Funding programs

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.

Wage subsidies for employers who hire youth aged 15 to 30 for summer jobs. Not-for-profits can get up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage; public employers and private businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees can get up to 50%. Applications for summer 2027 are open until December 3, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific.

Up to $5,000,000

Ontario funding for businesses expanding in eastern Ontario (at least 3 years operating, 10+ employees or 5 in rural areas, creating at least 5 jobs, investing at least $500,000 or $200,000 rural): interest-free loans of up to 15% of costs to $5 million, with grants in some cases. Community projects can get grants of up to 50%, to $1.5 million. The next application deadline is January 21, 2027.

Up to $5,000,000

Ontario funding for businesses expanding in southwestern Ontario (at least 3 years operating, 10+ employees or 5 in rural areas, creating at least 5 jobs, investing at least $500,000 or $200,000 rural): interest-free loans of up to 15% of costs to $5 million, with grants in some cases. Community projects can get grants of up to 50%, to $1.5 million. The next application deadline is January 21, 2027.

$14,000 – $100,000

AAFC funding for small and medium-sized agriculture and agri-food businesses to diversify their markets: AAFC pays up to 70% of a project costing at least $20,000, normally under $100,000. Applications are open from February 13, 2026 until September 30, 2030.

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.

Up to $2,000,000

AAFC funding for agriculture and agri-food industry associations and businesses to grow and diversify markets: up to $2 million a year and $10 million over five years, normally covering up to 50% of costs (70% in some cases). The intake is listed as open; contact the program before you apply. The program ends March 31, 2028.

Up to $500,000

Repayable contributions of up to $500,000 per project (up to 50% of costs) for incorporated small and medium-sized businesses and Indigenous businesses in Northern Ontario that are scaling up, adopting technology or improving productivity. Retail and service businesses and small start-ups are not covered. Applications are assessed as they arrive, but budget is limited.

Canadian Heritage funding for renovating arts and heritage spaces and buying specialized equipment, for not-for-profit arts and heritage organizations active for over two years, provincial and municipal governments and Indigenous governing bodies. New construction and planning studies are no longer accepted. Applications are taken on an ongoing basis for expenses between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028, while funds last.

Up to $20,000,000

FedDev Ontario help for southern Ontario businesses facing tariff pressures, with at least $1 million in annual revenue. Liquidity help of up to $2 million (non-repayable, up to 50% of costs) and pivot projects of up to $1 million non-repayable or more as a repayable contribution, to a total of $20 million per business. Accepting applications, with no fixed deadline.

A federal tax credit for research and development done in Canada. Most Canadian-controlled private corporations earn a refundable 35% credit on up to $6 million of qualified spending a year (for tax years starting after December 15, 2024); other claimants earn 15%. You claim it with your income tax return.

Up to $5,000

Wage subsidies of up to $5,000 per work placement for employers anywhere in Canada who hire post-secondary students. Employers apply year-round through one of 18 delivery partners (such as Technation, ECO Canada, BioTalent Canada and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce); some partners may be at capacity.

Up to $37,500

Up to $37,500 per project (75% of costs) for Canadian businesses with fewer than 500 employees, academic institutions and research centres to negotiate R&D partnerships with foreign partners. The next intake opens December 1, 2026 at noon Eastern for 24 hours, first come, first served.