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Source verified August 10, 2026
Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII)
Innovative business financing for growth-focused SMEs
Funding available
$ 150,000 - $ 500,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ottawa, Peterborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) provides loans of $150,000 to $500,000 to high-growth, innovative SMEs in Southern Ontario. It supports rural and urban businesses pursuing late-stage commercialization, new product or service development, and new processes or technologies.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 150,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ottawa, Peterborough, Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 500,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- 8 employees minimum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Late stage commercialization
- New product or service development
- New applications or markets
- Development or implementation of new processes or technologies
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated, revenue-generating businesses
- High-growth, innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Businesses located in Southern Ontario
Who is not eligible
- Early-stage start-ups
Eligible expenses
The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) supports high-growth SMEs in rural and urban communities by offering loans to boost innovation and expansion. Eligible projects for this funding focus on various stages of development and technology enhancement in businesses.
- Late stage commercialization of products or services.
- Development of new products or services.
- Exploration of new applications or markets for existing products.
- Development or implementation of new processes or technologies.
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
Selection criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Focus on clean economic growth projects that support the greening of the economy, contribute to emissions reductions, and create sustainable and green jobs.
- Projects that accelerate business development and growth of companies.
- Projects in cutting-edge technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical technologies, digital health, and agri-tech.
- Industrial transition projects that support changes in traditional sectors to adopt new technologies and innovations for improved competitiveness and new opportunities.
- Priority may be given to projects supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles and housing manufacturing innovation.
How to apply
- Find your regional SOFII office.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first submitted as a Statement of Interest.
- The program reviews the Statement of Interest within five business days.
- Eligible applicants are invited to submit a full application and may be asked for additional information or meetings.
- Applications are reviewed, then a decision is made by the investment review committee and approved by the board.
- Applicants receive a written decision, and approved loans are finalized and disbursed after loan documents and security are completed.
Additional information
- Delivered by Community Futures Eastern Ontario and Community Futures Western Ontario.
- Funded in part by FedDev Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) Program
What is the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII)?
The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) provides loans of $150,000 to $500,000 to high-growth, innovative SMEs in Southern Ontario. It supports rural and urban businesses pursuing late-stage commercialization, new product or service development, and new processes or technologies.
How much funding can be received?
Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) program?
To be eligible for the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) program, you must:
Incorporated and revenue-generating businesses only
Typically operating for 2–3 years
Minimum annual revenue of $500,000
What expenses are eligible under Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII)?
Late stage commercialization
New product or service development
New applications or markets
Development or implementation of new processes or technologies
Who can I contact for more information about the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII)?
You can contact Community Futures Eastern Ontario (CFEO).
Where is the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) available?
The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) is a Loans and Capital investments