Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business Project Grants
- Closing date : May 27, 2026
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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop workforce skills
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
- Closing date : May 27, 2026
Eligible candidates
- Manufacturing
- Ontario
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- 105 employees minimum
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
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.
Eligibility
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
Additional information
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.