Ontario's comprehensive provincial business support ecosystem offering grants, loans, and incentives from $5,000 to $10M+ through Ontario Creates, OCED programs, Starter Company Plus, and innovation initiatives.
While most businesses know about federal grants, the Government of Ontario actually manages Canada's most diverse portfolio of direct business funding. The key is understanding that Ontario funding is tailored by Regional Development Agencies. A manufacturer in Windsor has access to completely different pots of money than a tech startup in Waterloo.
1. Starter Company Plus
Best for: New businesses (0-5 years) needing training + small grant ($5k).
2. Ontario Creates
Best for: Film, Music, Books, and Interactive Digital Media studios.
3. SWODF / EODF (Regional Funds)
Best for: Manufacturers expanding in Southwest or Eastern Ontario (creating 10+ jobs).
Unlike federal grants which often focus on R&D, Ontario provincial grants are obsessed with job creation.If you are applying to SWODF or EODF, you almost always need to commit to creating 5-10 new full-time permanent jobs. Contractors do not count. If you don't plan to hire, stick to federal training grants.
Ontario's flagship entrepreneurship program. It's not just a check; it's a "mini-MBA" combined with funding. You must complete a training program to unlock the grant.
Starter Company Plus is administered locally. Visit your local "Small Business Enterprise Centre" (SBEC). The approval decisions are made by local committees, not a faceless bureaucrat in Toronto. Build a relationship with your local SBEC advisor first.
If you are a YouTuber, Game Dev, or Publisher, this is your goldmine. Ontario Creates offers tax credits (up to 45%) and direct funding.
Select your region to find specific development funds:
Navigating OIDMTC credits or SWODF job requirements can be complex.
Book ConsultantGet the complete Ontario provincial application guide or work with our Ontario business funding specialists.