BBN Labs — Better Business Network

What funding can a small business in Ontario get?

83 verified funding programs are open to Ontario small businesses right now: 45 grants and rebates, 35 loans and financing programs, and 3 other supports. They range from Canada-wide federal programs to Ontario-specific ones, including grants from individual cities. Every record shows what it's worth, who qualifies, the official source, and the date we last checked it. Verified as recently as July 3, 2026.

83
open right now
13
Canada-wide
15
Ontario-wide
36
city & municipal
19
for specific owner groups

Ontario-wide

Ontario-wide and regional programs

Some serve one region or sector; each card says who it's for.

Funding may be fully allocatedLoan

Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario – Productivity Improvements

Up to 33% of costs

This Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario program helps established manufacturers in Northern Ontario invest in productivity. It…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Open, apply anytimeLoan

Access to Capital

From $150,000

Access to Capital provides substantial, repayable funding through Community Futures Ontario. It helps small businesses and social enterprises secure…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Funding may be fully allocatedLoan

Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream

Up to $500,000

The Business Scale-up and Productivity Stream helps established Northern Ontario businesses modernize and expand. You can access up to $500,000 per…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsTax credit

Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit

Up to $45,000

Boost your bottom line by claiming a 10% refundable corporate income tax credit on eligible commercial or industrial building expenditures in…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

INVEST North Program — Innovation Stream

Up to $500,000

This matching grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation helps you cover technical labour, prototyping, and testing for new products…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

INVEST North Program — Investment — Launch Stream

Up to $200,000

INVEST North helps you build your new Northern Ontario business by reimbursing half of your eligible project costs. It is a matching grant that pays…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant + loan

INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream

Up to $400,000

This competitive program supports product-based and B2B businesses in Northern Ontario with a 20% cost-share contribution and an optional 30% term…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Open, apply anytimeGrant

INVEST North Program — Investment — Locate Stream

Up to $5,000,000

INVEST North helps non-retail businesses bring new economic value to Northern Ontario by funding major capital projects. You can receive a…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Open, apply anytimeGrant

Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program

Up to $10,000

Accelerate your growth with a matching grant that covers 50% of eligible costs for innovative products or services. You can access funding twice,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan

Up to $15,000

Ontario B2B product companies can get 50% back, up to $15,000, on a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan built with an approved consultant: an…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsLoan

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario

Up to 50% of costs

This Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario program helps for-profit and not-for-profit organizations build or adopt AI. You…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Retrofit Program

Up to 50% of costs

The Retrofit Program helps Ontario businesses lower operating costs by covering up to 50% of eligible energy-efficiency upgrades like lighting, HVAC,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity

Up to $500,000

Accelerate your growth by adopting new technology or expanding capacity with FedNor's REGI program. We provide repayable contributions to help…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG)

Up to $5,000

Ontario shops can get 50% back, up to $5,000, on modern store technology: POS systems, inventory tracking, self-checkout kiosks, CRM and more. You…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)

Up to $50,000

Finished your DMAP? This Ontario program reimburses 50% of implementing it, up to $50,000: the platforms, software, integration work and one-time…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Canada-wide

Federal programs Ontario businesses can use

Check local availabilityLoan

Community Futures Network of Canada

Tap into a network of 267 non-profit offices across Canada that provide small business loans, training, and local support to help rural and remote…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Certified Green Building Loan

Up to 100% of costs

Secure the capital you need to buy, build, or renovate a property with the goal of earning top-tier environmental certifications like LEED or Zero…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Up to $1,000,000

This program makes it easier to get a business loan by having the government share the lending risk with your bank or credit union. You apply…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Small Business Loan

Up to $350,000

Access flexible online financing from Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use these funds to scale operations, hire staff, or upgrade equipment…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Commercial Real Estate Loan

This BDC commercial real estate loan helps established Canadian businesses acquire, expand, or renovate their premises. It also provides working…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Start-up

Up to $150,000

BDC Start-up Financing provides the capital you need to turn your business plan into reality. Use these funds to purchase essential assets, cover…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Working Capital Term Loan

Secure the cash you need for inventory, hiring, or daily operations without draining your current funds. This BDC term loan offers flexible repayment…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Equipment Purchase Loan

Up to 125% of costs

Secure the machinery, vehicles, or tech you need to scale operations. BDC offers flexible loan terms including interest-only periods and long…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Technology Equipment Loan (BDC)

Secure the capital you need for digital infrastructure, IT equipment, and cybersecurity upgrades. This BDC loan supports your modernization efforts…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Rise — Small Business Lending

$500–$10,000

Rise offers flexible micro-loans to help you build your business when traditional financing is out of reach. It provides the capital you need with…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Food and Beverage Industry Financing (FCC)

Access tailored financing from Farm Credit Canada to build, expand, or equip your food and beverage operation anywhere in Canada. This loan supports…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityGrant

Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund

This funding stream under the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund helps Northern agriculture and food businesses build a strong territorial…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Futurpreneur Canada Side Hustle

Up to $25,000

Launch or scale your side business while keeping your day job. You get access to capital, expert mentoring, and planning tools to build your venture…

Last verified July 2, 2026

City & municipal

City programs in Ontario

Address-specific: designated areas and local rules decide, and many require approval before you spend.

Accepting applicationsGrant

Ottawa Centretown Heritage Façade Improvement Program

75% · up to $75,000

Bring new life to your designated heritage building on Bank Street or in Somerset Village. This program helps cover the costs of façade upgrades,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Hamilton Commercial District Revitalization Grant (CDRG)

Up to $10,000

Hamilton helps you upgrade your exterior with a 50% match for façade, signage, awnings, and lighting. This funding makes your business stand out…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsLoan

London Façade Improvement Loan

50% · up to $50,000

This interest-free City of London loan helps you modernize your exterior by covering half the cost of façade, signage, and window upgrades. You repay…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

London Vacant Commercial Space Fit-Out Grant

50% · up to $50,000

Transform an empty London storefront into a thriving business with up to $50,000 in support. The City of London covers 50% of eligible interior…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsLoan

London Upgrade to Building Code Loan

50% · up to $200,000

Bring your commercial interior up to code with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or fire protection upgrades. The City of London lends you 50% of the cost,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Windsor Downtown Façade Improvement Program

Up to $20,000

This City of Windsor program helps you modernize your downtown exterior by reimbursing half the cost of approved façade and signage improvements, up…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Windsor Retail Reinvestment Grant

50% · up to $15,000

Refresh your downtown retail space with City of Windsor support that matches 50% of your interior renovation costs, up to $15,000, helping you…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Windsor Main Streets Façade Improvement Program

50% · up to $30,000

The City of Windsor matches 50% of your exterior improvement costs, helping you modernize your storefront on traditional Main Streets outside…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Kitchener Façade Grant Program

50% · up to $10,000

The City of Kitchener covers up to half the cost of exterior improvements, helping you modernize your shop front with rolling applications for…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Brampton Façade Improvement Program

50% · up to $20,000

Make your business stand out with a modern, inviting exterior. This program helps cover half the cost of façade and signage improvements, giving you…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Kingston Heritage Property Grant Program

50% · up to $50,000

Kingston helps you preserve and upgrade your heritage-designated building by covering 50% of approved conservation costs. It is a straightforward way…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Greater Sudbury Façade Improvement Program

50% · up to $20,000

This program helps you modernize your main street-facing façade and signage, covering half the cost up to $20,000. It is a straightforward way to…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Check local availabilityGrant

Thunder Bay Commercial Façade Improvement Grant

50% · up to $10,000

Refresh your business presence with city support for exterior improvements like signs, awnings, and lighting. This program covers 50% of eligible…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

St. Catharines Façade Improvement Program

50% · up to $10,000

This cost-share program reimburses 50% of eligible façade and signage costs for commercial buildings in St. Catharines, up to $10,000 per building…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Waterloo Commercial / Façade Improvement Grant (Uptown CIP)

Up to $10,000

Waterloo helps you upgrade your commercial space by covering 50% of eligible façade and storefront work. Corner properties can get up to $15,000,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Peterborough Central Area Façade Improvement Grant

Up to $15,000

Peterborough helps you modernize your building's exterior by covering half the cost of façade, signage, or awning work. Corner properties can access…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Sarnia Building Façade Improvement Grant (CIP)

50% · up to $10,000

Refresh your commercial property in Sarnia's Downtown or Mitton Village areas with this cost-share program. It reimburses half of your eligible…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Richmond Hill Façade, Landscaping and Signage Improvement Grant

Up to $25,000

This cost-share program helps Richmond Hill business owners and tenants modernize their exterior appeal. You cover the upfront costs for façade,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Oshawa Façade & Accessibility Improvement Grant

Up to $10,000

Boost your curb appeal and accessibility in downtown Oshawa with this city grant. It reimburses half of eligible construction costs, helping you…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Brantford Downtown Façade & Safety Improvement Grant

50% · up to $15,000

Refresh your commercial building's exterior with Brantford's Downtown Façade & Safety Improvement Grant. This program helps cover half the cost of…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Check local availabilityGrant

Welland Downtown & Health Wellness Cluster Façade Improvement Grant

Up to $12,500

Welland’s Downtown and Health Wellness Cluster program helps you modernize your façade and signage. You receive a 50% match on eligible costs, with…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Chatham-Kent Façade Improvement Grant (CIP)

Up to 50% of costs

This Chatham-Kent grant helps you modernize your exterior by reimbursing half of your eligible façade and signage expenses. It is a cost-share…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Downtown Whitby & Brooklin CIP Facade Improvement Grant

Up to $10,000

Get matching funds to upgrade your building facade or signage in Downtown Whitby or Brooklin. You pay upfront for the improvements, then receive…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Historic Downtown Newmarket CIP — Facade Improvement & Restoration Program

Up to $15,000

Upgrade your building's exterior with matching grants and optional interest-free loans designed for heritage properties in Historic Downtown…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Check local availabilityGrant

Aurora Promenade CIP — Facade & Signage Improvement Grant Program

Up to $15,000

Refresh your storefront with a matching grant that covers half your eligible exterior improvement costs. This program supports property owners in the…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Belleville Façade Improvement Program

Up to $15,000

Make your business stand out with a fresh look. This program reimburses you for half of eligible façade and signage costs, helping you attract more…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Façade and Signage Improvement Grant (Heart of the City CIP)

50% · up to $10,000

Refresh your downtown presence with Cornwall's Heart of the City CIP. This program helps you modernize your building exterior and signage, making…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Growth CIP Façade Improvement Grant

Up to $15,000

This North Bay grant helps you modernize your street-facing appearance while preserving heritage character. The city reimburses up to half your…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Downtown CIP Façade Improvement Grant

50% · up to $15,000

The City of Timmins helps you boost curb appeal with a Façade Improvement Grant that covers up to 50% of eligible costs. Funds are limited and…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Downtown Tomorrow CIP Façade Improvement Grant

Up to $5,000

Refresh your storefront with Orillia's Downtown Tomorrow Façade Improvement Grant. The 2026 application portal is open for eligible commercial,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Comprehensive Façade Improvement Grant

Up to $12,500

Make your business stand out with funding for façade and signage improvements in Orangeville's Central Business District. This grant helps you…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Downtown Area Facade Improvement Program

Up to $30,000

Boost your curb appeal and draw more customers with Woodstock's Downtown Area Facade Improvement Program. You can access a one-time grant and an…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Facade and Structural Improvement Program

Up to $7,500

This Community Improvement Plan grant helps you restore street-facing exteriors and structural elements in Owen Sound's River District and Harbour…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Commercial Facade Improvement Grant

Up to $40,000

Boost your curb appeal with funding for exterior improvements and new signage. Fort Erie supports local businesses through its Community Improvement…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityGrant

Commercial/Mixed Use Building Facade Improvement Grant Program

Up to $12,500

Refresh your storefront with support from the Downtown Grimsby Community Improvement Plan. This grant covers half the cost of eligible exterior…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Accepting applicationsGrant

Pembroke Façade Improvement Grant

50% · up to $20,000

Make your business stand out with a modern look. This program helps Pembroke business owners cover half the cost of exterior improvements, paid out…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Specific owner groups

Programs for women, Indigenous, young and newcomer founders

These 19 programs are open only to specific owner groups, like women, Indigenous, young or newcomer founders. Worth a look if that's you.

Check local availabilityGrant

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program — Access to Capital

Up to $99,999

Secure non-repayable equity funding to start, expand, or acquire your business. This federal program supports Indigenous entrepreneurs through local…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan

Up to $50,000

Designed for new immigrants, this BDC loan helps you build your business and establish credit in Canada, even if you lack a strong local credit…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan

Up to $350,000

Access flexible capital for equipment, technology, or expansion with a loan tailored to diverse leaders. Enjoy preferential rates and terms while…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan

Up to $350,000

Access flexible financing from Canada's federal Crown-corporation bank to help you scale operations or modernize your business. This program is…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Two Rivers General Business Loan

Up to $1,250,000

This Indigenous financing program combines loans with contributions to support your startup, expansion, or acquisition goals, tailored for…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Black Entrepreneurship Program – Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

$25,000–$250,000

This federal loan program provides essential financing to help Black entrepreneurs scale their operations, modernize their tools, and capture new…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Startup Program (IESP)

Up to $75,000

Secure the funding and guidance you need to turn your vision into a thriving business. This program provides up to $75,000 in financing alongside up…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityGrant

Waubetek — Aboriginal Business Financing Program

Up to $99,999

Waubetek provides conditional contributions to help Indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nation communities in North-East Ontario establish, expand, or…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Young Entrepreneur Loan (Farm Credit Canada)

Up to $2,000,000

Secure the capital you need to launch or expand your agricultural or food-related venture with a flexible loan tailored for young entrepreneurs.

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityGrant + loan

Waubetek — Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Micro-Loan

Up to $20,000

Waubetek provides tailored financing and mentorship for Indigenous women entrepreneurs in North-Eastern Ontario. Whether you need startup capital,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Women Entrepreneur Program (Farm Credit Canada)

Access lower-cost capital and valuable skill development resources designed specifically for women in agriculture, agribusiness, and food. It…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Waubetek — Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund

Up to $50,000

Secure the capital you need to start or expand your business through Waubetek’s dedicated loan fund. This program provides structured financing and…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

NADF Financing Solutions

Up to $500,000

Access flexible capital through NADF’s business loans and microloans, designed specifically to help Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

NADF Indigenous Women in Business Program

Partner with NADF to access tailored financing and hands-on business training designed specifically for Indigenous women entrepreneurs. This program…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Futurpreneur Canada Core Entrepreneur Startup Program for Students

Up to $75,000

Futurpreneur Canada helps young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 turn their ideas into reality with flexible financing and dedicated mentorship. You get…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Futurpreneur Canada Core Start-Up Program

Up to $75,000

Secure startup capital and expert guidance to turn your business idea into reality. This program pairs financing with mentorship to help young…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Futurpreneur Canada Newcomer Program

Up to $25,000

Get the capital and guidance you need to start a business in Canada. This program pairs up to $25,000 in financing with dedicated mentorship,…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Waubetek — Business loans

Up to $500,000

Secure the capital you need to start, expand, or buy a business in North Eastern Ontario. Waubetek offers flexible term and bridge loans designed…

Last verified July 2, 2026

Check local availabilityLoan

Futurpreneur Canada Black Entrepreneur Startup Program

Up to $75,000

Secure equity-free funding and expert guidance to turn your vision into a thriving business. This program pairs flexible loan financing with hands-on…

Last verified July 3, 2026

Frequently asked questions

How many funding programs are open to Ontario small businesses right now?

83 verified programs are open as of our latest checks: 13 Canada-wide, 15 Ontario-wide, 36 city and municipal programs and 19 open only to specific owner groups. Programs open and close through the year, so every record shows the date we last verified it.

Are these grants or loans?

Both, clearly labelled. Of the 83 open programs, 45 are grants or rebates you don't repay and 35 are loans or financing you do repay. The remaining 3 are tax credits and mixed grant-and-loan programs. A loan is never dressed up as a grant. Every card says which it is.

Do city programs apply to every business in the city?

Usually not. Most municipal programs are address-specific: designated main streets, downtown districts or community-improvement areas decide who qualifies, and many require approval before you spend. Each record lists the rules we found and links the official source to confirm your address.

Who decides whether my business gets approved?

Each program's administrator, never us. BBN Labs is an independent Canadian company, not a government agency. We verify and explain the programs, and applying through the official program site is always free.

Funding in other provinces & territories

Skip the reading

Tell us what you're upgrading and where in Ontario you are. You'll see which of these programs may fit, free, in about 2 minutes.

Free No obligation Reply within 1 business day

Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Final decisions are made solely by each program administrator.