Closed
Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative
Support for market diversification and trade resilience
Last Update: June 2, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : June 2, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This initiative offers up to $499,999 to help Ontario primary producers and processors diversify markets and strengthen trade resilience. It supports market planning, market development, and equipment or technology investments for agricultural, food, and beverage products.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : June 2, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Market development implementation planning
- Market development and diversification activities
- Acquisition and installation of equipment or technology
- Training related to acquired equipment or technology
Documents Needed
- Completed Ministry-approved application form
- Written third-party quotes for eligible costs
- Business analysis or market development plan, where required
- Bees Act registration certificate, if applying as a beekeeper
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Primary producers
- Processors
- Aquaculture businesses undertaking international marketing activities
- Fish and seafood processors undertaking international marketing activities
Who is not eligible
- Brand owners for equipment and technology projects
- Aquaculture businesses for domestic marketing or product development
- Fish and seafood processors for domestic marketing or product development
- Businesses with 500 or more employees at the project location
Eligible expenses
- Third-party advisory, marketing, and product development services
- Trade show, buyer meeting, travel, meals, and accommodation costs
- New or refurbished equipment and technology, including lease-to-own principal payments
- Shipping, installation, and vendor training costs
- Packaging, labelling, testing, and laboratory analysis costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Application costs
- Costs incurred before approval or after project completion
- Ordinary business operating expenses and staff salaries
- In-kind contributions, alcohol, hospitality, gifts, and incentives
- Equipment replacement, maintenance, and non-integral or multi-use items
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- The Ministry reviews the application for eligibility after submission.
- Completed applications are assessed against eligibility and merit criteria.
- Applicants are notified by email if approved or not approved.
- Approved applicants receive an approval letter with project details and obligations.
- Claims are reviewed before payment is issued, and additional information may be requested.
Additional information
- Only one application per project category is allowed.
- Projects must be approved before they start.
- Successful applicants receive an approval letter by email.
- Recipients must register with Transfer Payment Ontario and Supply Ontario to receive payments.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative?
This initiative offers up to $499,999 to help Ontario primary producers and processors diversify markets and strengthen trade resilience. It supports market planning, market development, and equipment or technology investments for agricultural, food, and beverage products.
Who is eligible for the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative program, you must:
Fewer than 500 employees
Ontario primary producer or processor
Project in Ontario
What expenses are eligible under Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative?
Market development implementation planning
Market development and diversification activities
Acquisition and installation of equipment or technology
Training related to acquired equipment or technology
Where is the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative available?
The Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative?
Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative is funded by Government of Ontario