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:
Application opening: January 16, 2025 – April 24, 2025
Application deadline: April 24, 2025
Notification date: July 22, 2025
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:
Application submission period:
March 19, 2025 – May 21, 2025
Application deadline:
May 21, 2025
Notification date:
August 14, 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:
Applications are open!
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
Get up to $2M* to help you counter the effects of tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S**. **Total loan commitment with BDC must be greater than 350K$.
If your business exports to the U.S. or is impacted by U.S. tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding them, BDC can help. Our pivot to grow loan can help boost your cash flow while your business adapts to a new trading landscape.
Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum requirements:
- Eligible profile: Minimum 25% of sales are derived from exports to the U.S. or demonstrate a significant likelihood of being adversely affected by US tariffs or the uncertainty they may create.
- Annual sales: $2M or more
- Cash flow: Positive
- Profits: Must demonstrate profitability
Community Futures Essex County offers loans to new and expanding businesses located in Essex County (excluding those located within the City of Windsor).
•Business loans are available up to a maximum of $150,000. Up to $300,000 if certain conditions are met
•Microloans up to $10,000 with simplified application process
•Customized financing options – Flexible repayment terms
•Open for partial or full repayment at any time – no penalty fees!
•Interest rates are based on traditional bank prime lending rates plus 2% to 5%
•Financing can be in partnership with other financial institutions when traditional financing is unavailable or insufficient.
•More flexible covenants than traditional financial institutions
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- For individuals aged 25 or older, the business should be new or have been established within the last three years, with combined individual and corporate revenue not exceeding $50,000
The Account Performance Security Guarantee (APSG) allows businesses to free up working capital by issuing letters of guarantee through their financial institution without the need for cash or collateral to secure the credit line. EDC provides a 100% risk transfer to the financial institution, enabling them to issue letters of guarantee with confidence, supporting the business’s operational and financial flexibility.
This program is available to small businesses or start-ups operating in Canada with gross annual revenues of $10 million or less. Farming businesses are not eligible; however, they may qualify for a similar program under the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program. Eligible borrowers can access financing up to a maximum of $1.15 million. This includes up to $1,000,000 in term loans, with a limit of $500,000 for purchasing or improving leasehold improvements, leased property, or new/used equipment. Within this amount, up to $150,000 can be allocated for intangible assets and working capital. Additionally, borrowers can access up to $150,000 through lines of credit.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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:
Applications are currently closed. Next application period will be announced Summer 2025.
The $200 million fund actively seeks startups with the potential to drive transformative change in global industries. Companies partnering with BDC Capital receive comprehensive support throughout their journey, including assistance with market access and involvement at every stage of their growth. Visit the website to review the eligibility requirements.
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 Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit is a 10% refundable Corporate Income Tax credit designed to support business investment, economic growth, and job creation in specific regions of Ontario that experienced lower employment growth between 2009 and 2019. This incentive encourages corporations to invest in constructing, renovating, or acquiring eligible commercial and industrial buildings in these designated areas.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be Canadian-controlled private corporations with a permanent establishment in Ontario at the time of making a qualifying investment
- Qualifying investments include expenditures exceeding $50,000 for constructing, renovating, or acquiring eligible commercial or industrial buildings located in designated regions
- The tax credit applies to investments in specific areas of Ontario identified as having lagged in employment growth during the specified period
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be Canadian corporations (either Canadian or foreign-owned) that develop eligible products at a permanent establishment in Ontario and file an Ontario tax return
- Interactive digital media products primarily intended to educate, inform, or entertain the user
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
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employers must be registered Canadian businesses or non-profit organizations. Certain entities, such as members of the House of Commons or Senate of Canada, organizations engaging in partisan political activities, and federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal governments, are not eligible.
For more information or to get started, visit the Diverse Tech Talent Program (DTTP) – Riipen page.
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
For Indigenous individuals considering starting or expanding a business, this toolkit is specifically designed to provide support. Whether residing on-reserve, in a small town, or in a large city, it offers business development resources, tools, and information to assist in launching and managing a successful business.
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) offers funding and support to Indigenous businesses and organizations to promote economic development in southern Ontario. This initiative aims to enhance the participation of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in the regional economy by providing guidance on available programs and services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- For Indigenous Businesses and Entrepreneurs:
- Located or expanding in southern Ontario
- For-profit entities incorporated in Canada or Ontario
- Minimum of 5 full-time employees
- At least 3 years of business operations
- Engaged in activities such as increasing production capacity, developing new products or services, accessing market development opportunities, or strengthening business management
- For Indigenous Not-for-Profit Organizations or Associations:
- Located in southern Ontario
- Provide services for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, such as access to capital, networking, mentoring, or specialized business support
- Enable participation in new or growing sectors
- Support a skilled workforce and technical or managerial capacity development
- Develop new tools, technology, products, services, or systems for Indigenous economic development
The Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) funds the development of community capital projects that contribute to a sustainable social base and support economic participation in Indigenous communities, both on and off reserve.
The program has funding for three project stages in the capital project process:
- Feasibility study completion
- Design completion
- Construction/renovation
Enrollment Period:
Applications have closed. A new application cycle may begin again, so check back later!
The New Relationship Fund (NRF) supports First Nations, Métis communities, and Indigenous organizations efforts to:
- build consultation and engagement capacity and expertise
- create jobs
- develop business partnerships
- improve economic opportunities
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 Scotiabank Women Initiative® Mentor Program, in partnership with The Forum, offers 1:1 mentorship to women entrepreneurs. This program connects early-stage and established entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders at no cost. The Forum, a Canadian charity, has provided mentorship for over 20 years, and this initiative now extends these opportunities to participants of the Scotiabank Women Initiative.
ELLA Express is an asynchronous program designed to support women entrepreneurs in the pre-revenue or early stages of their business journey. The program equips founders with essential tools, skills, and knowledge required to make informed decisions from the outset.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Women entrepreneurs who are about to launch or have recently launched their business
- Businesses located in Canada
- Open to change and willing to step out of their comfort zone
- Commitment to completing the six modules in the online course
Eligibility Requirements:
The program is open to women entrepreneurs involved in agriculture and food sectors who are seeking to start or grow their businesses. Specific eligibility criteria may apply for different components of the program. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact an FCC Relationship Manager to discuss their individual circumstances and determine the best financing options available.
The Boundless program provides significant support for women-founded scale-up entrepreneurs across Canada who are ready to grow their businesses. It offers a comprehensive approach through mentorship, project implementation, leadership coaching, and education.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be women-led, women-owned, nonbinary-led, or nonbinary-owned
- Incorporated in Canada
- Employ fewer than 500 staff
- Generate a minimum of $200,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR)
- Founder cannot be a consultant or solo entrepreneur operating a service or retail outlet focused solely on local sales or unwilling to scale beyond local markets
Enrolment Period:
Applications open and currently being accepted on an ongoing basis.
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.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be under 40 years of age
- A solid business plan is required to demonstrate the viability and potential success of the proposed venture
- The loan is intended for those looking to purchase shares in, buy, or improve an agricultural or food-related business
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be under 40 years of age
- A solid business plan is required to demonstrate the viability and potential success of the proposed venture
- The loan is intended for those looking to purchase shares in, buy, or improve an agricultural or food-related business
The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant provides one-time funding of up to $10,000 to eligible organizati ons to prevent or respond to hate-motivated incidents. The program aims to ensure that community spaces used for faith-based, cultural, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ activities, as well as Indigenous gatherings, remain safe and secure.
Enrolment Period:
Applications are currently closed. Applications will reopen for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Check back later!
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.
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 Boundless Accelerator™ launched Quantum Drive, an investment readiness program, in 2023 with an initial cohort of eight entrepreneurs. This privately funded initiative is designed to equip early-stage ventures with the knowledge and skills needed to advance to the next stage of growth. Check the website for eligibility requirements.
Enrolment Period:
Applications for Cohort 2 closed in March 2024. The program may run another cohort, so stay tuned!
The Boundless Accelerator™ Startup Program is tailored for innovative entrepreneurs and startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are seeking to accelerate their business towards generating revenue and securing investment.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have a scalable and truly innovative product or service
- Founders are required to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to the business
- The startup must be incorporated or in the process of incorporation
- Annual recurring revenue (ARR) must be under $1 million
- The company must be registered as an Ontario-headquartered business
- Founders cannot be consultants or solo entrepreneurs operating a service or retail outlet focused solely on local sales or unwilling to scale beyond local markets
The Small Business Centres (SBC) Ontario offers a comprehensive suite of free online e-learning sessions tailored for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. These mini-courses, developed by SBC Ontario’s expert business advisors, are accessible anytime and anywhere, providing flexibility for busy professionals.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program encompasses 30 lessons covering essential topics across business basics, start-up strategies, and growth planning
- Time-Efficient Learning: Each session is designed to be completed in 30 minutes or less, allowing entrepreneurs to efficiently integrate learning into their schedules
- Bilingual Accessibility: All sessions are available in both English and French, catering to a diverse audience
For more information and to start your learning journey, visit the Ontario Small Business E-Learning Sessions page.
The Ontario government offers Business Advisory Services to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their growth and development. These services are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by businesses with 10 to 500 employees, particularly those producing tradable goods and services across various sectors.
They support small and medium-sized businesses by:
- Assisting in identifying and securing funding opportunities
- Evaluating organizational strengths and areas for improvement
- Providing guidance on working with government entities
- Helping businesses understand and comply with government regulations
- Connecting businesses with other provincial ministries and levels of government
- Enabling networking with peers and industry stakeholders
- Linking businesses with local partners to find skilled staff and resources
- Facilitating discussions and referrals for programs focused on technology adoption and export readiness
The Growth Development Program (GDP), offered by the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s World Trade Centre Toronto, is a six-month initiative designed for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) founders and C-suite executives aiming to elevate their business success. The highlights of the program include, exclusive peer group, real-world insights, flexible learning, and expert guidance. The program is tailored for SME founders and C-suite executives committed to scaling their businesses and enhancing leadership capabilities.
The Liaison Officer Service, provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), offers free, personalized support to small business owners and self-employed individuals across Canada. This service aims to help taxpayers understand their tax obligations and improve their bookkeeping practices. By participating in the Liaison Officer Service, small business owners and self-employed individuals can proactively address their tax obligations, reduce the likelihood of errors, and enhance their overall financial management practices.
How to Access the Service:
- Request a Visit or Seminar: Interested individuals can request a personalized visit or organize a seminar/webinar by completing the Liaison Officer Service Request Form
- Receive Confirmation: A liaison officer will typically contact you within 10 business days to schedule the service. Due to high demand, response times may vary
The AC: Incubate program offers structured, milestone-based programming designed to provide everything entrepreneurs need to build a thriving business. Through the incubation program, participants can bring their aspirations to life alongside other passionate founders.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Companies must be incorporated in Canada or be prepared to incorporate within 30 days of joining the program
- Open to tech-driven companies across all sectors, including AI, MedTech, fintech, and other innovative fields
- Startups must be willing to fully participate in high-touch, high-impact programming designed to accelerate growth and deliver measurable results
Community Foundations of Canada website provides tools and materials to help community foundations maintain effective financial and administrative practices. It includes resources on topics like record-keeping, disbursement quotas, risk management, and transparency, supporting organizations in strengthening their operations and maximizing community impact.
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) funds agri-food research to support growth, resilience, and market expansion, emphasizing equity and inclusion. Jointly funded by Canada and Ontario, it addresses industry challenges under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub Description:
Enrollment Period:
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:
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:
Eligibility Requirements:
Eligibility Requirements:
Eligibility Requirements:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Businesses in need of strategic planning support
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:
Applications for the latest cohort are now closed. For updates on future cohorts and application periods, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the website.
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:
Our Winter 2025 cohorts are now full. Please check back in the summer, when applications will open again. In the meantime, follow our socials to learn about upcoming workshops and engagement opportunities and to keep up to date on all of our programs and supports.
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.
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:
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.
Source WindsorEssex is a regional database connecting you to businesses across key sectors to find suppliers, explore regional capabilities and collaborate on innovative projects.
Strengthen your business through trade optimization.
Assessing your financial health and planning for resilience is crucial in today’s fast-changing economy. We can help you navigate changing trade policies and rising costs while protecting your business’s profits. By staying proactive, you can safeguard your business for the future.
BDC helps you:
- Audit your current state: Identify trade vulnerabilities by understanding the economic and business landscape.
- Dive deeper into specific business functions: Plan for resilience in either finances, operational efficiency and supply chain, or through market diversification.
- Lay the groundwork: Develop a roadmap with key findings and immediate actions to take.
EDC’s Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee (FXG) can cover your collateral requirements on foreign exchange (FX) contracts, helping you manage fluctuating currency rates without tying up your cash.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a registered Canadian company that meets our definition of an exporter.
- Have a business banking relationship with a Canadian financial institution.
- Meet certain environmental, social and governance standards and other non-financial criteria.
- Have (or be considering) an FX contract or other hedging instrument with your financial institution.
The EDC Trade Impact Program will facilitate an additional $5 billion over two years in support for eligible companies across a range of products to help you navigate economic challenges.
Protect your business against the risk of non-payment and unlock working capital.
Eligibility Requirements:
EDC offers trade credit insurance solutions for Canadian exporters of all sizes. Our definition of an exporter is broad, and you may qualify if you:
- sell a good and/or service to customers outside Canada;
- create a good and/or service that forms part of an international supply chain; or
- have a plan to export in the future.
Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements:
- be established in Canada
- be for-profit
- be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative
- have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
- have between 1 and 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers)
The Global Bid Opportunity Finder (GBOF), developed by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), is an online platform designed to assist Canadian businesses in identifying and accessing international public sector procurement opportunities.
The Market Activation Program (MAP), offered by the Toronto Region Board of Trade’s World Trade Centre Toronto, is a comprehensive initiative designed to assist companies in entering and establishing a presence in key international markets.
Phases of MAP:
- Market Education: Participants gain an understanding of the target market, identify new opportunities, and develop strategies to capitalize on them
- Activation Workshops: Interactive sessions guide companies through the preparation process for market entry, covering aspects such as logistics, financing, sales, and business etiquette
- In-Market Business Development: Companies engage directly with the target market through curated business-to-business programming, networking opportunities, and participation in trade shows, either virtually, in person, or both
MAP is designed for companies seeking to expand their operations into international markets. While specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the trade mission, the program generally targets businesses that are ready to explore and establish a presence in new markets.
EDC offers step-by-step guidance by partnering with international project sponsors to advise, arrange, and underwrite financing for large-scale projects. With one of Canada’s most experienced internationally-focused project finance teams, EDC provides tailored support for limited recourse financing of long-term, capital-intensive projects.
EDC provides financing to Canadian exporters to support their global expansion plans, helping them increase trade capacity and execute strategic international growth initiatives. These services address market gaps left by traditional financing lenders.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be for-profit organizations, including partnerships, corporations, co-operatives, or communes
- Indigenous applicants may include First Nation, Métis, or Inuit individuals or for-profit organizations
- Must operate in the agriculture, agri-food, agri-products, or fish and seafood industry
- Must be directly involved in growing, harvesting, processing, or transforming products.
Projects must aim to meet initial market-specific certification requirements (renewals not eligible) - Must have up to 500 full-time equivalent employees
- Annual revenues must not exceed $100 million
- Must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements
Enrollment Period:
Intake period: Closed
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be for-profit organizations, including partnerships, corporations, co-operatives, or communes
- Indigenous applicants may include First Nation, Métis, or Inuit individuals or for-profit organizations
- Must operate in the agriculture, agri-food, agri-products, or fish and seafood industry
- Must be directly involved in growing, harvesting, processing, or transforming products
Projects must aim to meet initial market-specific certification requirements (renewals not eligible) - Must have up to 500 full-time equivalent employees
- Annual revenues must not exceed $100 million
- Must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements
Enrollment Period:
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
Community Foundations of Canada website offers a comprehensive introduction to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of community foundation engagement and philanthropy. It provides practical examples of SDG-based initiatives undertaken by local community foundations, along with actionable steps for aligning foundation activities with the SDGs. Resources include fact sheets on specific goals, webinars, and toolkits designed to help organizations integrate the SDGs into their planning, granting, and community engagement efforts.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be current FCC customers with active lending agreements
- Each partner program has its own set of sustainability criteria and certification processes. Participants must meet the specific requirements of the program they choose to engage with
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) supports strategic investments aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Ontario’s forest sector. The program focuses on:
- Enhancing competitiveness
- Supporting new market access
- Providing benefits to the broader forest sector
- Strengthening regional economies
Eligibility Requirements:
- To qualify, projects must be Ontario-based and align with one of the two funding categories. Collaborative projects require a partnership between businesses and other stakeholders to foster innovation and diversification.
Enrollment Period:
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and evaluated in competitive rounds.
Round 23
Stage I: June 20, 2025
Stage II: July 28, 2025
Round 24
Stage I: September 19, 2025
Stage II: October 27, 2025
Round 25
Stage I: December 19, 2025
Stage II: January 28, 2026
Round 26
Stage I: March 20, 2026
Stage II: April 28, 2026
Round 27
Stage I: June 19, 2026
Stage II: July 27, 2026
Round 28
Stage I: September 18, 2026
Stage II: October 26, 2026
Round 29
Stage I: December 18, 2026
Stage II: January 27, 2027
Round 30
Stage I: March 19, 2027
Stage II: April 27, 2027
Eligibility Requirements:
- Exporting products, services, or technologies and seeking to diversify their export markets, or exploring the possibility of international expansion
- Generating more than $500,000 in annual revenue or having $1,000,000 paid in capital
- Operating for at least two years and registered in Canada
Eligibility Requirements:
- Exporting a product, service, or technology and aiming to diversify their export market or exploring international expansion
- Generating more than $500,000 in annual revenue
- Operating for at least two years
The Site Readiness Program is an initiative by the Ontario government aimed at enhancing the investment appeal of industrial properties. By providing financial assistance, the program supports property owners in preparing their sites to attract potential buyers and investors. The program offers partial reimbursement to property owners who complete a designated work plan for their eligible industrial properties. The work plan includes tasks essential for site selection decisions by companies seeking new locations in Ontario. Upon completion, participants may receive reimbursement of 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $25,000 per site.
To qualify for the program, the following minimum requirements must be met:
- Site Ownership: Applicants must be the registered owners of the site. If the site comprises multiple lots, all must have the same registered owner
- Official Plan and Zoning: The site must be designated for employment or industrial development in an in-effect official plan and zoned to permit a wide range of industrial uses
- Vacancy: The site must be vacant, with no existing buildings or structures
- Public Road Access: The site must have existing frontage and access from a public right-of-way
- Minimum Property Size: The site must consist of at least five acres (approximately two hectares) of vacant, contiguous net developable area
- Commitment to Availability: Applicants must agree to make the site available for sale or lease for at least one year following the program’s completion, unless sold
- Servicing Requirements: At the time of acceptance into the program, the site must have at least two of the following services at the lot line or within 500 meters:
- Municipal water
- Municipal wastewater
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Telecommunications
- Supporting documentation confirming service locations is required
The Investment Ready: Certified Site Program is an Ontario government initiative designed to assist industrial property owners in preparing their sites for development and attracting investment. Achieving this certification signals to potential investors that a property is primed for development, having met specific criteria and undergone necessary due diligence.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the program, properties must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Zoning and Official Plan: The property must be designated for industrial uses in the approved municipal Official Plan and zoned within the municipality’s comprehensive Zoning By-Law to permit a wide range of industrial uses
- Property Size:
- Outside Business or Industrial Parks: A minimum of 4 hectares (10 acres) of contiguous developable area
- Within Business or Industrial Parks: A minimum cumulative total of 10 acres of developable area, which can represent an individual lot or a grouping of multiple lots
- Ownership: The program is open to public and privately owned properties. Each application must have the same registered owner on title. Property owners must be willing to enter into a contract with the province to participate in the site certification program
- Access and Services:
- Existing public road access or accessibility by public road by the completion of certification
- Serviced by municipal water and wastewater at or adjacent to the lot line, or serviceable by the certification date
- Where available, serviced or serviceable by natural gas
- Development Constraints: The property must be free from significant development constraints, such as restrictions on title, identified flood zones, or the presence of provincially significant natural heritage features
- Availability: The property must be available for sale for a period of 4 years following the date of certification, unless the site is sold
The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is a $200 million capital funding initiative aimed at enhancing access to sport and recreation facilities across Ontario. The program supports both the revitalization of existing infrastructure and the development of new, transformative facilities.
Stream 2: New Builds/Signature New Builds
- Provides funding of up to $10 million per project
- Supports the construction of new sport and recreation infrastructure or the replacement of existing facilities that have reached the end of their lifespan
- Aims to introduce transformative, community-enhancing facilities that currently do not exist in a region
Eligibility Requirements:
- Municipalities
- Local Services Boards
- Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Indigenous Communities and Organizations
- For-Profit Organizations (Stream 2 only)
Enrollment Period:
Ongoing for Stream 2 applications until all funding is allocated.
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.
Ontario’s one-stop source to business information, tailored investment solutions and valuable connections for investors looking to establish or expand their business in Ontario.
For more information, visit: https://www.investinontario.com/investment-services.
Contact:
info@investinOntario.com
1-800-819-8701
Our Innovation Advisors are located across Canada. They provide free, one-on-one assistance and use their industry experience and knowledge to help guide clients to the most appropriate innovation programs and services.
Innovation Advisors are entrepreneurs just like you! They have extensive networks, experience and expertise in a wide range of industrial sectors and plenty of success stories under their belts. They are familiar with the Innovation support eco-system in Canada because as executives and business owners, they have used many of the support programs that can help you too. Want to grow? Get in touch!
If you’re incorporated and creating a new innovative product, process or service, an innovation advisor can help you find funding, expertise, facilities and global opportunities.
For more information, visit: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/080.nsf/eng/h_00010.html.
Contact:
Rawl Banton
Innovation Advisor
Rawl.Banton@Canada.ca
(226) 821-2177
FedDev Ontario works actively to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region.
For more information visit: https://feddev-ontario.canada.ca/
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.
Community Foundations of Canada website offers a curated selection of materials to assist community foundations in establishing effective governance structures and policies. These resources cover topics such as board recruitment best practices, executive director succession planning, and building inclusive teams and boards.
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).
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
The Achievement Incentive is a grant program designed to help employers train apprentices by offsetting some of the costs associated with training. It encourages apprentice progression by providing grant payments to employers when apprentices reach key training and certification milestones. Eligible employers can receive up to $17,000 as their apprentices achieve these milestones. Please check the program’s website for eligibility requirements.
Employers can benefit from hiring apprentices by gaining skilled workers while supporting their training. Information is available on how to hire an apprentice and the advantages it offers to employers.
Identifying, preventing, and removing barriers for people with disabilities helps create an inclusive Ontario that benefits everyone, whether they are pushing a stroller, making a delivery, or using a walker or wheelchair. Businesses that provide a welcoming environment and easy access to products and services are more likely to attract customers with disabilities.
People with disabilities and older adults represent a significant and growing consumer base. In Ontario, there are 2.6 million people with disabilities, with over 40% of this group being over the age of 65. As the population continues to age, these numbers will increase.
By removing barriers to access, businesses can attract more customers and employees, contributing to an Ontario that is open for business and jobs for all.
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities is a Canadian government initiative aimed at enhancing the economic participation and independence of individuals with disabilities. The program provides funding to organizations that deliver a variety of services, including:
- Pre-employment and employability supports
- Job search assistance
- Work experience placements
- Self-employment support
- Wage subsidies
- Skills development
- Career advancement services
- Employer engagement and awareness initiatives
Eligibility Requirements:
Organizations eligible to apply for funding include:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations (for non-commercial activities)
- Municipal governments
- Educational institutions
- Indigenous organizations
- Provincial and territorial governments (with ministerial approval)
Whether employers are seeking to hire individuals with disabilities or individuals with disabilities are looking for job support, they’ve come to the right place.
There are three main types of organizations that provide employment-related services:
- 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.
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
The GO Talent Program by ICTC connects Canadian employers with internationally educated professionals (IEPs) who have ICT backgrounds and are preparing to arrive in Canada as Permanent Residents. In response to the growing demand for skilled ICT professionals, the program offers employers access to a diverse talent pool of pre-screened candidates. Through GO Talent, employers can post job opportunities and connect with thousands of qualified IEPs, helping to address workforce shortages and support their recruitment needs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- For Employers:
- Must be a Canadian organization seeking to fill ICT positions
- Willing to engage with internationally educated professionals
- For Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs):
- Currently residing outside of Canada
- Received a government pre-arrival services invitation letter or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Approved for Permanent Resident status in Canada
- Possess mid- to senior-level ICT experience
Enrolment Period:
The GO Talent Program is ongoing, with services available from January 2019 to March 2025. Eligible participants can register at any time during this period.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) enables Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This program facilitates the hiring process for positions that provide significant cultural or economic benefits to Canada or support reciprocal employment agreements.
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.
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).
The Gearing Up program, managed by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), is Canada’s student work placement initiative tailored for the mining sector. It offers wage subsidies of up to $7,000 to employers who provide work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities, such as co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects. These placements aim to align post-secondary students’ skills with industry requirements, enhancing their prospects for employment within the mining field.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be Canadian-owned, a Canadian subsidiary, or a non-profit organization.
- The student must be employed directly by the organization for the duration of the placement
Enrolment Period:
The Gearing Up program is now accepting applications for 2025.
The Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) program, administered by ECO Canada, offers wage subsidies to employers in the natural resources sector to hire young professionals aged 15 to 30. This initiative aims to provide youth with valuable work experience and skills training in fields such as energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences, and clean technology
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employers:
- Must be Canadian-owned or a Canadian subsidiary
- Provide a full-time work placement and training opportunities in an environmental role
- Participants:
- Aged 15 to 30 years
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals with refugee status in Canada
Enrolment Period:
Applications are open.
The Career Ready Program, administered by TECHNATION, is part of the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). It offers wage subsidies to employers who provide meaningful, tech-focused work placements for post-secondary students. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience, fostering the development of future tech talent in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employees:
- Must be a registered Canadian business or non-profit organization
- Cannot be a post-secondary institution, large financial sector employer, or any federal, provincial, or municipal government entity
- Must have the financial capacity to hire a student for a work term, provide consistent payment, and offer a meaningful work experience
- Students:
- Must be registered in an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status
- International students are not eligible for this program
Enrolment Period:
Applications for the Summer 2025 program are open, and are accepted on a rolling basis until August 31, 2025. However the sooner you apply the better, as funding can become limited.
The Level UP program, powered by Riipen, offers Canadian employers a unique opportunity to engage with post-secondary students through short-term, paid, remote projects. This initiative, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives program, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing practical experience to students and valuable contributions to employers.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Students: Must be currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee protection, and be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Employers: Must be registered Canadian businesses or non-profit organizations
For more information or to get started, visit the Level UP program page.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employers must be registered Canadian businesses or non-profit organizations based in Ontario, including for-profit or not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, hospitals, or foundations. Organizations must be available to work with Ontario students during set cohort dates
For more information or to get started, visit the Advance Ontario for Employers page.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employers must be registered Canadian businesses or non-profit organizations. Certain entities, such as elected officials, organizations engaging in partisan political activities, and federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal governments, are not eligible
For more information or to get started, visit the ICT Ignite Plus for Employers page.
Enrolment Period:
Program is currently closed for applications. Check back later for future openings!
The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) is a Canadian government initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical work experience for post-secondary students. By fostering partnerships between employers and educational institutions, the program aims to create quality work-integrated learning opportunities across various disciplines.
Employers can hire young workers through programs such as Employment Service, Youth Job Connection, or Youth Job Connection Summer. These programs offer valuable benefits to employers, including access to new financial incentives specifically designed for small businesses.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be licensed to operate in Ontario
- Comply with all workplace, human rights, and labour legislation
- Have workplace safety and liability insurance
- Offer job opportunities that take place in Ontario
The Talent Opportunities Program (TOP), an initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), supports employers across Canada in hiring college and university students for work-integrated learning (WIL) placements. The program connects employers, students, post-secondary institutions, and chambers of commerce nationwide to create high-quality WIL opportunities. WIL encompasses activities that blend education with practical workplace experience, including co-operative education and internships.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a registered Canadian business or not-for-profit organization (some exclusions apply)
- Provide a quality work-integrated learning (WIL) experience for post-secondary students
- Fully pay the student for the duration of the placement (wage subsidy provided after submitting required documentation, including pay stubs)
- Comply with all relevant human rights, labour, occupational health and safety, and employment standards legislation
- Maintain workplace insurance coverage (e.g., WSIB or alternate workplace insurance)
- Ensure placements are not subsidized by another federal funding program
Enrolment Period:
The application portal is open for the Summer 2025 term (May – August 2025).
The Youth Job Connection (YJC) program, offered by the Ontario government, provides comprehensive support to young individuals aged 15 to 29 who face multiple and complex barriers to employment. The program aims to enhance job readiness and facilitate meaningful employment opportunities through a range of services.
Key Components of YJC:
- Paid Pre-Employment Training: Participants receive training designed to improve job readiness, covering essential skills and workplace expectations
- Job Matching and Paid Placements: The program assists in matching participants with suitable job opportunities and provides paid placements to gain practical work experience
- Mentorship Services: Access to mentors offers guidance, support, and insights into career development and workplace integration
- Education and Work Transition Support: Services are available to help participants transition smoothly between educational pursuits and employment
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.
The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) was introduced to help employers attract top talent quickly and efficiently. This strategy offers faster application processing times, work permit exemptions, and enhanced customer service to streamline the hiring of highly skilled workers. Employers can visit the website to review the eligibility criteria.
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:
- Employers can receive up to $10,000 in government support per person for training costs
- Training must be delivered by an eligible third-party trainer
- Employers with 100 or more employees must contribute half of the training costs
- Small employers with fewer than 100 employees must contribute one-sixth of the training costs
- Most organizations acting as intermediaries are eligible for administrative funding equal to 15% of the government contribution
The Achievement Incentive is a grant program designed to help employers train apprentices by offsetting some of the costs associated with training. It encourages apprentice progression by providing grant payments to employers when apprentices reach key training and certification milestones. Eligible employers can receive up to $17,000 as their apprentices achieve these milestones. Please check the program’s website for eligibility requirements.
SalesCamp is a 6-week, hands-on, live, and online program designed to equip professionals with the practical skills needed for success in B2B tech sales. Targeted at individuals with prior work experience in other industries, the program supports those seeking a dedicated career transition. It is particularly beneficial for mid-career professionals, individuals aiming to enter the tech industry, newcomers to Canada, and those returning to the workforce.
Participants will develop the mindset and techniques essential for thriving in a tech sales environment and gain access to a broad network of Canadian employers, enhancing their prospects for long-term career success.
For more information on eligibility criteria and updated enrollment periods, please visit the website
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.
The course offers a practical introduction to common types of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to safeguard against workplace hazards such as chemicals, noise, and mechanical injury. It covers the basics of PPE, including safe usage tips, PPE programs, limitations, and legal responsibilities. The course does not address specialized PPE for emergency responders, protection against biohazards, fall protection equipment, or supplied-air respirators. It includes additional resources, printable lists, and detailed visuals to enhance understanding. Quizzes and an exam are provided to assess learning outcomes.
The Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) offers Ontario employers expert, free, and confidential advice, representation, and education on workers’ compensation matters under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, as well as on unjust reprisal issues under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
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.
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
Canada’s manufacturing sector, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is experiencing a critical skills shortage and an anticipated wave of retirements, necessitating a 20-30% increase in skilled workers. Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) aims to tackle this challenge through its Manufacturing Essentials Certification (MEC) program, designed to train and upskill workers for key roles.
The program requires employer investment, integrates practical workplace experience, and focuses on essential skills, advanced manufacturing techniques, and leadership development for Production Workers, Maintenance Workers, and Supervisors. This initiative seeks to bridge the industry’s skills gap and prepare the workforce for future demands.
For more information on eligibility criteria and updated enrollment periods, please visit the website.
The Youth Job Connection program offers participants 60 hours of paid skills training and pre-employment workshops, followed by a job placement lasting up to six months. The program also provides mentorship, job coaching, and support to help participants transition from school to work or secure ongoing employment after completing the program. Check the website for eligibility requirements and application process.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employers must be registered Canadian businesses or non-profit organizations. Certain entities, such as members of the House of Commons or Senate of Canada, organizations engaging in partisan political activities, and federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal governments, are not eligible.
For more information or to get started, visit the ECO Canada | Employers page.
Enrolment Period:
Program is currently closed for applications. Check back later for future openings!
BioTalent Canada’s Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program enhances organizational capacity to drive digital innovation and strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in the knowledge economy. The program provides underemployed post-secondary graduates with opportunities to develop and refine their digital and soft skills through work and training experiences.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a Canadian bio-economy employer providing digital internships* with skills development training**
- Mentoring and support
- Be a small- to medium-sized organization – under 500 employees
Visit the Website to Learn More!
The Ontario Labour Market Partnerships program offers financial assistance to local communities, sector groups, employee and employer associations, and individual employers. The program supports the development and implementation of strategies to address local economic development, labour force adjustments, and human resource planning. It is administered by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in Ontario.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers may need to obtain before hiring a temporary foreign worker. A positive LMIA indicates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Workforce Planning Boards collect data on local labour supply and demand by collaborating with employers to identify and address current and emerging skills needs. Their primary role is to enhance understanding of labour market issues and coordinate community responses to address these needs effectively.
The Job Bank’s Labour Market Information (LMI) section offers comprehensive data and analyses to assist individuals and businesses in making informed employment decisions.
Key Features:
- Occupation Profiles: Detailed information on various occupations, including typical duties, required skills, education, and job prospects
- Wage Reports: Comparative wage data across different regions and occupations to aid in salary negotiations and understanding regional pay scales
- Employment Outlooks: Projections on job prospects over the next three years, helping users assess future demand in specific fields
- Sectoral Profiles: Insights into the challenges and opportunities within key industries, including recent developments and future outlooks
- Job Market Snapshots: Monthly summaries of labour market conditions by province or territory, highlighting employment trends and key statistics
These resources are invaluable for job seekers, employers, and policymakers aiming to understand and navigate the Canadian labour market effectively.
The Ontario government’s labour market information portal offers valuable resources to assist individuals and organizations in making informed career, education, training, and employment decisions.
Key Features:
- Regional Labour Market Insights: Access information on current and projected job demands across Ontario’s regions, helping you understand local employment trends
- Comprehensive Job Profiles: Explore detailed profiles for over 500 occupations, including job descriptions, five-year outlooks, employment numbers, educational requirements, average incomes, and industries employing these roles
- Career Quiz: Identify your strengths and receive personalized job suggestions through a simple quiz, aiding in career planning.
- Labour Market Reports: Stay updated with monthly reports featuring provincial unemployment rates, employment changes by occupation, and city-specific data
These tools are designed to support your career planning and workforce development efforts by providing up-to-date and region-specific labour market information.
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.
Marketing and Communication resources offer businesses essential tools to strengthen their brand presence and connect meaningfully with their target audience. By utilizing customized digital marketing strategies, engaging actively on social media, and developing a cohesive brand identity, these resources enable businesses to establish a recognizable brand, build customer loyalty, and maintain a consistent, impactful presence across various platforms.
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.
Community Foundations of Canada website offers a curated selection of tools and materials to help community foundations enhance their communication strategies and marketing efforts. These resources cover topics such as developing key messages, creating brand guidelines, storytelling techniques, and crafting effective communications strategies.
The Compliance Best Practices Guides webpage from the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) provides essential resources to assist organizations in navigating marketing compliance. It includes guides on privacy laws, advertising standards, and ethical practices, offering marketers practical insights to develop responsible strategies and foster consumer trust.
Canada Post provides tools to help businesses streamline operations and improve customer experience. Automatic Tracking keeps customers updated and reduces inquiries, while Address Complete ensures accurate address entry to prevent delivery errors and minimize costs. Display Rates and Delivery Dates offers real-time shipping options to manage customer expectations. These features enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and give businesses a competitive edge in e-commerce by providing a seamless, transparent shopping experience.
Canada Post offers the Solutions for Small Business program, providing a range of shipping discounts and tools tailored to support small businesses in Canada.
TELUS offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of small businesses. Their solutions encompass mobility, internet, phone systems, security, and bundled packages designed to enhance operational efficiency and connectivity.
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
The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) supports Ontario’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital transformation. Through training, technology adoption support, and connections with Ontario tech providers, DCC helps businesses enhance digital literacy, integrate new technologies, and commercialize Ontario-made solutions. Led by Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI), this initiative empowers SMEs to innovate, grow, and stay competitive in a digital economy.
Canada Media Fund (CMF) website provides an overview of the various funding initiatives available to support Canada’s screen industry. It details programs categorized under Ideation, Creation, Industry, International, and Sector Development, each designed to foster content development, production, and distribution across multiple platforms.
The Innovation and Competitive Advantage resources provide businesses with vital support to drive industry-leading advancements and maintain a competitive edge. By facilitating access to research and development opportunities, offering grants and loans for innovation, promoting the adoption of new technologies and processes, and supporting commercialization efforts, these resources enable businesses to achieve sustainable growth and successfully introduce innovative products and services to the market.
The internship program facilitates research collaborations with funding opportunities, offering flexible durations starting at four months. Interns receive stipends beginning at $10,000 for each four-month term. For longer-term projects, the Fellowship option provides additional support for master’s and PhD students.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible applicants include students, postdocs, and recent graduates
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or international students at
- Mitacs partner institutions
- Must be 18 years or older
- Applicants must not have been previously employed by the partner organization
Mitacs Accelerate International supports research collaborations between students, postdoctoral fellows, and industry partners worldwide. Funding begins at $15,000, with a minimum partner contribution of $7,500. Please check the program’s website for eligibility requirements..
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) offers partnership grants that enable Canadian and international businesses to collaborate with researchers in the social sciences and humanities. These partnerships aim to drive innovation and business success by leveraging unique information, skills, and talent.
How to Establish a Partnership:
- Identify Research Needs: Determine the research questions or talent gaps where social sciences and humanities research could provide assistance
- Find Potential Partners: Utilize SSHRC’s awards search engine or contact university and college research offices to identify suitable participants and partners
- Initiate Discussions: Meet with potential participants and partners to discuss the scope and objectives of the partnership
- Develop and Submit Application: Collaborate with your team and partners to develop a grant application, which must be submitted by a project director affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution
- Grant Award: After a competitive review process, successful partnerships may receive a grant to support their collaborative research initiatives
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) offers Challenge Programs designed to address pressing national priorities through collaborative research and development (R&D). These programs unite NRC researchers with partners from the private sector, academia, and other research organizations, both within Canada and internationally, to pursue transformative, high-risk, high-reward research initiatives.
Key Features:
- Collaborative Approach: By fostering partnerships across various sectors, the Challenge Programs aim to leverage diverse expertise and resources to tackle complex challenges
- Mission-Oriented Research: Each program focuses on specific societal, environmental, or economic issues, ensuring that research efforts are aligned with national priorities
- Funding Support: The Government of Canada has allocated $150 million over five years, with $30 million per year ongoing, to support these initiatives. An additional $15 million is dedicated to addressing R&D needs related to COVID-19
Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters program, administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), fosters collaboration among businesses, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to drive innovation and economic growth.
The program focuses on five key sectors:
- Digital Technology: Advancing digital solutions to enhance productivity and address societal challenges
- Protein Industries: Developing plant-based proteins and sustainable food production methods
- Advanced Manufacturing: Implementing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness
- Scale AI: Utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize supply chains and logistics
- Ocean: Innovating in ocean-related industries to promote sustainable economic development
The Artificial Intelligence for Design (AI for Design) Challenge Program, spearheaded by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), aims to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation by developing advanced AI technologies and capabilities. This initiative focuses on creating algorithms, methods, and datasets to assist engineers, researchers, and scientists in the design and discovery processes.
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).
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)
As the Government of Canada’s largest research organization, the National Research Council of Canada is a key connector for Canadian innovators seeking access and engagement opportunities beyond Canada’s borders.
Our work engaging with innovators in more than 45 countries leads to ongoing invitations to participate in international partnering opportunities and global events aimed at stimulating R&D and innovation in technology areas of mutual interest.
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
The R&D Partnership Fund – Electric Vehicle (EV) – Stream 1 Program supports the development, testing, validation, and demonstration of electric vehicle (EV) technologies and battery manufacturing innovations. It focuses on priority areas including mass light vehicles such as cars, trucks, and vans; heavy-duty vehicles used for goods movement, including trucks, buses, and RVs; charging infrastructure to support EV adoption; Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for improved transportation efficiency; and transit-supportive systems and vehicles to enhance public transit. The program offers co-investment funding of up to $100,000.
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
This program supports scale-up of high-growth, innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in rural and urban communities by offering loans of $150,000 to $500,000 (additional funding available on an exception basis). SOFII provides interest-bearing business loans to help innovation and growth in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible applicants are private sector innovative SMEs located in South Eastern Ontario who are engaged in projects that will result in the adaptation and adoption of new technologies, projects, processes or markets
- Employ 50 to 500 employees, or identify that there is a strong likelihood that they will reach 50 employees within a three-year period
- Be unable to obtain adequate and reasonable financing from other lending sources
- Operate in Southern Ontario
- Demonstrate job creation/retention for Southern Ontario residents
- Be suitable for public funding
- Establish a reasonable expectation of economic viability
- Demonstrate the ability to repay funds advanced by Community Futures Eastern Ontario
- Have secured the required matching funding through private investment, financial or equity partnerships or working capital.
- Provide evidence of their ability or experience to operate the business
- Generating revenue
Regional Innovation Centres support Ontario’s entrepreneurs and innovators in navigating the challenges of developing marketable ideas and attracting talent, capital, and customers to succeed in international markets. They provide programming and services to clients, typically early-stage or growing innovation and technology companies, with the potential for global expansion and success.
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)
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Ontario’s universities are committed to supporting the commercialization framework through a set of shared principles and diverse research, innovation, and commercialization activities across their campuses.
Each university’s statement highlights its unique strengths, showcasing a variety of intellectual property ownership and licensing policies tailored to their specific needs. These policies help inform multiple pathways for commercialization.
University-led research and innovation will continue to play a pivotal role in driving Ontario’s growth and prosperity. By strengthening industries, businesses, and communities, universities contribute to the development of Ontario-made innovations that benefit residents across the province.
The Testing Stream of Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) enables government departments and agencies to test and evaluate pre-commercial innovations from Canadian businesses in real-world settings. This collaboration aims to refine innovations before they enter the marketplace, enhancing government operations and supporting Canadian innovators.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Direct Testing: Eligible federal organizations listed in Schedules I, I.1, and II of the Financial Administration Act can participate directly in testing
- Third-Party Testing: Provincial, municipal, healthcare, Indigenous organizations, or academic institutions can engage in third-party testing, collaborating with a federal testing department
By participating in the Testing Stream, government departments can access cutting-edge innovations, contribute to the development of Canadian technologies, and enhance their operational capabilities.
The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) is an initiative by the Ontario government aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the province’s automotive supply chain. By partnering with small and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers, O-AMP supports the adoption of advanced technologies and lean manufacturing processes to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
Eligible businesses can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $150,000 per project. Applicants are required to cover the remaining costs through internal resources or external financing.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be for-profit entities with a valid business number
- Have fewer than 500 employees in Ontario
- Generate less than $1 billion in global revenues
- Possess at least two consecutive years of financial statements
- Derive at least 50% of total sales revenue from the automotive supply sector
- Maintain a manufacturing location in Ontario by the project start date
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In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying competitive and embracing innovation are essential. The organization recognizes the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the growing importance of robust cybersecurity. Their new program is designed to provide businesses with the solutions, tools, and guidance necessary to succeed in the digital age.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) oversees the administration of patent rights in Canada, granting inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for up to 20 years from the filing date. A patent provides legal protection, allowing inventors to prevent others from making, using, or selling their invention without permission. To be patentable in Canada, an invention must be new, useful, and inventive.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) oversees the registration and protection of trademarks in Canada. A trademark is a sign or combination of signs used to distinguish the goods or services of one person or organization from those of others.
Types of Trademarks:
- Ordinary Marks: These include words, designs, tastes, textures, moving images, modes of packaging, holograms, sounds, scents, three-dimensional shapes, colors, or a combination thereof used to distinguish goods or services
- Certification Marks: These are licensed to multiple people or companies to identify that certain goods or services meet a defined standard
Key Aspects of Copyright in Canada:
- Automatic Protection: In Canada, original works are automatically protected by copyright upon their creation, without the need for formal registration.
- Registration Benefits: While not mandatory, registering your copyright with CIPO offers a certificate of registration, which serves as evidence of ownership and can be beneficial in legal proceedings.
- Term of Protection: As of December 30, 2022, the general term of copyright protection in Canada extends to 70 years after the author’s death
Networking Opportunities give businesses the chance to connect, collaborate, and expand their reach. By engaging in industry gatherings, partnerships, and mentorship networks, companies can build relationships that drive growth, inspire innovation, and open doors to new markets and resources.
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.
The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce’s events page provides a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events, including networking opportunities, seminars, and community gatherings. Users can filter events by category and date to find those that align with their interests. Each event listing includes details such as date, time, location, and registration information, facilitating easy participation for members and the broader community. This resource serves as a central hub for staying informed about business and community events in the Windsor-Essex region.
The Events webpage of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) highlights a range of upcoming events, such as conferences, webinars, and networking opportunities. It is designed to connect marketing professionals while offering insights into industry trends, best practices, and compliance. Through these events, participants can deepen their knowledge, engage with industry experts, and grow their professional networks.
Eventbrite offers a variety of business events in Windsor, Canada, catering to startups and small businesses. These events provide opportunities for networking, learning, and growth. For a comprehensive list of events and to register, visit Eventbrite’s Windsor Business Events page.
The Small Business Centres (SBC) Ontario offers a variety of events designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. These events cover topics such as financial management, intellectual property, and health and safety regulations. For a complete list of events and registration details, please visit the SBC Ontario Events page.
The Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) offers a variety of events designed to provide value to its members and the broader industry. These events include plant tours, networking dinners, and award sponsorships, all aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the tooling and machining community. For more details on these events, please visit the CTMA Upcoming Events page.
The Events webpage of the Leamington Chamber of Commerce highlights a range of upcoming events, such as conferences, webinars, and networking opportunities. It is designed to connect business professionals while offering industry insights or opportunities for professional development. Through these events, participants can deepen their knowledge, engage with industry experts, and grow their professional networks.
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.