Starting a business: grants and funding in Ontario

Non-repayable funding for not-for-profits (incorporated, operating at least three years) that run business support services for women entrepreneurs. Projects of $250,000 to $6 million, from a total of up to $80 million. Proposals are due November 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST; late ones aren't considered.

Up to $250,000

Non-repayable equity contributions for Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses: up to $99,999 for individual entrepreneurs and up to $250,000 for community-owned businesses, through Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations. There is no deadline.

$10,000 – $250,000

Loans of $10,000 to $250,000 for Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada, through the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (run by the Federation of African Canadian Economics with BDC). The program also funds Black-led not-for-profits that support entrepreneurs.

Up to $75,000

Start-up loans of up to $75,000 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 to 39 starting or buying a business: up to $25,000 from Futurpreneur and up to $50,000 from BDC, each over five years, with up to two years of one-on-one mentoring. Applications are taken any time.

Up to $5,000

Training, mentoring and a grant of up to $5,000 for Ontario residents 18 and older (Canadian citizens or permanent residents, not in school full-time) who are starting, expanding or buying a small business. You must put in cash or in-kind equal to at least 25% of the grant. Apply through your local Small Business Advisory Centre.