Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Business project grants
At a glance
- Max. $1,500,000
- 15% of project cost
- Open Date : March 28, 2024
- Closing date : May 16, 2024
- All industries
- Government of Ontario
Overview
Eligibility criteria
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
- Businesses with at least 3 years of operations/financial statements - Businesses that employ at least 10 people (5 if in rural Ontario) - Companies committed to creating at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees) - Businesses willing to invest at least $500,000 in their project ($200,000 if in rural Ontario)
Who is not eligible
Ineligible projects include: - Ongoing operations including maintenance and capital replacement - Refinancing of existing business operations - Acquisitions and buyouts - Restructuring, or relocating to other jurisdictions within Ontario - Primary production - Retail - Construction (for example, residential development) - 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)
Eligible expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund grant:
- Investments to grow businesses
- Improving productivity
- Investing in innovation and skills development
- Pursuing new markets
- Generating positive regional economic impact
- Creating sustainable jobs
Eligible projects & activities
- Business projects that aim to grow their businesses, improve productivity, invest in innovation and skills development, pursue new markets, generate positive regional economic impact, and create sustainable jobs. - Community economic development projects led by municipalities, economic development organizations, or sector organizations focusing on economic and business development, job creation, investing in infrastructure, and implementing strategies to advance regional economic development priorities.
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
Evaluation & selection criteria
- Align with the fund’s goals of investment attraction and job creation in the regions - Provide economic benefits (create jobs, contribute to the region or develop the sector) - Be achievable (applicants need to have the necessary financing, project management structure, and experience to implement the project)
How to apply
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.
Additional information
- Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying - It is important to discuss the project with a regional advisor before submitting an application - Applicants should register with Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) before applying for funding - Successful projects need to align with the fund’s goals of investment attraction and job creation - Applicants may be eligible for complementary services and support even if they do not receive funding - There are specific application deadlines for each intake period, so applicants should plan accordingly
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.
