Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants

The eligibility criteria for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund grant are as follows: 1. Business Projects: - Businesses must have at least 3 years of operations/financial statements. - Employ at least 10 people (or 5 if in rural Ontario). - Commit to creating at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees). - Invest at least $500,000 in the project (or $200,000 in rural Ontario). - Be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in southwestern Ontario. 2. Community Economic Development Projects: - Led by municipalities, economic development organizations, or sector organizations. - Focus on economic and business development, and job creation in the community or region. - Invest more than $100,000 with private sector support. - Be used for activities that are new to the organization. Ineligible projects include ongoing operations, refinancing of existing business operations, acquisitions, buyouts, restructuring, primary production, retail, construction, personal services, consulting, electricity generation, waste management/recycling, information and communication services, academic research, stand-alone restaurants and hotels (unless transformative and considered a regional priority).

Who is eligible?

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is open to businesses and community economic development projects in southwestern Ontario. Eligible businesses must have a minimum of three years of operations, employ at least 10 people (or 5 in rural Ontario), commit to creating at least 5 new jobs or a 30% increase in workforce, and invest a substantial amount in their project, with specific criteria for both urban and rural companies. Additionally, municipalities, Indigenous communities, economic development agencies, sector associations, and consortia may apply under the Community Economic Development Project Program, provided they are legal entities operating within the specified geographic area.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.

• Companies involved in ongoing operations such as maintenance and capital replacement.
• Businesses seeking refinancing of existing operations.
• Entities focused on acquisitions, buyouts, or internal restructuring.
• Companies involved in primary production or retail sectors.
• Business activities related to construction, especially residential development.
• Personal services and consultancy firms.
• Organizations involved in electricity generation and waste management/recycling services.
• Information and communication service providers without transformative projects.
• Academic research organizations.
• Stand-alone restaurants and hotels, unless deemed a regional priority.
• Restrictions on combining this funding with other provincial programs.

Eligible expenses

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund grant covers expenses associated with business expansion and innovation.

• Investments in equipment and new technologies to enhance business productivity and competitiveness.
• Costs related to talent acquisition and training for skills development.
• Expenses for business expansion, including introduction of new products or services.
• Costs associated with accessing new markets.

Eligible geographic areas

Yes, there are eligible geographic areas for this grant:

• Brant
• Bruce
• Chatham-Kent
• Dufferin
• Elgin
• Essex
• Grey
• Haldimand
• Huron
• Lambton
• Middlesex
• Niagara
• Norfolk
• Oxford
• Perth
• Simcoe
• Waterloo
• Wellington

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund are based on specific criteria designed to align the projects with the economic development objectives of the grant.

• Ability of the project to generate regional economic impact beyond individual company benefits.
• Contribution to job creation, including specific targets for increasing full-time equivalent positions within the company.
• Investment in innovation, productivity improvements, or new market pursuits.
• Capacity of the business to finance the project, ensuring compliance with the minimum investment requirements.
• Project alignment with sectors that contribute to long-term economic sustainability with higher multiplier effects.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The application process requires consultation with a regional advisor prior to submission.
• Applicants need to register on TPON and consult with a regional advisor at least two weeks in advance of the application deadline.
• Notification of application decisions will be provided approximately 60 business days after the application deadline.