Business projects must have at least 3 years of operations/financial statements
Business projects must employ at least 10 people (5 if in rural Ontario)
Business projects must commit to creating at least 5 new jobs (or a 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees)
Business projects must invest at least $500,000 in their project (or $200,000 if in rural Ontario)
Business projects must be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in southwestern Ontario
Community economic development projects must focus on economic and business development and job creation in the community or region
Community economic development projects must invest more than $100,000
Community economic development projects must have private sector support
Community economic development projects must be used for activities that are new to the organization

Who is eligible

Businesses with at least 3 years of operations/financial statements, employing at least 10 people (or 5 if in rural Ontario), committing to create at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees), and investing at least $500,000 in their project (or $200,000 if in rural Ontario) can apply for this grant.

Who is not eligible

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

Project planning and development costs
Equipment purchase and installation
Technology development and adoption
Training and skills development for employees
Marketing and promotional expenses
Consulting fees related to project implementation

Eligible projects & activities

Projects that focus on economic and business development
Projects that lead to measurable outcomes including private sector investment, growth, and job creation
Projects that invest in infrastructure or implement strategies to advance regional economic development priorities
Projects that are new to the organization

Eligible geographic areas

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

Evaluation & selection criteria

Alignment with the fund’s goals of investment attraction and job creation in the regions
Providing economic benefits such as job creation, contribution to the region, or sector development
Achievability of the project, including having the necessary financing, project management structure, and experience to implement the project

How to apply

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

Additional information

- For business projects, applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria regarding years of operations, number of employees, job creation commitments, and investment thresholds. - Business projects should focus on growth, productivity enhancement, innovation, and skills development to align with the program's objectives. - Community economic development projects should be led by qualified organizations and aim to drive economic and business development while creating jobs in the region. - Applicants should familiarize themselves with the types of support available, including funding, loans, and grants, and ensure compliance with all restrictions and regulations. - Prior to submitting an application, applicants must consult with a regional advisor to assess project fit and receive guidance on application preparation. - The selection process emphasizes the alignment of projects with program goals, economic benefits, and feasibility.

Documents and links

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Business project loans

Apply to this program

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund Grant Summary

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund Grant Details

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides financial support to businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations in southwestern Ontario for projects that aim to grow businesses, improve productivity, and create new sustainable jobs. The fund offers funding, loans, and grants to eligible business and community projects, with specific criteria and restrictions in place. In southwestern Ontario, eligible businesses must meet specific requirements such as having at least 3 years of operations, employing a minimum number of people, and committing to creating new jobs and investing a certain amount in their projects. On the other hand, community economic development projects led by municipalities or organizations focus on job creation, private sector investment, and infrastructure development in the region. The fund's support includes funding up to 15% of eligible project costs for business projects and up to 50% for community projects, with additional complementary services available. Application periods are specified throughout the year, and successful projects should align with the fund's goals of investment attraction and job creation, delivering measurable economic benefits.