax year through a permanent establishment in Ontario
- Must not be exempt from corporation income tax
- Must have entered into an eligible contract with an eligible research institute
- Must not be connected to the eligible research institute
The Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP) is designed to support young Black entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Recognizing that starting a business can come with its challenges, the program aims to provide the necessary resources and guidance to help these entrepreneurs thrive.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must self-identify as Black
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18-39
- Must be looking to launch a business or have been operating a business for less than two years
- The business must be majority Black-owned
The IESP is designed and operated by an Indigenous team that understands the barriers to success faced by young and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. IESP provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, supported by a team with lived experience, offering access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must self-identify as Indigenous
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18-39
- You are looking to launch a business or have been operating your business for less than two years
The inclusive entrepreneurship loan offers up to $350,000 to businesses that are at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs. It features affordable financing, with no application or annual fees, and provides the option to postpone principal payments for up to 24 months.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Location: Based in Canada
Profitability: Revenue of less than $3 million
Ownership: At least 51% owned and led by individuals from an underserved community
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens or legal entities owned and controlled by Canadian citizens
- Sole proprietorships
- For-profit small businesses incorporated in Canada
- For-profit co-operatives under co-operative Acts
- Social enterprises generating revenue while meeting profitability criteria
The Accelerated Youth Small Business Program provides an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to build the skills necessary for success in a flexible format that accommodates busy schedules.
Designed to be completed in as little as two weeks, the accelerated YSBP combines live, twice-weekly virtual workshops with access to a self-paced online learning tool. Participants will still benefit from one-on-one training, group mentorship sessions, the chance to develop and pitch their business plans, and a $500 start-up grant upon program completion. They will also be invited to join a robust virtual alumni community, allowing them to continue connecting and collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have a practical idea to start or grow a for-profit small business (any size, including full-time or part-time/seasonal opportunities) and be looking to launch within the next 6 months
- Commit to attending all course sessions and submitting all assignments
- Self-identify as having experienced mental health or addictions challenges
- Be over the age of 16
- Have access to a computer (smartphones and tablets are not recommended) and reliable internet to attend classes and complete coursework
The APMA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Fund aims to create a talent pipeline for historically excluded groups, including youth, women, newcomers, and racialized communities. To date, it has facilitated 1,300 new hires. The program provides up to $6,900 per participant to support wage subsidies, mental health resources, mentorship, upskilling, and training for Ontario’s automotive industry. Participants receive 3-month placements, gaining hands-on experience and career development opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employers must operate in Ontario’s automotive sector, and community partners must also have operations in Ontario
- Employers are required to offer at least a 3-month placement
- Employers and/or community partners must ensure participants receive experiential learning opportunities, complete skills training, gain employment through placement, and enhance their employability skills
Enrollment Period:
The DEI Fund runs from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, and is currently accepting applications from employers, community partners, and participants.
The Growth and Expansion Opportunities provides resources to help businesses grow, scale, and enter new markets. Through expansion, expert advisory services, energy-saving initiatives, and international outreach, these opportunities are designed to support sustainable and long-term business development.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be headquartered in Windsor-Essex or Chatham-Kent
- Have a product in the market or a new one ready to launch
- Ensure that products or services are tech or innovation-centered
- Have staff working on the project full-time
- One member of the leadership team must participate in the program and attend all mandatory meetings
Enrollment Period:
The EnterpRISEing You program is a self-directed, free, 15-module course designed for youth aged 16 to 29 who are interested in launching or growing a small business. It offers a valuable opportunity to learn essential business and financial skills while helping participants develop the confidence needed to run a successful business.
The Peer Supported Startup Program emphasizes the strength in numbers by beginning with free small business training to support participants in developing their business plans, entrepreneurship skills, and the confidence needed to launch and grow their businesses. To encourage progress and success, participants will work in groups of 2 to 6 entrepreneurs, providing built-in peer support, and will have access to the guidance of Rise volunteer coaches. This collaborative approach is an excellent way to grow a business while gaining knowledge through shared experiences.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be over 30 years of age
- Must have a practical idea to start or grow a for-profit small business (any size, full or part-time)
- Must self-identify as having experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges
- Must be unable to access traditional bank financing for the small business
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Enrollment Period:
Registration for Fall and Winter PSSP cohorts is now open! Submit your application today.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The business must be operating for a minimum of one year and not longer than five years, with an established consumer packaged good that has been tested in the market
- The business must demonstrate strong growth potential and scalability
- The business owner must commit to participating fully in the training and mentorship
- The business must be located in one of the following counties: London/Middlesex, St. Thomas/Elgin, Sarnia/Lambton, Chatham/Kent, or Windsor/Essex
Enrollment Period:
The Fall 2024 Cohort applications are now closed. For updates on future cohorts and application periods, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the website.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Businesses in need of strategic planning support
Eligibility Requirements:
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The BDC helps businesses hire and retain the right employees by setting up recruiting and onboarding tools to attract top talent and ensure they quickly contribute value. It supports the establishment of an employee performance appreciation cycle by implementing performance objectives and tools that align employees and managers on what it means to succeed. Additionally, the BDC assists businesses in supporting employees through change by building processes to proactively anticipate change impacts, create clear plans, and communicate effectively.
Eligibility Requirements:
The BDC helps businesses optimize operations by assessing processes to identify waste and improve capacity to meet production demands. It supports the integration of digital tools and technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Additionally, the BDC encourages businesses to work smarter by enhancing internal capabilities, increasing team knowledge, and implementing technologies such as robotics and automation to unlock productivity gains.
Eligibility Requirements:
The BDC guides businesses toward successful certification by helping them meet standards that increase customer confidence, satisfy regulatory requirements, and enhance their ability to attract larger clients. It supports businesses in achieving internationally recognized certifications or passing audits in areas such as quality management, information security, and environmental management. Additionally, the BDC offers financing for advisory services to ensure the successful completion of certification projects.
Eligibility Requirements:
BizPaL is a collaborative effort between all three levels of government. It helps entrepreneurs generate a personalized list of the business permits and licenses they need, for all levels of government, to start or grow their business. Based on some generic information that you provide about your business, you will generate a customized list of permits and licenses that you may need from the municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
The Adjustment Advisory Program (AAP) assists employers and unions in communities across Ontario to initiate the establishment of Adjustment Committees and Action Centers to assist laid-off workers.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ontario employers, and their employees, undergoing downsizing or closure affecting 50 or more employees; or
- Communities and entire industrial sectors are also eligible to participate when they are experiencing massive economic or structural changes.
The Magnet Export Business Portal delivers targeted export events, resources and opportunities to you through a customized dashboard- and to your inbox! It was created with one goal in mind: to help Canadian businesses succeed in reaching export markets, and grow their businesses with international customers.
For more information, visit: https://export.magnet.today/.
The CanExport program provides direct financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada that are seeking to develop new export opportunities, particularly in high-growth priority markets and sectors. Delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) of Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), CanExport provides financial support for a wide range of export marketing activities.
Program Highlights:
Non-repayable contributions from the CanExport program will range from $10,000 to $75,999 per project. The maximum annual CanExport contribution per applicant is set at $99,999 per government fiscal year, which begins on April 1 of each year and ends on March 31 of the following year. The amount of the contribution will be determined on a cost-sharing basis. The contribution can be for up to 50 percent of eligible expenses, that is, your firm must match available government funding on a one-to-one basis (i.e., including all other federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal sources for the same activity). Note also that the costs of a consultant for the production of a market study, for market research, for business to business (B2B) meetings, and matchmaking are limited to 25 percent of the total cost of the activity/project.
To be eligible, your business must meet these basic requirements:
- Be a for-profit company;
- Be an incorporated legal entity OR a limited liability partnership (LLP);
- Have a Canada Revenue Agency business identifier number;
- Have a minimum of one full-time equivalent (FTE) employee and a maximum of 250 FTE employees; and
- Have no less than $200,000 and no more than $50 million in annual revenue declared in Canada.
For more information about CanExport, visit the program’s website at http://international.gc.ca/canexport/.
Contact
Bill Norton
Trade Commissioner
(343) 203-0008
bill.norton@international.gc.ca
A Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) connects government buyers with Canadian expertise through the negotiation and execution of government-to-government contracts. The Corporation focuses on areas where there is a clear role for government, operating in sectors outside of World Trade Organization agreements, such as aerospace and defence. They also focus on emerging and developing markets, where governments of other countries may require additional capacity to undertake complex and timely procurements and projects.
CCC can operate either as Prime Contractor selling to governments, or as a Procurement Agent sourcing Canadian goods and services on behalf of governments in other countries. The Corporation also procures equipment, supplies, and expertise to help the Government of Canada fulfill its in-kind aid contributions worldwide.
CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION
350 Albert Street, Suite 700
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0S6
T: 613-996-0034
F: 613-995-2121
Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-748-8191
Questions about our services
CCC marketing department
info@ccc.ca
To learn more about CCC, and potentially begin the process of becoming one of their exporters, visit their website at www.ccc.ca
Investors from countries such as the U.S., China, Japan and India can now gain duty-free access to European Union (EU) countries through CETA by establishing operations in Ontario.
What is CETA?
CETA stands for Canada-European Union Comprehensive Trade Agreement, Canada’s most ambitious international trade agreement since NAFTA. CETA is unprecedented in the access it provides companies in Canada to EU consumers, businesses, governments at all levels, and other public bodies such as schools and hospitals.
When does CETA come into effect?
CETA comes into effect as early as September 21, 2017, removing 98% of duties on Canadian goods entering the EU.
Which countries are involved in CETA?
CETA is an agreement between Canada and the 28 member countries of the EU, a $17 trillion economy.
How can foreign investors take advantage of CETA?
Register to download our Foreign Investor’s Guide to CETA to learn how you can leverage this historic trade agreement between Canada and the EU.
Download the Foreign Investor’s Guide to CETA by visiting www.investinontario.com.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The company must be Canadian-owned and operate in Canada
- The innovation must address a significant environmental issue and offer scalable benefits
- The project must be nominated by one of SDTC’s partner accelerators
- Applicants must have raised at least 200% of the requested funding from private equity within the past 12 months
The Science & Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs offers funding to eligible employers across Canada to hire, train, and mentor youth in the natural resources sector, including energy, forestry, mining, earth science, and clean technology. Employers can receive up to 75% in wage subsidies to support these positions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be an organization in the natural resources sector able to provide youth with full-time work experience (minimum 30 hours per week, with some exceptions) for up to 12 months
- Must be a legal entity incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
- Must be an Indigenous organization or group
- Must be a provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal government, or one of their departments or agencies
The Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN) is a collaboration of research-focused centers supporting small- and medium-sized businesses in developing and implementing technologies for the greenhouse industry. It connects researchers, students, and state-of-the-art facilities to help advance innovation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a greenhouse or related technology business
- Must have a presence in Southern Ontario
- Must be an SME facing technology challenges
- Should have prior research and development experience
- Must require GTN member expertise or facilities to solve problems
- Must be willing to collaborate to reduce innovation risks
The Energy Efficiency for Industry program is offering cost-shared assistance to industrial companies to implement energy management projects, including CAN/CSA-ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard pilots, and for two types of energy studies: Process Integration and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will provide financial assistance of up to 50 percent of eligible costs to a maximum of $40,000 for
- Energy Management Projects*
- Process Integration and Computational Fluid Dynamics Studies
Visit Natural Resources Canada’s website to learn more about the program, including funding details and eligibility, at www.nrcan.gc.ca.
The City of Windsor’s Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which came into effect on March 15, 2011, provides financial incentives to encourage new investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of diversifying the local economy and creating/retaining jobs. The CIP allows the city to take a variety of measures – to further the objectives of the Economic Revitalization CIP – that would otherwise be prohibited by Ontario’s Municipal Act. This includes the acquisition and preparation of land; construction, repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of buildings; the sale, lease, or disposal of land and buildings; and the provision of grants to owners or tenants of land – all of which must conform with the objectives and policies contained within the CIP.
The Economic Revitalization CIP contains four financial incentive programs to encourage new investment in targeted economic sectors. These programs address a wide range of business types including new businesses considering locating in Windsor, expansion of existing businesses within the City, and small businesses. They are:
- Business Development Grant program
- Business Retention Grant program
- Small Business Investment Grant program
- Development Charges Grant program
For more information about the City’s CIP program including details about funding, eligibility and how to apply, visit their website at: www.citywindsor.ca or contact their office.
Contact:
Greg Atkinson
Sr. Planner
City of Windsor
(519) 255-6543 ext. 6582
gatkinson@citywindsor.ca
Zoning designations and other information can be found online at the City of Windsor’s website at www.citywindsor.ca by entering any municipal address.
Zoning maps can also be found online at the City of Windsor’s website at www.citywindsor.ca. Once opened, you can zoom into a desired location by selecting one of the sixteen areas of the map.
The City of Windsor’s Investor Support Program (ISP) is a cross-functional service program that guides strategic investment through all aspects of city approvals and requirements.
The objective of the ISP is to work proactively with strategic projects. An investment is categorized as “strategic” based on its economic significance for Windsor. Examples of projects that may be eligible for the ISP may include developments that generate knowledge-based jobs, office-oriented/industrial business parks, and major redevelopments of existing vacant properties.
To be eligible for ISP, strategic projects must meet one or more of the following characteristics:
- creates or retains a minimum of 50 jobs within the manufacturing sector or creates more than 20 jobs or retains a minimum of 35 jobs within any other targeted sector(s).
- is a major tourism investment expected to draw a minimum annual attendance of 100,000 visitors;
- is uniquely complex with multiple priorities and stakeholders; and,
- adds to the diversification of the local economy by developing a targeted sector identified by the City.
The city’s Economic Development Officer is assigned to each strategic investment and works proactively with other departments and external agencies to guide projects through the municipal process. This includes, but is not limited to planning approvals, construction permits, licensing requirements, utilities, technology requirements, tax and fee estimations, etc.
Contact:
City of Windsor’s Economic Development Office
(519) 255-6100 ext. 6608
mjohnson@citywindsor.ca
Funding under this stream helps to accelerate the growth of firms and assist with the adoption of new, innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity, and the development of and entry into new markets to help companies become globally competitive.
FedDev Ontario is looking for:
- Innovative and globally-oriented businesses seeking to accelerate their growth.
- High-potential firms (including accelerator graduates) that are commercializing innovative products, technologies and processes.
- Firms with scale-up potential looking to improve productivity through the adaptation/adoption of highly innovative, first-of-its-kind technologies with the goal of global competitiveness and market expansion.
- Entrepreneurs and businesses in rural areas looking to grow, commercialize and improve productivity.
For more information on eligibility, funding, and how to apply, visit FedDev Ontario’s website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca or contact their office.
Contact:
Jeff King
FedDev Ontario
(226) 339-2823
jeff.king@canada.ca
The Talent Acquisition and Human Resources provides a variety of services and support to help businesses attract, hire, and develop talent. From targeted hiring initiatives to training programs and immigration assistance, these offerings aim to enhance workforce development, ensure compliance, and promote diversity and inclusion for sustainable growth.
Every business, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), benefits from having policies to guide decisions and behaviors, especially as the company grows. Export Development Canada (EDC) offers a quick guide to help businesses create effective policies.
Pro Bono Ontario is a non-profit organization committed to helping Ontarians with their everyday civil legal needs. If you can’t afford a lawyer, call our Free Legal Advice Hotline for up to 30 minutes of free legal advice and assistance with civil law matters in Ontario (no family law, immigration or criminal).
Ok, you’re a business who wants help hiring an apprentice.
Select the program below to learn how it can help your business.
The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) is a non-refundable tax credit equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices in respect of employment after May 1, 2006. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice. If your business hires an eligible apprentice, you qualify to claim the credit.
An eligible apprentice is someone who is working in a prescribed trade in the first two years of their apprenticeship contract. This contract must be registered with a federal, provincial, or territorial government under an apprenticeship program designed to certify or license individuals in the trade.
A prescribed trade includes the trades currently listed as Red Seal Trades. For more information, see Red Seal Program.
Ontario College of Trades
655 Bay Street, Suite 600
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K4
Telephone: 647-847-3000
Toll Free: 1-855-299-0028
Fax: 866-398-0368
For more information about eligibility and how to claim the credit, visit Canada Revenue Agency’s website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
The apprenticeship training tax credit is a refundable tax credit. It is available to employers who hire and train apprentices in certain skilled trades during the first 36 months of an apprenticeship program that commenced on or after April 24, 2015.
The tax credit is based on salaries and wages paid to an apprentice. Qualifying businesses can claim 25 per cent of eligible expenditures (30 per cent for small businesses) made during the first 36 months of an apprenticeship program that commenced on or after April 24, 2015. The maximum credit for each apprenticeship is $5,000 per year. The maximum credit over the first 36‑month period of the apprenticeship is $15,000.
For more information about eligibility and how to claim the credit, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance’s website at www.fin.gov.on.ca.
Ok, you’re a business and you want help hiring a person with a disability.
Select from the options below to learn more about what services and programs are available to help your business.
Discover Ability Network is a free online portal and resource that connects Ontario businesses directly to people with disabilities. Funded by the Government of Ontario and powered by Magnet, a data-rich, job-matching technology platform.
The Discover Ability Network includes a variety of associations, community and government partners:
• Business Council of Canada
• BioTalent Canada
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exports
• Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
• Human Resources Professionals Association
• Information and Communications Technology Council
• Information Technology Association of Canada
• Magnet
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce
• OTEC
• Canadian Business SenseAbility
• Toronto Financial Services Alliance
• Government of Ontario
The online portal connects employers directly with persons with disabilities seeking employment, includes a 6-step guide acts as a great resource for employers, and provides answers to any questions employers may have when hiring—and retaining—employees with disabilities.
Visit the portal at https://windsor.discoverability.network/.
Contact:
Louie DiPalma
louiedipalma@occ.ca
(647) 243-3539
Through funding for organizations, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (OF) program helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment or self-employment.
Program Highlights:
- Wage subsidy terms are flexible and negotiable
- Reduces hiring and training costsAddresses accessibility and accommodation expenses
Visit Service Canada’s website to learn more about the Opportunities Fund, including eligibility and instructions on how to apply at: https://www.canada.ca/
Whether you’re an employer looking to hire someone with a disability or you have a disability and want help finding a job, you’re in the right place.
There are three different types of organizations that you can access employment-related services from.
- Employment Ontario Service Providers are a province-wide network of community organizations that offer government-funded employment programs to Ontarians at no-charge.
- Community Organizations offering disability services are not-for-profit organizations that offer a variety of services, including some employment supports, to persons with a disability. These organizations generally have mandates that go further than just employment supports.
- Private Employment Agencies are for-profit organizations that are in the business of matching employees with employers and vice-versa. Some of these services may have a cost associated with them.
Which type of organization do you want help from?
Below, you’ll find a list of community organizations that specialize in offering services, including both employment and non-employment related ones, to employers and people with disabilities in our region. Also in this list are some government programs. You can learn more about each organization, along with their programs and services, by clicking on their organization’s name to visit their website.
Ok, so you’re a business who wants to hire a research intern.
Select from the options below to learn more about the programs that are available to help your business.
If you’re a graduate student looking for research opportunities or an employer interested in hiring a researcher, you’ve come to the right place.
Take your company to the next level with Mitacs.
The research needed to grow your business requires talent, time and budget. But finding the ideal combination of these three elements can be a challenge. Mitacs helps you to bridge those gaps. We connect companies with university researchers for innovative projects, ensuring you achieve measurable ROI on your research and development. We spend time understanding your business needs, find the right talent to work on the solution and provide financial support, up to 55% of the project cost. For more information, visit www.mitacs.ca.
Accelerate
Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500.
For more information, visit: https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate#business.
Accelerate International
Mitacs Accelerate International supports bilateral research collaborations between interns, universities, and industry partners, both in Canada and abroad. Interns at Canadian universities can undertake projects in Mitacs’s partner countries. Interns from Mitacs’s partner countries can undertake projects in Canada.
For more information, visit: https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate/mitacs-accelerate-international.
Contact:
Katie Facecchia
Business Development
(519) 560-1582
kfacecchia@mitacs.ca
The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with financial assistance to hire young talent. In addition to meeting the needs of innovative SMEs, this program facilitates the transition of highly skilled young people to a rapidly changing labour market.
SMEs will receive a financial contribution geared towards supporting a portion of the salary costs of a youth candidate, who will work on technical opportunities within the firm and on non-technical but technology-related projects such as:
- Research and development, engineering, and multimedia;
- Development of new products and processes;
- Market analysis for a new technology-based product;
- Business development related to science and technology activities; and
- Improvement of customer services, etc.
To find out more information about the program, including its eligibility and help applying, visit their website at www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca and/or contact their office.
Contact:
Vlad Franjo
(519) 971-2015
vladimir.franjo@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
or
Robert Whent
(519) 971-2021
robert.whent@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
If you’re an undergraduate or graduate student looking for research opportunities or an employer interested in hiring a researcher, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) aims to make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports university students in their advanced studies, promotes and supports discovery research, and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects. NSERC researchers are on the vanguard of science, building on Canada’s long tradition of scientific excellence.
For more information about the programs offered by NSERC, visit their website by clicking one of the categories below.
- I’m a business interested in hiring a research intern
- I’m an undergraduate researcher looking for opportunities
- I’m a post-graduate researcher looking for opportunities
General Contact:
Nserc-ontario@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
1 877-767- 1767
University of Windsor Contact:
Heather Pratt
(519) 253-3000 ext 3917
hpratt@uwindsor.ca
Ok, you’re a business and you want help hiring a youth, student, co-op or young adult.
Select from the options below to learn more about the programs that are available to help your business.
WIL Digital is an innovative work placement program designed to benefit both employers and students. Through this program, employers receive wage subsidies to hire post-secondary students, fostering business growth. At the same time, students gain meaningful work experience and develop practical skills through on-the-job learning. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), WIL Digital is administered by several organizations, including ICTC, one of the program’s earliest delivery partners.
The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program offers wage subsidies to eligible employers across Canada to hire recent graduates from universities, colleges, and polytechnics for internships lasting 6 to 12 months in the environmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics sectors. The program provides wage subsidies of up to $25,000, along with additional funding of up to $5,000 for wrap-around services such as skills development, certification and training, job accessibility, and other supportive measures.
Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while helping both students and their communities.
Canada Summer Jobs:
- Provides work experiences for students
- Supports organizations, including those that provide important community services; and
- Recognizes that local circumstances, community needs, and priorities vary widely
By way of five national priorities, CSJ also supports the following:
- Employers involved in the welcome and settlement of immigrants (including Syrian refugees) in Canada;
- Employers that hire Indigenous peoples;
- Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Information, Communications and Technology (ICT);
- Employers involved in activities celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation; and
- Small businesses, in recognition of their contribution to the creation of new jobs.
Visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply at www.canada.ca.
Career Focus provides funding for employers and organizations to design and deliver a range of activities that enable post-secondary graduates to make more informed career decisions and develop their skills.
Career Focus aims to:
- Increase the supply of highly qualified workers;
- Facilitate the transition of highly-skilled young people to a rapidly changing labour market;
- Promote the benefits of advanced studies; and,
- Demonstrate federal leadership by investing in the skills required to meet the needs of the knowledge economy
The program is part of the Youth Employment Strategy, a horizontal initiative involving eleven federal departments and agencies.
Visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply at www.canada.ca.
Skills Link is a client-centered program that provides funding for employers and organizations to offer eligible activities to youth facing barriers to employment.
Program highlights:
- The objective of the program is to help youth overcome barriers to employment, to help youth develop a broad range of skills and knowledge in order to participate in the current and future labour market, and to promote education and skills as being key to labour market participation.
- The program offers a range of activities that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the youth.
The program is part of the Youth Employment Strategy, a horizontal initiative involving eleven federal departments and agencies.
Visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply at www.canada.ca.
The Youth Job Connection program serves youth aged 15 to 29 who experience multiple and/or complex barriers to employment by providing more intensive supports beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities.
Youth Job Connection consists of two components:
- A year-round component, which provides intensive employment supports for youth aged 15 to 29 who are not in employment, education, or training and who experience multiple barriers to employment.
- A summer component – Youth Job Connection: Summer – which provides summer, part-time, and after-school job opportunities to high school students, aged 15 to 18, who are facing challenging life circumstances and may need support transitioning between school and work.
Up to $7,500 per client is available for a combination of pre-employment stipends, youth job placement supports, training/skills enhancement supports, and employer placement incentives. The amount provided for each type of support is determined by the service provider on a case-by-case basis, according to defined requirements and depending on the needs of the youth participant and employer.
Financial incentives for employers may be negotiated between the service providers and the employer to encourage employers to provide placements and offset expenses incurred by the employer during the placement.
The need for and amount of the incentive will be negotiated based on the skill level and complexity required for the placement, as well as the length of any on-the-job training required.
For more information about Youth Job Connection, including help with applying, contact any one of the following local Employment Ontario Service Providers.
Youth Job Link is designed to help youth, including students, aged 15 to 29, who do not face significant barriers to employment, but who could benefit from some extra help to plan their careers and transition to the labour market.
Youth Job Link provides three categories of non-intensive employment services, each of which is available year-round. They are:
- Career exploration services to increase knowledge of career options and support career decision-making;
- Career management services to improve readiness for the labour market; and,
- Job search, readiness, and matching assistance to connect youth with employers offering employment opportunities, including summer jobs.
In some cases, up to $300 per participant is available for a combination of:
- Individual-focused Employment Supports for some youth who have been matched to an employer but need additional support to offset work-related costs such as transportation, work clothing, and equipment; and
- Employer Incentives for some employers to offset specific costs related to onboarding new youth hires (e.g. additional supervision and training).
Interested businesses must work with a local Employment Ontario Service Provider to access the program. They will discuss the program in greater detail with you, answer any questions that you may have, and lead you through the application process. For a list of local Employment Ontario Service Providers select the button below.
The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with financial assistance to hire young talent. In addition to meeting the needs of innovative SMEs, this program facilitates the transition of highly skilled young people to a rapidly changing labour market.
SMEs will receive a financial contribution geared towards supporting a portion of the salary costs of a youth candidate, who will work on technical opportunities within the firm and on non-technical but technology-related projects such as:
- Research and development, engineering, and multimedia;
- Development of new products and processes;
- Market analysis for a new technology-based product;
- Business development related to science and technology activities; and
- Improvement of customer services, etc.
To find out more information about the program, including its eligibility and help applying, visit their website at www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca and/or contact their office.
Contact:
Vlad Franjo
(519) 971-2015
vladimir.franjo@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
or
Robert Whent
(519) 971-2021
robert.whent@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Ok, you’re a business who wants to create a co-op position for a student or post a job opportunity on campus.
Select from the options below to learn more about the programs that are available to help your business.
The Co-operative Education Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit. It is available to employers who hire students enrolled in a co-operative education program at an Ontario university or college.
The tax credit is based on salaries and wages paid to a student in a co-operative education work placement. Corporations can claim 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses). The maximum credit for each work placement is $3,000. Most work placements are for a minimum employment period of 10 weeks up to a maximum of four months.
For more information about eligibility and how to claim the credit, visit Ontario’s Ministry of Finance website at www.fin.gov.on.ca.
Students, alumni and employers who want to hire are able to access the following employment related services.
Current Students and Co-op Employers
Current Students can visit Career Services in Room 274 at the South Campus or on the lower level of St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. For more information, visit the Career Services website at www.stclaircollege.ca/studentservices/careerservices.
First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students can access career counselling, resources, and computers at its First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Student Centre located in Room 133A at the South Campus and in Room B014 at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. To speak with the the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Coordinator, please contact Maxine Nahdee at mnahdee@stclaircollege.ca.
Students, alumni and employers are able to access employment-related services on-campus:
- Job postings for students and alumni
- Co-operative Education
- Workshops
- Job fairs and employer events
- One-on-one advising
For more information, visit http://experience.uwindsor.ca or call (519) 253-3000 ext. 3895.
Campus Locations:
Career and Employment Services
Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre Suite #100
Co-operative Education Programs
Room #1101 Lambton Tower
If you’re an Odette School of Business and or Faculty of Law student, alumni, or employer, you can also access services at the following locations:
- Odette Student Success Centre, Room 203 Odette Building (Second Floor), www.uwindsor.ca/odette/careers
- Faculty of Law Career Services, Room G109 Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law Building, www.uwindsor.ca/law/careers
Ok, you’re a business looking to arrange for a high-school student to co-op at your place of work.
Select a school board from the list below to make arrangements with them directly:
Experiential Learning helps to connect classroom learning and under-experienced individuals with new workplace experiences. These experiences provide hands-on and work integrated learning opportunities in addition to including an aspect of reflection.
Examples of experiential learning include co-op placements, internships, apprenticeships, tours and more.
Workforce WindsorEssex can help facilitate these opportunities for both learners and employers with our new Experiential Learning Hub at: www.workforcewindsoressex.com.
Ok, you’re a business looking for incentives to hire someone who is currently unemployed.
Choose one of the following programs to learn more about them.
The Access to Talent Program supports Canadian SMEs and startups by helping them hire experienced professionals to execute projects that achieve critical milestones in developing natural products or technologies. This program aims to provide companies with access to skilled talent, driving innovation and accelerating product or technology development within the business.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be an incorporated Canadian SME or startup with fewer than 25 employees.
- The company must have a novel natural product or technology that aligns with Natural Products Canada’s (NPC) definitions.
- The product or technology must fall within TRL 4-9 of the Government of Canada’s Technology Readiness Levels (indicating it’s beyond the concept stage and nearing market readiness).
- Must demonstrate the potential to achieve $10 million to $15 million in annual revenue within a reasonable period for the market or sector.
- The project should provide economic, social, health, or environmental benefits.
- Must show technological advancement and add value to Canada’s natural products ecosystem.
- The project must demonstrate technical feasibility and have a clear commercialization path within Canada.
- Should offer spillover benefits to more than one sector.
- Must aim to improve the representation of women, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples in the natural products ecosystem.
- The company must be a member of Natural Products Canada (NPC).
Windsor Regional Employment Network (WREN) is the Service System Manager for Employment Ontario in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton. Led by the Corporation of the City of Windsor and their partner Workforce WindsorEssex, the WREN oversees and supports a wide range of employment programs and services for job seekers, employers and community partners.
Ontario Job Creation Partnerships is an employment program that provides work experience to unemployed job seekers within projects that benefit the community or local economy. At the end of their participation, participants in the program will have recent work experience and additional skills to add to their résumés, increasing their chances of successfully finding long-term employment.
Who can apply?
Job seekers who are unemployed can apply to participate if they meet one of the following conditions:
- They established a claim for Employment Insurance benefits or their Employment Insurance benefit period ended within the past three years.
- They established a claim for Employment Insurance maternity or parental benefits and were paid benefits within the past five years, and are re-entering the labour force after having left it to care for newborn or newly adopted children.
For the purpose of determining whether an individual qualifies as a participant, the date the completed application is received by Employment Ontario is the date when he or she is considered to have requested assistance.
Who are eligible sponsors?
The following organizations are eligible to provide work experience through this program:
- businesses
- non-profit organizations
- Crown corporations
- municipalities or provincial/territorial governments
- First Nations councils
- public health and educational institutions
What type of projects are eligible?
- Should be finite in nature and incremental to the sponsors normal activities
- Should provide a benefit to the community or the local economy
- Should provide participants with a meaningful work experience
- Within their ability to do so, sponsors should share in the cost of the project
For detailed program information visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development website at www.tcu.gov.on.ca.
To hire someone through the Ontario Job Creation Partnership you must work through an Employment Ontario Service Provider. Any of the following organizations can help.
Ontario Works Employer Incentive provides funding to Windsor-Essex employers for pre-employment and on-the-job training, employment-related expenses, and job matching.
For more information, including eligibility and available funding, contact the City of Windsor.
Contact:
John Marrocco
City of Windsor
(519) 255-5200 ext. 5361
jmarrocco@city.windsor.on.ca
Experiential Work Placements for co-op students, recent graduates, and apprentices. Employers will receive $3k-5k in funding for each hire.
APMA’s program is called the Career Ready Fund Auto Stream Program (CRFASP). https://apma.ca/career-ready/
Career Ready with CTMA https://www.ctma.com/career-ready
The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) recognizes that Ontario’s workforce is its most valuable asset. As new technologies, globalization, and shifting demographics rapidly change the economy, they also alter the mix of available jobs and the skills needed for success. By investing in education and training, Ontario aims to maintain its competitive advantage, helping businesses and workers adapt to change and achieve their goals.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ontario Works Employer Incentive provides funding to Windsor-Essex employers for pre-employment and on-the-job training, employment-related expenses, and job matching.
For more information, including eligibility and available funding, contact the City of Windsor.
Contact:
John Marrocco
City of Windsor
(519) 255-5200 ext. 5361
jmarrocco@city.windsor.on.ca
Workplace violence is a serious issue that affects all business sectors and occupations. It affects the safety and security of every employee and employer. It claims a high personal cost from the emotional trauma and physical injury experienced by the victims, their families and co-workers. It also brings a high cost to employers in terms of public image, increased absenteeism, lost productivity, high employee turnover, and increased insurance/compensation costs. This course introduces managers, supervisors and employees to the key components of an effective workplace violence prevention program, providing them with knowledge and tools to take action to eliminate or minimize the potential for workplace violence.
Wherever people interact at work there is a potential for violence, regardless of the job. This course helps frontline supervisors, workers and anyone else with an interest in workplace safety develop a clear understanding of what workplace violence is, the consequences of workplace violence and preventive measures that can be taken. This course is designed for frontline supervisors and workers.
Employers and managers of small businesses need to understand their health and safety responsibilities. This course teaches small business employers about their duties as outlined in legislation. It also offers practical guidance on identifying hazards, controlling risks, developing a health and safety program, and planning for emergencies. This course is designed for small business owners, managers, and health and safety committee members or representatives, equipping them with essential knowledge to manage workplace safety effectively.
Supervisors in Canada are responsible for planning and organizing work to ensure it is performed safely. They play a key role in identifying and eliminating hazards, monitoring work, and guiding workers on safe practices. Supervisors also enforce safety policies and procedures. This course provides training on supervisors’ health and safety duties, highlights jurisdiction-specific regulations, and teaches how to identify and address workplace hazards to protect workers. This course is designed for supervisors in Canada to help them understand their health and safety responsibilities under the applicable Acts or regulations in their jurisdiction.
This course covers the essentials on how health and safety applies in your workplace, including your roles and responsibilities, your rights, and how to identify common workplace hazards. You will also learn about your role in incident reporting and investigation and responding to possible emergencies at the workplace. This course is recommended for all workers in Canada, in every jurisdiction.
Workplace inspections are an essential element of your health and safety program. This course will teach you how to effectively plan, conduct, and document workplace inspections. Learn about the types of inspections, as well as the roles of key participants: employers, supervisors, workers, and health and safety committees or representatives. You’ll also learn the importance of inspection reports and follow-up. This course is recommended for employers, managers, supervisors, and health and safety committee members or representatives, as well as anyone who is interested in learning about workplace inspections.
To help people searching for safety training find certified and quality trainers more easily, we have created this page.
Here’s a list of certified safety training organizations in Windsor-Essex:
- First Elements Inc.
- Majors McGuire Inc.
- WorkSmart Safety & HR Solutions
- Windsor Equipment Training Facility
**If you are a certified safety training organization and wish to be added to the list, please contact info@workforcewindsoressex.com.
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development was established in 1919 to develop and enforce labour legislation, the Ministry of Labour’s mission is to advance safe, fair, and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario.
The Ministry’s website is a great resource to learn more about Employment Standards, Health and Safety, and Labour Relations. You can visit their website at: www.labour.gov.on.ca.
Employment Standards:
Businesses can get more information about any of the following items and more by contacting the Employment Standards Information Centre:
- Public holiday pay, unpaid wages, termination pay
- Minimum wage, hours of work, leaves, vacations
- Filing an Employment Standards Claim
Employment Standards Information Centre
1-800-531-5551
Health and Safety
Businesses can get sector-specific health and safety advice, products, services, and training.
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (Construction, transportation and utilities)
Toll-free: 1-800-263-5024
Public Service Health & Safety Association (Health, education)
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7444
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (Industrial, service)
Toll-free: 1-877-494-9777
Workplace Safety North (Mining, forestry, paper)
Toll-free: 1-888-730-7821
The Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities program offers non-repayable contributions to subsidize wages for new hires or upskill existing employees. It promotes experiential learning, a hands-on model where participants gain practical experience to enhance their employability by building real-world knowledge and skills. The program aims to strengthen workforce capabilities within the precision metalworking sector.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be licensed to operate in Ontario
- Must provide Ontario-based training for Ontario jobs
- Must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Employment Standards Act
- Must maintain appropriate WSIB and liability insurance
- Target companies include SMEs in the Precision Metalworking Sector, focused on the design, manufacture, repair, or assembly of products
Ok, if you’re looking for provincial labour market information.
Learn more about work trends and the skills, education and training you need for jobs today, and in the future.
Visit Ontario’s Labour Market website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/labour-market.
Ok, if you’re looking for national labour market information.
Learn more about an occupation you are interested in: wages, outlooks, education, skills needed and so much more.
Visit Canada’s Job Bank website at https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis.
Making it easier for businesses and their employees to come to Ontario
The Ontario Investment Office provides business immigration assistance to international companies that currently operate, or will be establishing operations, in Ontario.
Who can we provide assistance to?
- Companies looking to transfer key personnel or employees with specialized knowledge to the province for a temporary period in order to continue the growth of their business.
- Companies looking to recruit highly skilled employees from abroad to temporarily and/or permanently fill positions requiring skills that are in short supply in Canada.
What are the business immigration services that we offer?
- Referral services under the Global Skills Strategy for the Dedicated Service Channel and Global Talent Stream.
- The latest business immigration information on both permanent and temporary immigration options such as Express Entry, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), and the Intra Company Transfer process.
Customized assistance with navigating the different immigration options to meet the specific needs of a company.
Learn more about business immigration options for bringing foreign talent to Ontario. Download the Guide to Business Immigration in Ontario, Canada, by visiting www.investinontario.com.
Canada encourages business-minded individuals seeking new opportunities through the Business Immigration Program, which facilitates their entry and integration. Both federal and provincial/territorial governments actively support business immigrants by offering services to help them establish businesses and settle in the country. This program aims to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals to contribute to Canada’s economic growth and innovation.
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program is designed to attract immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to establish businesses in Canada that are innovative, create jobs for Canadians, and compete on a global scale. Applicants must secure support from a designated organization, meet language requirements, and have funds to settle. The program also offers temporary work permits for those awaiting permanent residence.
The BDC helps businesses identify gaps and opportunities by assessing current practices and building a roadmap to grow sales. It develops strategies and action plans to establish the brand, align the team, and maximize returns. The BDC also supports businesses in harnessing the power of digital by developing or improving online strategies to reach customers and boost sales. Additionally, it helps businesses explore new market opportunities, increasing sales by expanding into targeted provincial and international markets.
Eligibility Requirements:
The BDC helps businesses launch fully operational online stores by quickly setting up e-commerce platforms and providing guidance on managing successful digital businesses. It supports driving more online sales by identifying and implementing impactful improvements to enhance web presence and digital marketing efforts. Additionally, the BDC offers expert, step-by-step guidance to build custom websites, from defining requirements and selecting vendors to managing website strategy, architecture, and development.
Eligibility Requirements:
The Windsor Essex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre offers resources and advisory services to help businesses develop marketing strategies, improve online presence, and enhance sales tactics. It provides guidance on social media management, digital advertising, SEO, and customer relationship tools, along with consultations on e-commerce and loyalty programs.
Developing a marketing plan helps businesses identify key marketing elements that might otherwise be overlooked. A thorough plan outlines who the customers are, how they will purchase the product or service, and why they would choose it. Financial institutions, such as banks and lenders, typically require the marketing section of the business plan to assess the business’s market understanding before considering loan approval.
Canva for Nonprofits offers free access to Canva Teams’ premium features, enabling organizations to create and collaborate effectively. These features include access to premium graphics, videos, and music, downloading designs with transparent backgrounds, and using an enhanced Brand Kit for custom palettes, fonts, and logos. Nonprofits can also publish brand templates, share designs and folders with their team, and distribute templates through shareable links, helping streamline branding and design efforts.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be recognized as a charitable or nonprofit organization by the local regulator
- Must operate on a not-for-profit basis
Google Ad Grants provides nonprofits with up to $10,000 per month in search ads on Google.com. This program helps nonprofits raise awareness, attract donors, and recruit volunteers by promoting their message to users searching for related causes.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Organizations must be registered as a (i) Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), (ii) Nonprofit operating entity with tax exemption, (iii) Federal nonprofit corporation (iv) Provincial nonprofit
Ok, you’re a business who wants to know what grant or loan programs might exist to conduct business research with a Canadian College or University.
Select from the options below to learn more about what research organizations and programs are available to help your business.
Alliance grants encourage university researchers to collaborate with partner organizations, which can be from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. These grants support research projects led by strong, complementary, collaborative teams that will generate new knowledge and accelerate the application of research results to create benefits for Canada.
Alliance Grants range from $20,000-$1 million from 1-5 years in duration. Support ranges from 50% to 90% (based on size of business).
For more information, visit: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Innovate-Innover/alliance-alliance/index_eng.asp.
Contact:
Heather Pratt
University of Windsor
(519) 253-3000 ext. 3917
hpratt@uwindsor.ca
Nserc-ontario@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
1-877-767-1767
If you’re a graduate student looking for research opportunities or an employer interested in hiring a researcher, you’ve come to the right place.
Take your company to the next level with Mitacs.
The research needed to grow your business requires talent, time and budget. But finding the ideal combination of these three elements can be a challenge. Mitacs helps you to bridge those gaps. We connect companies with university researchers for innovative projects, ensuring you achieve measurable ROI on your research and development. We spend time understanding your business needs, find the right talent to work on the solution and provide financial support, up to 55% of the project cost. For more information, visit www.mitacs.ca.
Accelerate
Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500.
For more information, visit: https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate#business.
Accelerate International
Mitacs Accelerate International supports bilateral research collaborations between interns, universities, and industry partners, both in Canada and abroad. Interns at Canadian universities can undertake projects in Mitacs’s partner countries. Interns from Mitacs’s partner countries can undertake projects in Canada.
For more information, visit: https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate/mitacs-accelerate-international.
Contact:
Katie Facecchia
Business Development
(519) 560-1582
kfacecchia@mitacs.ca
If you’re an undergraduate or graduate student looking for research opportunities or an employer interested in hiring a researcher, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) aims to make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports university students in their advanced studies, promotes and supports discovery research, and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects. NSERC researchers are on the vanguard of science, building on Canada’s long tradition of scientific excellence.
For more information about the programs offered by NSERC, visit their website by clicking one of the categories below.
- I’m a business interested in hiring a research intern
- I’m an undergraduate researcher looking for opportunities
- I’m a post-graduate researcher looking for opportunities
General Contact:
Nserc-ontario@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
1 877-767- 1767
University of Windsor Contact:
Heather Pratt
(519) 253-3000 ext 3917
hpratt@uwindsor.ca
The Space Technology Development Program (STDP) of the Canadian Space Agency has the mandate to support the development, sustainment, and enhancement of industrial technological capabilities in the space domain that are of strategic importance to Canada. The STDP is a non-repayable contribution to support the development of industrial capabilities. It is intended to support the industry’s responsiveness to future market demand and the maintenance of its global competitiveness.
Eligible recipients are limited to for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada, although universities and not-for-profit organizations can be included in the work as subcontractors but are not eligible as recipients of the contribution agreements.
For more information, visit the Canadian Space Agency’s website or contact their office.
Contact
info@asc-csa.gc.ca
1-405-926-4800
SDTC’s mandate is to fund projects that support Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) advancing innovative technologies that are pre-commercial and have the potential to demonstrate significant and quantifiable environmental and economic benefits in one or more of the following areas: climate change, clean air, clean water and clean soil.
We do this by providing non-repayable contributions to successful applicants. To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian company developing a new and novel technology with significant and quantifiable environmental benefits that will provide a significant retained Canadian benefit following execution of the project.
- Have a defined project and be looking to demonstrate a pre-commercial technology.
- Have a strong end-user, value proposition and be able to validate the market and commercialization potential of the technology.
- Form a consortium that includes at least one other partner (recommended that applicants seek partners who are either end users or able to validate the need and market for the technology).
For more information, visit Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s website at www.sdtc.ca.
The Strategic Innovation Fund allocates repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors. The program has a budget of $1.26 billion over five years. It consolidates and simplifies the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, Technology Demonstration Program, Automotive Innovation Fund and Automotive Supplier Innovation Program.
The Strategic Innovation Fund’s objective is to spur innovation for a better Canada. Specifically, it serves to simplify application processes, accelerate processing, and provide assistance that is more responsive and focused on results.
The program has five Streams, each with its own precise objective:
- Stream 1: Encourage R&D that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services;
- Stream 2: Facilitate the growth and expansion of firms in Canada;
- Stream 3: Attract and retain large scale investments to Canada; and
- Stream 4: Advance industrial research, development and technology demonstration through collaboration between academia, non-profit organizations and the private sector.
- Stream 5: Supporting national ecosystems.
For more information, visit the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s website or contact their office.
Contact:
1-800-328-6189
or
Liana Daltoe
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
(519) 562-8492
liana.daltoe@canada.ca
Ok, you’re a business who wants to know what grant or loan programs might exist to support innovative research. These programs do not require collaboration with a research institute.
Select from the options below to learn more about what research opportunities are available to help your business.
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) provides funding to strengthen Ontario’s critical minerals sector, driven by the increasing global demand for these resources. The fund supports projects focused on research, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions for critical minerals. It targets industries such as national defence, emerging computer and telecommunications technologies, and clean technologies essential for a low-carbon future. CMIF aligns with Ontario’s key priority areas to promote innovation and economic growth.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicant:
- Private-sector business
- Private-sector business collaborating with academic, research, non-profit, or association partners (one entity must be the lead applicant and funding recipient)
- Location: Project must take place in Ontario
- Project Focus:
- Battery supply chain
- Innovative deep exploration and mining techniques
- Mineral recovery
- Other innovations supporting the critical minerals sector
- Funding Restriction: Cannot receive funding from other Ontario government programs (with limited exceptions for stacking)
The Space Technology Development Program (STDP) of the Canadian Space Agency has the mandate to support the development, sustainment, and enhancement of industrial technological capabilities in the space domain that are of strategic importance to Canada. The STDP is a non-repayable contribution to support the development of industrial capabilities. It is intended to support the industry’s responsiveness to future market demand and the maintenance of its global competitiveness.
Eligible recipients are limited to for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada, although universities and not-for-profit organizations can be included in the work as subcontractors but are not eligible as recipients of the contribution agreements.
For more information, contact their office or visit the Canadian Space Agency’s website at https://asc-csa.gc.ca/.
Contact
info@asc-csa.gc.ca
1-405-926-4800
The Strategic Innovation Fund allocates repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors. The program has a budget of $1.26 billion over five years. It consolidates and simplifies the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, Technology Demonstration Program, Automotive Innovation Fund and Automotive Supplier Innovation Program.
The Strategic Innovation Fund’s objective is to spur innovation for a better Canada. Specifically, it serves to simplify application processes, accelerate processing, and provide assistance that is more responsive and focused on results.
The program has five Streams, each with its own precise objective:
- Stream 1: Encourage R&D that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services;
- Stream 2: Facilitate the growth and expansion of firms in Canada;
- Stream 3: Attract and retain large scale investments to Canada; and
- Stream 4: Advance industrial research, development and technology demonstration through collaboration between academia, non-profit organizations and the private sector.
- Stream 5: Supporting national ecosystems.
For more information, visit the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s website or contact their office.
Contact:
1-800-328-6189
or
Liana Daltoe
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
(519) 562-8492
liana.daltoe@canada.ca
Ok, you’re a business who wants more information about grants and loans that support research, development, and/or commercialization activities.
Select from the options below to learn more about what programs are available to help your business.
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility – Stream 1 Program supports projects focused on developing, testing, validating, and demonstrating connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies. Priority areas include mass light vehicles such as cars, trucks, and vans; heavy-duty vehicles used for goods movement, including commercial trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles (RVs); transportation infrastructure; Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS); and transit-supportive systems and vehicles to enhance public transit. Applicants can receive co-investment funding of up to $100,000 to support the development and demonstration of their project.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
- Applicants must have operations in Ontario
- The project must be carried out in Ontario to qualify for the program
The R&D Partnership Fund – C/AV and Smart Mobility – Stream 2 Program supports the development, testing, validation, and demonstration of connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) and smart mobility technologies. It prioritizes innovations in mass light vehicles (such as cars, trucks, and vans), heavy-duty vehicles used for goods movement (including commercial trucks, buses, and RVs), transportation infrastructure, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and transit-supportive systems and vehicles. The program offers co-investment funding of up to $1,000,000.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
- Must have operations in Ontario
- Must conduct the project within Ontario
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
- Applicants must have operations in Ontario
- The project must be carried out in Ontario to qualify for the program
The R&D Partnership Fund – Electric Vehicle (EV) – Stream 2 Program supports the development, testing, and demonstration of EV and battery technologies. It focuses on mass light vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, charging infrastructure, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and transit-supportive systems. The program provides co-investment funding of up to $1,000,000 to advance these innovations and strengthen Ontario’s EV ecosystem.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
- Applicants must have operations in Ontario
- The project must be carried out in Ontario to qualify for the program
The R&D Partnership Fund – Advanced Charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Stream provides co-investment funding of up to $1,000,000 to support the development, validation, testing, piloting, demonstration, commercialization, and deployment of advanced charging and V2G technologies.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 global full-time employees
- May be an Applicant on only one R&D Partnership Fund project at a time
- Must have registered operations (R&D, manufacturing, product management, etc.) in Ontario
- Applicants who have received over $500,000 in funding from OCI-administered programs (excluding TalentEdge) must obtain OCI approval before initiating a new application. A Business Development Manager can assist with the process
Ok, you’re a business who wants help to commercialize your product, which may include product testing, pre-commercialization, and adoptions programs.
Select from the options below to learn more about what programs are available to help your business.
Funding under this stream helps to create, grow and develop strong and inclusive regional networks that support business growth and innovation, as well as the entrepreneurial environment necessary for more innovative regional economies.
Applications can be submitted for non-repayable contributions from $500,000 up to $10 million per project.
Funding is available to:
- Grow and sustain strategic clusters and consortia that support businesses to scale up and commercialize innovative products, technologies and services.
- Enhance the development and reach of business incubators, accelerators, and other organizations, which support entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative companies with high-growth potential.
- Support projects led by innovation-oriented organizations to increase and promote business productivity and global competitiveness, and investment and talent attraction.
- Leverage local advantages, institutions and infrastructure in rural areas.
For more information, visit: https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/02474.html?OpenDocument
Contact:
Jeff King
(226) 339-2823
jeff.king@canada.ca
1-866-593-5505
Funding under this stream aims to generate sustainable, inclusive growth and help small and rural communities in southern Ontario to fully participate in, and benefit from economic opportunities.
Applications can be submitted for non-repayable contributions from $250,000 up to $5 million per project for not-for-profit organizations. No interest, repayable contributions from $250,000 up to $5 million per project for incorporated businesses, including Indigenous businesses.
Funding is available to:
- Enhance business attraction, investment, retention and employment opportunities in southern Ontario communities.
- Develop and expand collaborative efforts that strengthen regional competitiveness.
- Support regional businesses, hubs and communities with the goal of economic diversification, integration and transformation.
For more information, visit: https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/02475.html?OpenDocument.
Contact:
Jeff King
(226) 339-2823
jeff.king@canada.ca
1-866-593-5505
Ready 4 Market (R4M) is a competitive co-investment fund managed on behalf of the Ontario government, supporting early-stage technology companies in Ontario. It focuses on businesses raising pre-seed and seed rounds, with investments up to $250,000 and round sizes between $500,000 and $2 million. R4M requires private-sector co-investment and targets companies with a minimum addressable market of $100 million. Selection involves thorough due diligence, evaluating long-term competitiveness, IP strength, scalability, and unique value propositions. To date, over 200 companies have benefited from the program.
The Proof of Concept Program supports projects aimed at demonstrating the commercial feasibility of innovative natural products or technologies. It focuses on advancing these innovations through Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-9, helping companies move from development to commercialization or reduce risks to attract further investment. This program bridges the gap between concept validation and market readiness, ensuring promising innovations are positioned for growth and investment.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be an incorporated Canadian SME or startup with fewer than 25 employees
- The company must have a novel natural product or technology that aligns with Natural Products Canada’s (NPC) definitions
- The product or technology must fall within TRL 4-9 of the Government of Canada’s Technology Readiness Levels (indicating it’s beyond the concept stage and nearing market readiness)
- Must demonstrate the potential to achieve $10 million to $15 million in annual revenue within a reasonable period for the market or sector.
- The project should provide economic, social, health, or environmental benefits
- Must show technological advancement and add value to Canada’s natural products ecosystem
- The project must demonstrate technical feasibility and have a clear commercialization path within Canada
- Should offer spillover benefits to more than one sector
- Must aim to improve the representation of women, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples in the natural products ecosystem
- The company must be a member of Natural Products Canada (NPC)
Visit the Website to Learn More!
The DAIR Cloud Program helps Canadian startups and SMEs accelerate product and service development by offering free cloud resources and access to expertise in next-generation technologies. The program supports businesses in advancing toward commercialization by providing tools and infrastructure needed for innovation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a business based in Canada
- Must employ fewer than 500 employees
- Must be developing a product or service intended for commercialization
- Must be a for-profit organization
- Must agree to the code of conduct, usage agreement, and terms and conditions
Visit the Website to Learn More!
Information for innovators
The ISC program will maintain the core elements of the former Build in Canada Program (BCIP) by buying late-stage pre-commercial products/services from Canadian innovators, testing them in real-life settings, and providing the innovators with valuable feedback.
For more information about the program, including priority areas and how to access the program, contact their office or visit the Government of Canada’s website at https://www.ic.gc.ca.
Subscribe to receive email updates for the latest information about the Testing Stream, including news regarding consolidation of the program and new Call for Proposals.
The Strategic Innovation Fund allocates repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors. The program has a budget of $1.26 billion over five years. It consolidates and simplifies the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, Technology Demonstration Program, Automotive Innovation Fund and Automotive Supplier Innovation Program.
The Strategic Innovation Fund’s objective is to spur innovation for a better Canada. Specifically, it serves to simplify application processes, accelerate processing, and provide assistance that is more responsive and focused on results.
The program has five Streams, each with its own precise objective:
- Stream 1: Encourage R&D that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services;
- Stream 2: Facilitate the growth and expansion of firms in Canada;
- Stream 3: Attract and retain large scale investments to Canada; and
- Stream 4: Advance industrial research, development and technology demonstration through collaboration between academia, non-profit organizations and the private sector.
- Stream 5: Supporting national ecosystems.
For more information, visit the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s website or contact their office.
Contact:
1-800-328-6189
or
Liana Daltoe
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
(519) 562-8492
liana.daltoe@canada.ca
The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) is a partnership with small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers in Ontario. The goal is to help modernize Ontario’s automotive supply chain and make it more competitive.
Your business could get up to $100,000 to help cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.
As a successful applicant, you are required to contribute at least 50% of remaining project costs through:
- your own business resources
- private or bank financing
For more information about the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth’s website at www.ontario.ca or contact their office.
Contact:
Nancy Creighton
Senior Business Advisor
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Roundhouse Centre, Suite 214
3155 Howard Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N8X 4Y8
519-252-1704
nancy.creighton@ontario.ca
The Yves Landry Foundation has established the AIME (Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence) Global initiative, offering manufacturers in south, central, and eastern Ontario up to $50,000 to offset the costs of training expenses related to supporting innovation and achieving a competitive advantage. This popular program has been generously re-invested in by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
The AIME Global program supports southern Ontario manufacturers to undertake training or skills-upgrading activities which will support innovation at the manufacturing facilities. Supportable projects may include developing new engineering skills, training in the use of new software, hardware, or other tools necessary to support innovation; and training to adopt and adapt new technologies, new manufacturing methods, or any other area of business that will make a southern Ontario manufacturing company more competitive in the global market place. All initiatives must support innovation which will lead to new global export opportunities or create new global markets.
First time applicants whom have never received AIME funding from us in the past, may be eligible for up to a maximum of $50,000 with 50% shared costs. New, this year, manufacturers who have received funding from us in the past, but more than 24 months ago, may be eligible for a second tier of funding; these second generation applications may be eligible for up to $50,000 with a shared contribution up to 25%. In other words, the company must demonstrate 75% of the costs, with a 25% contribution from YLF up to $50,000.
The AIME Global initiative will support two types of eligible training activities:
- Training that supports the adaption of new technology, new processes or procedures, or a change within the company to support innovation. This training must clearly be linked to innovations leading to global competitiveness including expanding into new domestic or international markets; and
- Training that supports and develops highly skilled personnel in any area that leads to innovation. This can include the development of new engineering skills; training in the use of new software, hardware, or other tools necessary to support innovation; and adopting and adapting new technologies, new manufacturing methods, or any other business area that will make a southern Ontario manufacturing company more competitive in the global market place. Being able to clearly link your project to global competitiveness is essential.
For more information about the AIME, visit their program website at www.yveslandryfoundation.com.
Funding under this stream helps to accelerate the growth of firms and assist with the adoption of new, innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity, and the development of and entry into new markets to help companies become globally competitive.
FedDev Ontario is looking for:
- Innovative and globally-oriented businesses seeking to accelerate their growth.
- High-potential firms (including accelerator graduates) that are commercializing innovative products, technologies and processes.
- Firms with scale-up potential looking to improve productivity through the adaptation/adoption of highly innovative, first-of-its-kind technologies with the goal of global competitiveness and market expansion.
- Entrepreneurs and businesses in rural areas looking to grow, commercialize and improve productivity.
For more information on eligibility, funding, and how to apply, visit FedDev Ontario’s website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca or contact their office.
Contact:
Jeff King
FedDev Ontario
(226) 339-2823
jeff.king@canada.ca
The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation provides interest-bearing business loans to support innovation and growth in small and medium-sized enterprises. It is delivered locally by the Business Resource Centre of Essex County and can offer eligible businesses loans of $150,000 to $500,000 as a stable form of capital to support such growth activities as: late stage commercialization; new product or service deployment; new applications or markets, or development of new processes or technologies. The SOFII program makes financial aid possible when other forms of funding are unavailable.
The Business Resource Centre of Essex County (formerly known as Essex CFDC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing business financing and counselling to entrepreneurs in rural Essex County. Centrally located in the Town of Essex, the Business Resource Centre provides loans to businesses in rural communities of up to $250,000 for equipment, inventory, working capital, etc.
For more information, visit their website at http://ec-businessresourcecentre.ca and/or contact their office by phone or email.
Contact:
Diane Malenfant
General Manager
Business Resource Centre
39 Maidstone Avenue East
Essex, ON N8M 2J3
(519) 776-4611
dmalenfant@EC-businessresourcecentre.ca
The Events Calendar on the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center website showcases a variety of upcoming events tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It includes community events, conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering business growth. Visitors can easily access event details, dates, and registration information, making it a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their skills and connect with the local business community.
Each month, Biz X Magazine delves into the issues, ideas, people, businesses, and stories that make the border cities of Windsor and metro Detroit unique. They strive to provide their readers with a quality magazine that contains accurate information about the businesses and people that shape our communities.
A Biz X Mixer is held on the second Tuesday at various locations across Windsor each month.
For more information about Biz X, including their next Biz X Mixer or other networking opportunities, please visit their website’s event page at www.bizxmagazine.com.
To help each other grow/increase their businesses, the WindsorEssex Circle encourages business owners to network in a close networking circle. Founding fathers Joe Di Giorgio and Frank Abbruzzese turned their successful formula into The Circle in July 2010. Now, The WindsorEssex Circle meets monthly at various locations across Windsor.
For more information and to find out about the next meeting, contact Frank Abbruzzese at (519) 944-6009 or by email at frank@alphakor.com. You can also join their LinkedIn group by visiting here.
Ok, you’re a business who wants to get in touch with a local Chamber of Commerce in Windsor-Essex.
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