FedDev Ontario Small Business Services — Community Partners
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
In-person business information across Ontario
FedDev Ontario Small Business Services — Community Partners at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)
Program status
Open
Overview of the FedDev Ontario Small Business Services — Community Partners program
Find a location near you to get in-person help with starting or growing a business, including business planning, market research, statistics and more.
Eligible projects & activities
- Provision of business counselling services for small businesses in rural and remote communities.
- Facilitation of business loans to support the start or expansion of small enterprises in underserved regions.
- Support and resources for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 40,000
Offering specialized business counselling services for local tourism businesses
$ 72,000
Setting up a business counselling center for tech startups
$ 68,000
Expanding a digital marketing agency targeting small e-commerce businesses
$ 56,000
Developing a mobile app to enhance booking services for local artisans
$ 52,000
Launching a community kitchen initiative for low-income families
$ 60,000
Providing low-interest loans to artisanal food businesses
Eligibility criteria of the FedDev Ontario Small Business Services — Community Partners program
- The applicant must be a small business located in rural or remote communities in Ontario.
- The business must be seeking counselling or loans to start or expand operations.
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses in rural and remote communities
- Entrepreneurs seeking to start or grow a business
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Rural and remote communities within Ontario
How to apply to the FedDev Ontario Small Business Services — Community Partners program
1
Contact Local Business Centre
- Identify and reach out to a local business centre in your area for guidance and support on applying for the grant.
- Discuss your business needs and gather information on available grants and business counselling services.
2
Prepare Necessary Documentation
- Collect all required documentation such as business plans, financial statements, and any other relevant information about your business goals and needs.
- Ensure your documents are up to date and organized as per the requirements of the service provider.
3
Application Assistance
- Engage with business counselling services provided by Community Futures Ontario or Ontario Small Business Centres to refine your application.
- Utilize tools and resources provided by the centres to enhance your application quality.
4
Submit Application
- Complete the application process as directed by the local business centre or the granting organization.
- Submit all required documentation and forms ensuring completeness and accuracy.
- Adhere to the submission guidelines and deadlines provided by the granting body.
5
Receive Confirmation
- Await confirmation of your application submission from the grant provider via email or official communication channels.
- Maintain a record of your application details and any communication received.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for engaging with Small Business Services in Ontario:
- The contact service offers both telephone and email options for inquiries, which can potentially guide applicants through any specific regional resources available.
- Business centres may provide personalized advice and access to networks of local businesses and professionals.
- It's beneficial to assess the specific resources and programs available at your local business centre as they can vary significantly by location.
- Community Futures Ontario may offer additional support packages or tailored business development programs directed at rural and remote communities, beyond standard grant provisions.
Apply to this program
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