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Source verified March 16, 2026
Small Business Program
Free energy-efficient equipment upgrades for eligible Ontario small businesses
Latest source updateLast Update: May 11, 2026Latest change: The Small Business Program now highlights higher incentives, added refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades, and updated eligibility and application guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 11, 2026
Latest change: The Small Business Program now highlights higher incentives, added refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades, and updated eligibility and application guidance.
Small Business Program updated
The Small Business Program page now shows up to $5,500 in direct-install incentives, with separate amounts for lighting and for refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades. The eligibility section was also expanded to confirm Ontario business and lease requirements, landlord consent for tenants, and updated guidance for past participants. The application flow was rewritten with clearer how-it-works steps, FAQ content, and references to required assessment, agreement, and work order documents. The page also adds Peak Perks promotion, an Enbridge smart thermostat note, and updated contact wording.
Funding available
$ 3,000
Deadline
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.
/100
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 $
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
- Free on-site energy assessment.
- Installation of eligible lighting upgrades.
- Installation of eligible refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario small businesses
- Commercial and institutional facilities
- Agricultural facilities
- Multi-family buildings
Who is not eligible
- Residential distribution customers, except recognized farm operations.
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
How to apply
- Step 1: Schedule an assessment
- Apply online, by phone, or by email.
- Request a free on-site assessment.
- Step 2: Review your options
- Review the upgrades identified after the assessment.
- Choose whether to proceed.
- Step 3: Sign the documents
- Review and sign the participant agreement.
- Review and sign the work order.
- Step 4: Get the upgrades
- Qualified delivery partners manage installation and cleanup.
Processing and Agreement
- A free assessment is completed first.
- A participant agreement and work order are issued before installation.
- Installations are handled by qualified delivery partners.
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
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 business
50 or fewer employees
Own or lease premises
What expenses are eligible under Small Business Program?
Free on-site energy assessment.
Installation of eligible lighting upgrades.
Installation of eligible refrigeration and smart thermostat upgrades.
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