Support Funding & Programs

The CanExport SMEs program helps Ontario businesses enter new international markets by funding up to $50,000 for eligible export-development activities (50% cost-share). Applications are now open between Feb 4-May 29, 2026.

Applications for 2026-27 are accepted February 4 to May 29, 2026, assessed on a competitive rolling basis until funds run out. 

• Be a for-profit Canadian business.
• Have minimum annual revenue of $300,000 (previously $100,000).
• Have at least 3 full-time employees (previously 1).
• Be pursuing a new international market where they have little or no sales.
• Target either the U.S. or non-U.S. markets, but not both in the same project.  

What's new for 2026:

• Higher eligibility thresholds: Minimum 3 full-time employees and $300,000 annual revenue (up from 1FTE and $100,000).
• Market targeting rule: Applicants may target either the U.S. or another international market -- not both in the same application. 
• Sector changes: Companies in agriculture, agri-food (including alcohol/spirits), fish & seafood are no longer eligible. Ag-tech and food-tech remain eligible. 
• Simplified markets: Large markets like the U.S., China, India, and Brazil now count as one market each. 

Eligible activities include trade shows, market research, marketing adaptation, IP protection, legal/market consulting, and website/production localization. 

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) provides cost-shared funding to help small-and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers modernize their operations, adopt advanced technologies, and strengthen competitiveness in Ontario's automotive supply chain. Eligible companies can receive up to $150,000, covering up to 50% of project costs. 

Purpose of the Program 
O-AMP supports projects that enhance productivity, modernize manufacturing operations, or expand product development capabilities through Industry 4.0 technologies, new product development tools, and lean manufacturing improvements. 

Who Can Apply

To qualify, companies must: 
- Be Ontario-based, for-profit automotive suppliers. 
- Have fewer than 500 Ontario employees and under $1B in global revenues.
- Provide two years of financial statements (audit/review engagement; some exceptions for smaller firms).
- Have at least 30% of total sales from the automotive supply sector.
- Have a manufacturing location in Ontario by the project start date. 

Eligible Projects 

Projects must fall under one or more of the following categories: 
- Technology Adoption: ERP systems, production tracking, advanced manufacturing hardware/software.
- New Product Development Tools: CAD/CAM, FEA, DFM, rapid prototyping.
- Lean Manufacturing: Lean assessments, process optimization, external mentor/consultants with automotive expertise. 

What's New This Round (March 2026)
1. Updated Revenue Composition Requirement (now 30%)

Applicants now require 30% of total sales from the automotive sector, rather than older requirements of 50%. This change makes the program accessible to more diversified manufacturers. 

2. Clearer Definitions of Eligible Technologies

The guidelines now explicitly detail supported technologies such as:
- ERP, MES, production tracking
- CAD/CAM, FEA, rapid prototyping
These more specific descriptions help companies better match projects to eligibility.

3. Strengthened Lean Manufacturing Requirements

Lean consultants must now be automotive-industry experts approved through APMA or proposed by the applicant with justification -- adding more structure to Lean project eligibility. 

4. More Detailed Financial Statement Expectations

Smaller firms (<$5M revenue) may initially submit CSRS 4200 (Compilation) statements, but may still be required to provide review-engagement statements upon approval. This clarification helps applicants understand financial expectations upfront. 

5. Enhanced Reporting and Eligible Cost Clarity

The updated guidelines provide more explicit requirements on documentation, reporting, and which project costs qualify (software, hardware, consultant fees, training, etc.).

The Protect Ontario Financing Program is part of a broader $5 Billion initiative called the Protecting Ontario Account, launched to shield Ontario businesses from U.S. trade disruptions -- especially in the steel, aluminum, and auto sectors. 

Funding Available:

• Up to $1 billion in liquidity support
• Delivered as loans to help businesses meet short-term obligations like payroll, leases, and utilities
• Minimum funding request: $250,000

Eligibility:

• For-profit businesses with at least $2 Million in annual revenue
• 10+ full-time employees in Ontario
• 3 years of operational history and financial statements 
• Direct impact from U.S. Section 232 tariffs

Program Details & Eligibility Tool: Protect Ontario Financing Program

The ROD Program provides cost-share funding for projects that help rural communities:

• address barriers and build capacity for economic development
• to attract, retain and expand businesses
• attract and retain investment and jobs
• strengthen regional partnerships and economic resilience
• address workforce development challenges
• transform community assets to drive economic development

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• • a not-for-profit organization
  • an Indigenous community or organization
  • a local services board
  • a small business with 1 to 20 employees

Tip:  Check out their business funding stream.

READ MORE

The Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) is a new provincial initiative that supports Ontario communities facing economic challenges due to U.S. trade disruptions. Focused on community-led projects, the program funds initiatives that strengthen economic resiliency, diversify supply chains, and expand trade partnerships -- particularly in key sectors like manufacturing, agri-food, life sciences, and critical minerals. 

Eligible applicants include municipalities, indigenous and not-for-profit organizations, and regional alliances (not private businesses). Projects must be completed within two years and cannot duplicate funding from other provincial programs. A self-screener tool and detailed program guidelines can be found here: Trade Impacted Communities Program.

The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. 

Funding may be available to businesses operating within Ontario that meet the following requirements: 

• Make an investment to:

• enhance domestic competitiveness
• build capacity and local supply chain in Ontario, including reshoring/replacing U.S. based suppliers
• pivot operations to manufacture less trade exposed goods 
• create and/or secure jobs in Ontario 
• other activities required to diversify revenue stream

• invest at least $200,000 in eligible project costs 
• locate in a community in Ontario during the project period
• complete the project within 2 years
• demonstrate all financing will be in place by the project start date 

A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations and that will result in benefits to the organization such as access to new markets.

Priority will be given to projects that aim to capitalize on domestic market opportunities and address gaps in Ontario's supply chain caused by potential trade barriers and supply disruptions. 

The Business Builder Loan is a collaborative initiative between the Town of Amherstburg and Community Futures Essex County (CFEC) to support local businesses by increasing awareness of available funding opportunities. While the Town is committed to fostering economic growth, CFEC serves as the primary funding provider for this program, offering financial assistance of up to $50,000 to help Amherstburg businesses start, grow, expand, or innovate. 

The Canada Small Business Financing Program  makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. 

Eligibility

Small businesses or start-ups operating in Canada, with gross annual revenues of $10 million or less.

Not eligible under this program: farming businesses (for a similar program for the farming industry, visit the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program) 

Available financing 

The maximum loan amount for a borrower is $1.15 million.

• Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for term loans for any one borrower, of which no more than $500,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment and of that amount, a maximum of $150,000 could be used for intangible assets and working capital costs. 
• Up to a maximum of $150,000 for lines of credit. 

Click here for more information on how to apply for a loan

Boost Your Business Technology Grant offers:

• up to $15,000 to develop a Digital Adoption Plan
• up to $100.000 in 0% interest loan from Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to implement your plan
• up to $7,300 to hire a skilled youth to implement the technologies that can propel your business forward

Find more details about the program here

Futurpreneur supports start-up founders ages 18-39. It is the only national non-profit organization that provides young aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada with the loan financing, mentorship, and resources they need to start or buy a business. 

New Start Ventures program aims to empower newcomers to Canada by providing essential training and support to help them create successful business ventures in Windsor-Essex. This program is funded by Libro Credit Union

The Rhyze Up! national accelerator addresses the unique aspects of women-founded or co-founded companies across Canada. This program builds on their award-winning Rhyze programming for women and has been tailored to help entrepreneurs identify an effective path to scaling up! 

Funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade in partnership with the WindsorEssex Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, the Starter Company PLUS program offers:

• 15 hours of in-person business training
• Group mentorship sessions
• One-on-one guidance from a Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre business advisor 
• Grant of up to $5,000
• Mentorship from entrepreneurs and business professionals
• Networking opportunities 

Find more information about the program at Starter Company PLUS 

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) provides major investments in innovative projects that will help grow Canada's economy for well-being of all Canadians. 

The Strategic Innovation Fund is powered by Innovation Canada.