WEsearch: Funding and Services for Businesses
WEsearch simplifies the task of researching programs and services so employers and entrepreneurs can focus on what matters most – growing their business. This user-friendly and free-to-use tool provides streamlined access to the information and support necessary for businesses to thrive, all in one centralized platform.
The Funding and Financial Support section of the website features a diverse range of financial programs designed to support both new and established businesses. It emphasizes opportunities for marginalized communities and outlines various funding options available. This section is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by providing essential resources to help them secure funding, accelerate growth, and drive meaningful change within their communities.
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, OCE supports early-stage companies raising pre-seed and seed investments (with total round sizes ranging from $500,000 to $2 million). Market Readiness is a competitive co-investment fund. With more than 300 companies considered for funding each year, OCE completes 30-40 investments annually.
Eligibility Requirements:
- One or two team members from the business’s leadership team must be available to participate in the program
- The applicant must be an early-stage business or a Small to Medium Enterprise (1-499 employees), headquartered in Southern Ontario (regions outlined in Appendix A)
- The business must be incorporated (either in Ontario or federally)
- The business owner/founder must be working in the business full-time
- The business must have a scalable product or service
- At least one team member must be available to participate in an online program with the University of Guelph during the project timeframe
Enrollment Period:
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) by FedDev Ontario supports Francophone communities in Southern Ontario by funding projects focused on economic diversification, business growth, and innovation. It provides non-repayable contributions to bilingual non-profits, helping them strengthen services, adopt new technologies, and expand into new markets.
Business Development Grant program provides financial incentive to stimulate new investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying Windsor’s economy. The program will also apply to projects that demonstrate a major investment resulting in a significant positive impact on the local economy and workforce.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Projects must create at least 50 new jobs within the manufacturing sector
- Alternatively, they must generate more than 20 new jobs in other targeted sectors
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream offers financial support to advanced manufacturing companies, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises in Ontario. It provides investments in capital equipment, technology adoption, and skills development. Available support includes funding and complementary services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have at least three years of operations or financial statements
- Must employ at least 10 people
- Must commit to creating at least five new jobs or upskilling current jobs
- Must invest at least $500,000 in the project
- Must be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in Ontario
Enrollment Period:
Visit the website for updated enrollment period dates.
Business Retention and Expansion Grant Program provides incentive to encourage existing businesses to make new capital investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying the local economy. The program will also apply to projects that demonstrate a significant investment resulting in the retention and/or expansion of high value industries and jobs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must create or retain at least 50 jobs within the manufacturing sector
- Alternatively, must create more than 20 jobs or retain a minimum of 35 jobs in other targeted sectors
The program provides financial incentives to encourage new investments in small businesses within targeted sectors, aiming to expand and diversify the local economy.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Businesses in the manufacturing sector must have fewer than 50 employees, while those in other targeted sectors must have fewer than 20 employees
- The investment must result in at least a $25,000 increase in assessed property value
The program provides financial incentives to encourage investment in targeted economic sectors to expand and diversify the local economy. It aims to attract new businesses to the city and support the growth of existing ones through development, redevelopment, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse of buildings and properties within the Community Improvement Project Area.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Projects must comply with all City by-laws and policies, including zoning and building regulations
- The subject property must not have any property tax arrears
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides financial support and services to businesses, municipalities, and non-profits to promote economic growth. It helps organizations enhance productivity, invest in innovation, expand markets, and create sustainable jobs. Eligible projects must be distinct from regular operations and aim to generate regional economic impact. The fund offers both funding support and complementary services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Businesses must have at least three years of operations and financial statements
- Must employ at least 10 people (or 5 if located in rural Ontario)
- Must commit to creating at least 5 new jobs or increasing the workforce by 30% if they have fewer than 15 employees
- Must invest at least $500,000 in the project (or $200,000 for rural Ontario)
- Must be located in or plan to locate in a community within southwestern Ontario
Enrollment Period:
The application submission period runs from November 5, 2024, to January 28, 2025, with the deadline on January 28, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the results by April 24, 2025.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program supports SMEs in Ontario’s advanced manufacturing industry through grants and loans. It focuses on companies investing in capital equipment, adopting new technologies, and developing employee skills to enhance business growth and competitiveness.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must operate in an advanced manufacturing sector such as aerospace, automotive, chemical, ICT, steel, or life sciences
- Must have at least three years of financial statements
- Must employ 10 or more employees
- Must commit to creating or upskilling at least five jobs
- Must invest a minimum of $500,000 in the project
- Must be located or planning to locate in a community within Ontario
Individuals with an idea to start a new business, purchase an existing one, or grow their current business may be eligible for the Starter Company PLUS program. This program offers a grant of up to $5,000, along with access to training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and one-on-one consulting support through the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
- Must not be full-time students or planning to return to school full-time
- Must reside in Ontario
- Must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Must be willing to operate the business full-time
- Must be starting a new business or operating one less than five years old
- Must demonstrate 25% matching funds in cash or in-kind assets
- The business must not be in the research and development stage
- Funds cannot be used to refinance existing debt
The Summer Company program helps students start a summer business and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience. Offered in partnership with the Province of Ontario, the program provides entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and grants of up to $3,000 to eligible students.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a sole proprietorship or a corporation where the applicant is the majority shareholder
- Must be an independent business venture
- Must be a new business, not previously registered or operated on an ongoing basis
- Must operate at arm’s length from family business ventures
- Must operate in Ontario
- Must operate full-time, as defined in the business plan
- Must comply with government rules and regulations for operating a business
Enrollment Period:
Application intake is currently closed and will open again in January 2025.
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
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 Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative supports the resiliency of the agriculture and food sector by addressing biosecurity risks and enhancing emergency preparedness. It provides funding opportunities to key agriculture industry businesses, including Primary Producers, Processors, and Service Providers.
Eligible Applicants:
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.
Funding for businesses in Southern Ontario outlines available support through no-interest, repayable contributions from $125,000 to $10 million. The initiative focuses on projects that foster innovation, enhance productivity, and scale operations for market expansion.
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:
The application period is now open. Applications may be submitted at any time, and by no later than 11:59 PM EST March 31, 2025.
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.
The Venture-Capital Ready – Investment Training for Women Entrepreneurs initiative, led by the Small Scale Food Processor Association, is a fully funded program designed for market-tested food businesses across Canada. It aims to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the investment process. The Boundless Accelerator™ serves as a proud training partner for this initiative.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to women founders in the agri-food sector (e.g., producing a food or beverage product), with no ownership percentage requirement if the company is woman-led
- Companies must be incorporated in Canada or ready to incorporate
- Suitable for companies experiencing growing sales and demand and seeking to scale up, with no specific revenue minimum or maximum
- Founders interested in training to prepare themselves and their business for investment
- Founders must be able to commit 40 hours to learning about financing and investment capital
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
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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
The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program for 2024-25 offers business development training, culturally responsive and tailored coaching, networking opportunities, and a one-time grant of $10,000 to support Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Registered with the Canada Revenue Agency
- Employs 1 to 5 full-time equivalent employees, including the business owner, or up to 10 employees in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (as defined by the North American Industry Classification System), including the business owner
- Operates in Ontario as of October 2, 2024
- Has an annual revenue of up to $750,000
- Actively in the market with demonstrated sales or revenue; businesses with unproven ideas or products are not eligible
- Demonstrates a clear need for the grant funding and specifies its intended use
- Operates legally under applicable laws in Ontario and Canada
- Confirms compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and hate-related provisions under the Criminal Code
Enrolment Period:
Check the website to stay updated on the start of the next intake period.
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 Economic Development Fund (IEDF) provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
The fund supports projects that:
- diversify Indigenous economies
- increase access to employment and training opportunities
- provide start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized businesses
- support financing, skills training and other economic development initiatives through collaboration between Indigenous communities and the private sector
Enrollment Period:
Applications for the Economic Diversification and Regional Partnership grants are open from October 1, 2024, to November 14, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.
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 are being accepted until November 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET for the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.
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.
Women Founders focuses on providing accessible and inclusive leadership, business training and entrepreneurship skills to self-identifying woman and/or non-binary founders.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Designed for entrepreneurs who self-identify as women and/or non-binary and who have or are planning to incorporate a new business in Canada
- Participants must be committed to developing a Roadmap with traction and revenue goals over a 9-18 month period
- The program supports those working on or already operating a sustainable business model with potential for market growth
- It also focuses on helping entrepreneurs enhance their self-advocacy and partnership strategies to support ongoing business development
Enrollment Period:
Fall 2024 Intake Applications are now open.
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
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 organizations 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.
Funds may be used to implement or enhance eligible protection measures incurred between October 31, 2024, and October 1, 2025. Organizations that received funding in previous years are encouraged to apply again.
Eligibility Requirements:
Be one of the following:
- A registered charity
- A not-for-profit corporation without share capital
- A First Nations band council, tribal council, or education authority
- Host regular gatherings (at least once per month) of religious, spiritual, or cultural significance, including ceremonies, congregations, classes, or events
Enrolment Period:
The deadline to apply is January 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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™ 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:
The Fall 2024 Cohort applications 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:
Registration for Fall and Winter PSSP cohorts is now open! Submit your application today.
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.
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.
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 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.
EDC’s Foreign Exchange Guarantee (FXG) helps businesses protect their profits against foreign exchange risk without tying up capital. In today’s volatile business environment, where fluctuating currency rates, supply chain disruptions, and market instability are common, managing exchange rate risk is more crucial than ever. A robust FX hedging strategy not only safeguards profit margins and mitigates foreign currency risk but also positions businesses for growth. By leveraging EDC’s FXG, companies can take a proactive approach to managing their foreign exchange exposure and gain greater control over their financial outcomes.
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:
- 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.
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 Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP) assists highly skilled newcomers in gaining employment in their fields or obtaining the necessary licenses or certifications without having to repeat prior training and education. The program helps skilled immigrants re-enter their professions or connect with employers in Ontario, thereby enhancing their career prospects.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Publicly Funded Postsecondary Institutions: Located and operating in Ontario
- Not-for-Profit Organizations: Based in Ontario and meeting specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines
- Registered For-Profit Organizations: Based in Ontario and meeting specific eligibility requirements as outlined in the guidelines
Enrollment Period:
Applications due by December 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
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:
As of November 8, 2024, the Gearing Up program has reached its capacity for the 2024-25 fiscal year and is no longer accepting applications. Prospective applicants are encouraged to check back on April 1, 2025, for details about the next wave of wage subsidies.
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:
Fall 2024 Program (September 1 – December 31): Currently on a waitlist due to reached funding limits. Winter 2025 Program (January 1 – March 31): Registration opens on Wednesday, November 13, at 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST.
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.
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 currently open for the Fall 2024 term (September to December 2024). However, funding is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee financial support.
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
Lighthouse Labs offers a 12-week Cyber Security Bootcamp delivered through a hybrid virtual format, combining live online instruction with self-guided learning. The program includes 600 hours of live training and a 40-hour pre-work module to ensure all participants begin with a solid technical foundation.
The intensive curriculum aligns with industry standards, equipping participants with both practical and theoretical knowledge, technical expertise, soft skills, and mentorship. Graduates are prepared for careers in cybersecurity and gain access to job assistance and employer-led projects through Lighthouse Labs’ WIL & Internship Employer Program, providing opportunities to showcase skills and build professional networks.
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.
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 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.