Small Business Grants in Ontario (2026 Guide for Owners and Startups)

Small Business Grants in Ontario (2026 Guide for Owners and Startups)

Finding small business grants in Ontario is hard because most funding is time‑limited, tied to specific goals, or mixed in with loans and tax credits. As of March 2026, Ontario and Canada still offer several true grants for startups and growing businesses — but eligibility and intake timing matter more than ever. Below is a clear, up‑to‑date hub you can use to see what’s realistic for your business right now.

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Ontario and Federal Small Business Grants You Can Actually Apply For

These programs are among the most relevant options for Ontario businesses in 2026. Funding amounts, eligibility, and status are based on official program pages.

Starter Company Plus (Ontario) — up to $5,000

Starter Company Plus is one of the most accessible Ontario startup grants.

• Funding: Grant of up to $5,000
• Who it’s for: New entrepreneurs starting or buying a small business
• Key requirements:
  • 18 years or older
  • Ontario resident
  • Not attending school full‑time
  • 25% cash or in‑kind contribution required to receive the grant
• What you get: Mandatory business training and mentoring, plus the grant
• Status: Delivered by local small business centres; intake dates vary by region

This program is best if you are pre‑revenue or very early stage and can commit time to training.

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RAISE Program (Ontario) — $10,000 grant

Ontario announced continued support for the RAISE program in the 2025–26 cycle.

• Funding: $10,000 non‑repayable grant
• Who it’s for:
  • Racialized entrepreneurs
  • Indigenous entrepreneurs
• What’s included: Business training plus grant funding
• Delivery: Now administered directly by the Province of Ontario
• Status: Intake periods are limited and competitive

If you qualify, this is one of the largest true startup grants currently available in Ontario.

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CanExport SMEs (Federal) — $10,000 to $50,000

CanExport SMEs supports Ontario businesses expanding into new international markets.

• Funding: $10,000 to $50,000
• Covers: Up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Eligible businesses:
  • Incorporated, for‑profit Canadian SMEs
  • 1 to 500 full‑time employees
  • Active CRA business number
• Eligible activities: Market research, trade shows, translation, international marketing
• 2026–27 intake window: February 4, 2026 to May 29, 2026 (ET)

This is one of the most reliable federal grants for Ontario companies with export plans.

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NRC IRAP (Federal Innovation Support) — funding varies

NRC IRAP is not a simple cash‑only grant, but it can provide significant non‑repayable support.

• Who it’s for: Incorporated, for‑profit Canadian SMEs (up to 500 employees)
• Focus: Technology development and commercialization
• Support includes:
  • Advisory services
  • Possible project funding (amounts depend on scope)
• Best for: Tech, advanced manufacturing, and innovative product companies

IRAP funding is negotiated case‑by‑case, so early planning is key.

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Canada‑Ontario Job Grant (COJG) — currently limited

COJG helps cover employee training costs, but it is not fully open.

• Funding: Up to $10,000 per trainee
• Current status: Program under review; most applications paused
• Exceptions: Limited scenarios still accepted through service providers

Because availability changes often, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and business activity in seconds.

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Where to Find Newly Opened Ontario Grants

Many Ontario grants open quietly and stay live for only a few weeks.

• Transfer Payment Ontario portal: Lists all active provincial funding calls
• FedDev Ontario: Supports businesses in southern Ontario through rotating programs

You can also explore related funding hubs like Funding Opportunities Ontario and hiring support such as Co‑op Student Funding Ontario.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming all grants are cash-only
   Many Ontario programs bundle training or advisory services with funding.

2. Missing local delivery rules
   Programs like Starter Company Plus are run locally. Eligibility and deadlines vary by region.

3. Ignoring contribution requirements
   Some grants require matching cash or in‑kind support.

4. Applying without checking program status
   Programs like COJG can pause or reopen without much notice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there true small business grants in Ontario with no repayment?
Yes. Programs like Starter Company Plus, RAISE, and CanExport SMEs offer non‑repayable funding if conditions are met. Always confirm current intake status.

Q: Can existing businesses apply, or only startups?
Both. Starter Company Plus targets new businesses, while CanExport SMEs and IRAP support established companies.

Q: Are Ontario grants available year‑round?
Some are rolling, but many open for short windows. Timing matters as much as eligibility.

Q: Do sole proprietors qualify for Ontario grants?
Some programs allow sole proprietors, but many federal grants require incorporation.

Q: Can I apply for more than one grant?
Yes, as long as costs are not double‑funded and program rules allow stacking.

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Next Steps

Ontario funding changes fast, and most businesses only qualify for a small subset of programs at any given time. GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant programs across Canada — including Ontario‑only and federal options — so you can see which ones actually match your business profile before you apply.