If you’re running a small business in Ontario, grants can lower your risk and speed up growth. The challenge is knowing which programs are real, current, and worth your time. As of March 6, 2026, Ontario offers a mix of provincial and federal funding options, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000+, plus larger project-based support for growing companies.
Below is a clear breakdown of the grants for small businesses Ontario owners check first, who they’re for, and how to apply.
Best for: New entrepreneurs or early-stage business owners
Starter Company Plus is one of Ontario’s most accessible small business grant programs. It combines free training, mentoring, and a grant for people starting, expanding, or buying a business.
Because each SBEC runs its own intake dates, timelines differ by city or region. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and business stage in seconds.
Best for: Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs
The RAISE (Recognizing Accelerated Inclusive Startups and Entrepreneurs) program focuses on equity-deserving founders in Ontario. It combines business training with direct grant funding.
This is one of the largest direct Ontario grants for small businesses without a matching requirement.
Best for: Established Ontario SMEs expanding or reshoring
OTTF supports Ontario businesses making near-term investments to expand into new markets or strengthen supply chains.
This is not a startup grant. You’ll need clear project costs and economic impact.
Best for: Growing businesses with innovation or scale-up projects
FedDev Ontario is a federal agency supporting businesses in Southern Ontario. Funding is typically project-based and may be repayable or non-repayable depending on the stream.
If you’re outside Southern Ontario, skip to FedNor below.
Best for: Businesses located in Northern Ontario
FedNor delivers federal funding tailored to Northern Ontario’s economy.
Location matters here. Postal code eligibility is strict.
Best for: Innovative SMEs building new technology
The National Research Council’s IRAP program supports innovation-focused small businesses across Canada.
IRAP is competitive but powerful if your business involves engineering, software, or product development.
Q: Are there grants for small businesses Ontario startups can get with no revenue?
Yes. Starter Company Plus and RAISE both accept early-stage or pre-revenue businesses, as long as you meet eligibility rules.
Q: Do I have to repay Ontario small business grants?
True grants like Starter Company Plus and RAISE are non-repayable. Programs like OTTF or FedDev may be loans or conditionally repayable.
Q: Can I apply for both provincial and federal funding?
Often yes, as long as the same costs are not double-funded. Many Ontario businesses stack provincial and federal programs.
Q: Are Ontario grants open all year?
Some are rolling, but many use limited intakes or first-come models. Timing matters.
Q: What if I don’t qualify for grants?
You may still qualify for low-interest loans, wage subsidies, or tax credits tied to hiring or R&D.
Ontario offers real opportunities, but eligibility depends on your location, business stage, and project type. GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile and see what’s open right now.
You may also want to explore related funding guides like Co‑op Student Funding Ontario, Money from the Ontario Government, and Mitacs Grants to round out your funding strategy.
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