grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateDecember 07, 2023
  • grant_single|closingDateFebruary 08, 2024
  • grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
  • Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
grant_single|grantors
  • Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open

grant_single_labels|preview

Loans of up to $5 million for large investments that create jobs in southwestern Ontario.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available to businesses located in the southwestern Ontario region. It aims to support economic and community development in designated areas.
  • Brant
  • Bruce
  • Chatham-Kent
  • Dufferin
  • Elgin
  • Essex
  • Grey
  • Haldimand
  • Huron
  • Lambton
  • Middlesex
  • Niagara
  • Norfolk
  • Oxford
  • Perth
  • Simcoe
  • Waterloo
  • Wellington
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$3,000,000

Upgrade of transportation infrastructure to support local businesses and reduce traffic congestion

$3,000,000

Development of a high-tech incubator to support local startups and create high-skilled jobs

$2,000,000

Construction of a community-based cultural center to promote local arts and culture

$2,500,000

Expansion of a renewable energy facility to increase production capacity and generate new jobs

$2,000,000

Implementation of an advanced manufacturing line to produce electric vehicle components

$2,000,000

Launch of a new organic food production line to meet growing demand

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant company's operations and commitments.
  • The business must have at least 3 years of operations/financial statements.
  • The business must employ at least 10 people, or 5 if located in rural Ontario.
  • The business must commit to creating at least 5 new jobs, or a 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees.
  • The business must invest at least $500,000 in their project, or $200,000 if located in rural Ontario.
  • The business must be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in southwestern Ontario.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for both business projects and community economic development projects. Eligible applicants include existing businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations located in or planning to locate in southwestern Ontario. For business projects, companies must have at least three years of operations, a minimum of 10 employees (or 5 in rural Ontario), and must commit to creating new jobs and significant financial investment. For community projects, initiatives must be led by municipalities or sector organizations focusing on economic development and job creation with a private sector investment component. Ineligible applicants include those involved in ongoing operations like maintenance, certain types of businesses such as retail, primary production, and others specified in the fund's restrictions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain companies and industries cannot apply for this grant based on their primary activities or the nature of their operations. These restrictions ensure alignment with the grant's focus on transformative economic development initiatives.
  • Projects involving ongoing operations like maintenance and capital replacement.
  • Refinancing of existing business operations.
  • Acquisitions and buyouts.
  • Restructuring or relocating to other jurisdictions within Ontario.
  • Primary production industries.
  • Retail operations.
  • Construction projects, specifically residential development.
  • Personal services businesses.
  • Consulting services.
  • Electricity generation businesses.
  • Waste management or recycling operations.
  • Information and communication services.
  • Academic research initiatives.
  • Stand-alone restaurants and hotels, unless they are transformative and considered a regional priority.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund supports projects that drive economic development in the region, aiming to enhance business growth and create job opportunities. Eligible projects focus on innovation, productivity improvement, and new market pursuits.
  • Investments in business growth through expansion projects.
  • Initiatives aimed at improving productivity and operational efficiency.
  • Research and implementation of innovative technologies and practices.
  • Projects that focus on skills development and workforce training.
  • Strategies to explore and enter new markets for regional businesses.
  • Community-led economic development projects fostering infrastructure improvements.
  • Collaborative projects involving private sector support to encourage regional economic impacts.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund covers expenses that are directly tied to the growth and strategic advancement of the business or community project.
  • Costs associated with purchasing and installing new, specialized equipment.
  • Expenses for training and development programs to enhance workforce skills.
  • Investments in new technology or innovative processes.
  • Expenses related to accessing new markets or increasing productivity.
  • Infrastructure improvements necessary for project execution.
  • Project management and administration costs.

grant_single_labels|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

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Complete Online Self-Assessment Tool
    • Access and complete the online self-assessment tool available for both Business Stream and Community Stream projects.
  • Step 2: Contact a Regional Advisor
    • Reach out to a regional advisor for assistance and guidance on your application.
  • Step 3: Register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
    • Register your organization on the TPON system.
    • Ensure all necessary business information and documents are ready and accurately entered.
    • Contact TPON Customer Service for technical support if needed.
  • Step 4: Prepare and Submit Application
    • Collaborate with your regional advisor to complete the application form.
    • Gather all required supplemental information for submission.
    • Submit the complete application on TPON before the deadline.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • Loans are interest-free during the project period of up to 4 years.
  • If investment and job targets are achieved, up to 30% of the loan may be forgiven, up to a maximum of $500,000.
  • There are four application intake periods per year.
  • Consulting with a regional advisor is recommended two weeks in advance of the application deadline.
  • Registration on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) is required for application submission.
  • Complementary services and support may be available regardless of funding outcome.

grant_single_labels|documents

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business project loans

Apply to this program