Southwestern Ontario Development Fund for Business Growth (Canada)

The program aims to grow their businesses, improve productivity, invest in innovation and skills development, pursue new markets, generate broad positive regional economic impact, and create new good, sustainable jobs. The fund is designed to increase economic capacity across southwestern Ontario, which includes Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Elgin, Essex, Grey, Haldimand, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Niagara, Norfolk, Oxford, Perth, Simcoe, Waterloo, and Wellington.

Grants are available only for specific circumstances, providing up to 15% funding to a maximum of $500,000 if a company has fewer than 100 employees and is based in rural Ontario, where the population is less than 100,000 or the population density is below 100 people per square kilometre. A maximum of $1,500,000 may be available for strategic projects that are foreign direct investments or from companies competing against other jurisdictions in limited circumstances. The funding amount can support up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of up to $1.5 million. Restrictions apply to ensure alignment with the program criteria.

To be eligible, businesses must have at least three years of operations and financial statements and employ at least 10 people, or a minimum of five employees if located in rural Ontario. Applicants must commit to creating at least five new jobs or ensure a 30% workforce increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees and invest at least $500,000 in their project or $200,000 for rural businesses. Applicants must also be located in or planning to locate in a community within southwestern Ontario.

This opportunity supports business expansion while fostering broader economic benefits for the region through investment, job creation, and innovation-driven growth.

For more information, visit Government of Ontario.