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Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants
Grants to grow or expand in southwestern Ontario
Last Update: April 13, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000 - $ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 26, 2026
- Closing date : September 23, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that encourage innovation, collaboration, cluster development, job creation and private sector investment in southwestern Ontario.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 26, 2026
- Closing date : September 23, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 105 employees minimum
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund supports business projects that aim to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and regional economic impact through strategic investments. Eligible projects typically focus on the adoption of new technologies and business expansion into new markets.
- Investments in equipment, new technologies, talent, and training to enhance business productivity and competitiveness, leading to growth.
- Investment in new operations in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario.
- Investment in existing operations that lead to business expansion and introduction of new products or services, or new markets.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Cash flow forecast.
- Articles of incorporation.
- Corporate family tree.
- Three years of financial statements.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses registered in Ontario.
- Municipalities, Indigenous communities, economic development agencies, sector associations, and consortia.
- Businesses and community economic development project proponents in southwestern Ontario.
Who is not eligible
- Ongoing operations, maintenance, and capital replacement projects.
- Refinancing, acquisitions, buyouts, and restructurings.
- Businesses in retail, consulting, personal services, or other excluded sectors.
- Projects in primary production, construction, electricity generation, waste management, recycling, information and communication services, or academic research.
- Stand-alone restaurants and hotels, unless transformative and considered a regional priority.
Eligible expenses
- Construction and project facility modifications or upgrades.
- Site servicing and power service upgrades.
- Equipment and machinery needed for the project.
- Direct labour, materials, and specialized expertise tied to the project.
- Training and talent-related costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing operations, including maintenance and capital replacement.
- Refinancing, acquisitions, buyouts, and restructuring.
- Relocations to other jurisdictions within Ontario.
- Land or building purchases.
- Landscaping, staff parking lots, and vehicle or off-site equipment costs.
Eligible geographic areas
- Brant
- Bruce
- Chatham-Kent
- Dufferin
- Elgin
- Essex
- Grey
- Haldimand
- Huron
- Lambton
- Middlesex
- Niagara
- Norfolk
- Oxford
- Perth
- Simcoe
- Waterloo
- Wellington
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and only complete applications received by the deadline are assessed.
- Applicants are notified of the decision after the intake period closes.
- If approved, a funding agreement must be signed before any payment is made.
- Funding is disbursed in arrears and may include an initial payment in some cases.
Additional information
- Applicants must speak with a regional advisor before applying.
- Decision notifications are typically issued within about 60 business days after the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants. 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 Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants?
Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that encourage innovation, collaboration, cluster development, job creation and private sector investment in southwestern Ontario.
How much funding can be received?
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **September 23, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants program?
To be eligible for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants program, you must:
The business must have at least 3 years of operations and financial statements.
Employ at least 10 people, or 5 if the business is in rural Ontario.
Commit to investing at least $500,000 in the project, or $200,000 if in a rural area.
What expenses are eligible under Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants?
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund supports business projects that aim to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and regional economic impact through strategic investments. Eligible projects typically focus on the adoption of new technologies and business expansion into new markets. Investments in equipment, new technologies, talent, and training to enhance business productivity and competitiveness, leading to growth.
Investment in new operations in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario.
Investment in existing operations that lead to business expansion and introduction of new products or services, or new markets.
Where is the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants available?
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants is a Grant and Funding