Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) is a Partnering and Collaboration

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?

Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) is funded by Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (ON)

Q: Who is eligible for the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) program, you must: • Support is for automotive companies proposing leading-edge manufacturing projects • Project must involve more than $300 million in investment or create/retain over 300 jobs

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?

You can contact Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (ON).

Q: Where is the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) available?

The Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) program is available the province of Ontario.

Last Update: September 26, 2025

ON, Canada

Funds innovative auto manufacturing projects creating or retaining jobs

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Archived

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Funds Providers

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (ON)

Program status

archived

Overview

The Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) offers up to $500 million to support advanced auto manufacturing projects that involve investments over $300 million or create/retain more than 300 jobs. Eligible activities include advanced skills training, innovation in environmental and energy technologies, public infrastructure, and research and development in the automotive sector.

Financing terms and conditions

The Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) provides support for auto manufacturing projects with a total investment of more than $300 million or those that create or retain more than 300 jobs.
Total fund value is $500 million, to be allocated over five years to qualifying projects that meet the investment or job creation/retention thresholds.

Activities funded

Advanced skills training programs for automotive workers.
Implementation of new or improved environmental and energy technologies in manufacturing processes.
Development and adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques.
Automotive research and innovation projects, including the testing and marketing of new products.
Upgrades to public infrastructure to support advanced auto manufacturing operations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 4,975,000

Retooling stamping line for lightweight aluminum auto body panels

$ 4,980,000

Expansion and automation of electric vehicle battery components line

$ 4,995,000

Construction of hydrogen refueling infrastructure for automotive fleets

Eligibility

The applicant must be an automotive company operating in Ontario.
The proposed project must involve leading-edge auto manufacturing initiatives.
The project must demonstrate the creation or retention of a significant number of jobs.
The application must show a significant financial investment and focus on innovation, skills training, or environmental and energy improvements.

Who is eligible?

Automotive manufacturing companies proposing projects in Ontario
Auto parts manufacturers

Eligible expenses

Advanced skills training for workers in the automotive sector.
Implementation of improved environmental and energy technologies.
Investment in public infrastructure supporting manufacturing upgrades.
Research and innovation activities within the auto manufacturing industry.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Selection criteria

Demonstration of significant financial investment.
Capacity to create or retain a significant number of jobs.
Strategic skills training initiatives to keep pace with new technologies and techniques.
Innovation initiatives focused on developing, testing, and marketing new products, including adoption and improvement of new and more efficient technologies.
Projects contributing to improved energy efficiency and environmental technologies, as well as enhancement of public infrastructure to support new manufacturing techniques.

How to apply

Verify project eligibility

Review eligibility by verifying if your project involves leading-edge auto manufacturing
Ensure project meets the minimum requirements of $300 million investment or creation/retention of over 300 jobs
Confirm alignment with areas such as skills training, environmental technologies, or public infrastructure

Prepare and document proposal

Prepare a detailed proposal outlining the scope and objectives of your project
Include details on investment amount, expected job creation or retention, and areas targeted for funding
Highlight innovation components, advanced skills training, and infrastructure improvements

Submit the proposal to MEDT

Submit the proposal to the Investment Division of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT)
Follow the submission guidelines provided by the Ministry
Ensure all required documentation is included

Wait for evaluation results

Wait for the evaluation of your proposal by MEDT and relevant ministries
Provide any additional information or clarification if requested

Additional information

The program aims to leverage up to $5 billion in private-sector investments over five years.
Automotive companies must submit proposals through the Investment Division of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
The program emphasizes public investment's role in supporting skills training and innovation for a globally competitive workforce.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS). 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 Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)?

Advanced skills training programs for automotive workers. Implementation of new or improved environmental and energy technologies in manufacturing processes. Development and adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques. Automotive research and innovation projects, including the testing and marketing of new products. Upgrades to public infrastructure to support advanced auto manufacturing operations.