How much funding can be received?

Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that encourage innovation, collaboration, cluster development, job creation and private sector investment in southwestern Ontario.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 400,000

Development of an online marketplace for locally-made artisanal products based

$ 900,000

Development of AI-powered software for automating financial analyses in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

$ 450,000

Establishment of a community youth entrepreneurship hub

$ 500,000

Creation of an eco-friendly urban farm for local food production

$ 650,000

Launch of an export program for handcrafted furniture from Ottawa to international markets

$ 800,000

Installation of renewable energy systems in a local manufacturing plant

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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

grant_single_labels|criteria

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.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Complete the online self-assessment tool. Step 2: Contact a regional advisor for help with your application. Step 3: Register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON). Step 4: Work with your regional advisor to complete the application form and submit it on TPON along with the required supplemental information.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|documents

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business project grants

Apply to this program

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund Overview

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides financial support and services to help businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations in southwestern Ontario grow, increase productivity, innovate, and create jobs. Eligible projects can receive funding, loans, or grants to support economic development initiatives in areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, and regional growth. The program aims to stimulate economic activity and attract investments that benefit the region. Projects must align with the fund's objectives and demonstrate a positive economic impact to be considered for support. To apply, applicants need to meet specific criteria, engage with regional advisors, and submit their applications through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON). Successful projects are selected based on their alignment with program goals, potential economic benefits, and feasibility for implementation. Contact the regional advisor or Business Advisory Services for assistance in developing a strong application.