Starting a business in Ontario is exciting. It is also expensive. Many founders search for business start up grants Ontario expecting large cheques, but the reality is more specific. As of March 6, 2026, Ontario offers a small number of true startup grants, with most funding tied to age, training, or regional delivery.
This page is a hub. It explains what startup grants exist in Ontario, who they are for, how much you can get, and what to look at if you do not qualify.
Here are the main real grants available to new businesses in Ontario. These are non-repayable unless stated otherwise.
Best for: First-time entrepreneurs starting, expanding, or buying a small business
Funding: Up to $5,000 (non-repayable)
Delivered by: Local Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs)
Starter Company Plus is Ontario’s most well-known startup grant. It combines training, one-on-one mentoring, and a grant to help cover early costs.
Key eligibility points:
Funding amounts are typically up to $5,000, depending on your business plan and local program budget.
Best for: Students starting a summer business
Funding: Up to $3,000
Ages: 15–29
Summer Company supports students who want to run a business during the summer months. The funding is usually split into two payments:
Key eligibility points:
Maximum funding is $3,000, and intakes are competitive.
This is where many founders get stuck.
Ontario does not offer large, open-ended startup grants for everyone. Most early-stage support falls into one of these categories:
If you are looking for $20,000–$50,000 just to “start a business,” that type of grant usually does not exist at the provincial level.
These are not grants, but many Ontario startups use them alongside grant funding.
This is one of the strongest options for young founders who need capital and guidance. It is a loan, not a grant, but terms are designed for startups.
This program helps reduce lender risk. You still repay the loan, but it can make bank financing possible for new businesses.
If your startup is technology-driven or R&D-heavy:
These programs are not for traditional retail or service startups.
Eligibility depends on:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province, industry, and founder profile in seconds, which matters because intakes and rules change often.
You can also explore related funding topics like co-op student funding Ontario or broader supports under money from Ontario government.
Assuming grants cover all startup costs
Most Ontario startup grants are capped at $3,000–$5,000. Plan other financing early.
Applying without checking local delivery rules
Programs like Starter Company Plus are run by local centres, not centrally.
Missing intake windows
Summer Company and Starter Company Plus often have limited annual intakes.
Ignoring loans that fit better than grants
Many founders qualify for loans when grants are unavailable.
Q: Are there business start up grants in Ontario for everyone?
No. Ontario startup grants are targeted. Most are limited by age, training requirements, or student status.
Q: What is the maximum startup grant I can get in Ontario?
Currently, the largest general startup grant is $5,000 through Starter Company Plus.
Q: Can I combine multiple startup grants?
Sometimes. It depends on program rules and whether funding is considered duplicate support.
Q: Are there startup grants for newcomers to Ontario?
There is no standalone newcomer startup grant, but newcomers may qualify for general programs if they meet eligibility.
Q: Do I need a business plan to get a grant?
Yes. Both Starter Company Plus and Summer Company require a business plan.
Ontario startup grants are limited, but they can still cover early costs if you apply to the right ones. The key is matching your profile to programs that are actually open and realistic.
GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant programs across Canada. Checking which ones match your business profile is often the fastest way to see what funding you can pursue right now.
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