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Small Business Program
Free energy-efficient equipment upgrades for eligible Ontario small businesses
Last Update: March 16, 2026
Funding available
$ 3,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Save on Energy Small Business Program provides up to $3,000 in free lighting incentives and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment to help Ontario small businesses reduce energy consumption at no cost. Funding supports direct-install energy-efficiency upgrades identified through a free on-site assessment, such as lighting, refrigeration improvements, and smart thermostat installations.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 50 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- On-site energy assessment to identify energy-efficiency upgrade opportunities for the business (e.g., lighting, refrigeration, smart thermostats).
- Implementation of energy-efficient lighting upgrades through direct installation.
- Implementation of eligible non-lighting energy-efficiency equipment upgrades through direct installation.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses in Ontario looking to improve the energy efficiency of their equipment (e.g., lighting, refrigeration, smart thermostat).
Eligible expenses
- Purchase and installation of eligible lighting equipment (up to $3,000 in incentives).
- Purchase and installation of eligible non-lighting equipment (up to $2,500 in incentives), including notably refrigeration upgrades and smart thermostats.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario (small businesses across Ontario).
Additional information
- Upgrades are delivered through a direct-install model, with qualified Save on Energy delivery partners managing installation and related project coordination.
- Prior participation in certain Save on Energy programs may allow businesses to receive additional upgrades at no cost.
- Some upgrades that exceed the standard incentive caps may qualify for additional incentives (see the Eligible Measures List).
- Key stated benefits include lower electricity bills, reduced maintenance and operating costs, improved employee comfort and productivity, and higher customer satisfaction.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Business Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Small Business Program. 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 Small Business Program?
The Save on Energy Small Business Program provides up to $3,000 in free lighting incentives and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment to help Ontario small businesses reduce energy consumption at no cost. Funding supports direct-install energy-efficiency upgrades identified through a free on-site assessment, such as lighting, refrigeration improvements, and smart thermostat installations.
How much funding can be received?
Small Business Program Funds up to $3,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Small Business Program program?
To be eligible for the Small Business Program program, you must:
Ontario small business with 50 or fewer employees.
Prior participation in certain Save on Energy programs may be eligible for upgrades.
Businesses previously funded may qualify for additional upgrades.
What expenses are eligible under Small Business Program?
On-site energy assessment to identify energy-efficiency upgrade opportunities for the business (e.g., lighting, refrigeration, smart thermostats).
Implementation of energy-efficient lighting upgrades through direct installation.
Implementation of eligible non-lighting energy-efficiency equipment upgrades through direct installation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Small Business Program?
You can contact Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) by email at info@smallbusinessprogram.ca or by phone at 1-833-825-7283.
Where is the Small Business Program available?
The Small Business Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Small Business Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Small Business Program is a Grant and Funding