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Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects
Grants for economic development in southwestern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 26, 2026
- Closing date : May 27, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that focus on job creation and economic and business development in southwestern Ontario.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 26, 2026
- Closing date : May 27, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant supports community economic development initiatives focused on business and job growth. The eligible projects aim to stimulate regional economic development through strategic investments and initiatives.
- Investments in community infrastructure to support economic growth.
- Implementation of strategies to advance regional economic development priorities.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Existing businesses, municipalities, economic development organizations, and not-for-profit organizations located in southwestern Ontario are eligible to apply. Business projects must have at least 3 years of operations, employ a minimum number of employees, commit to job creation, and meet specific investment criteria. Community economic development projects must focus on economic and business development, job creation, involve infrastructure investments, and lead to measurable outcomes.Who is not eligible
This grant program does not support certain types of companies and industries. These restrictions ensure the funds are reserved for projects that align with regional development priorities and offer substantial economic benefits.
- Ongoing operations such as maintenance and capital replacement.
- Refinancing of existing business operations.
- Acquisitions and buyouts.
- Restructuring or relocating to other jurisdictions within Ontario.
- Primary production.
- Retail businesses.
- Construction, particularly residential development.
- Personal services.
- Consulting.
- Electricity generation.
- Waste management or recycling.
- Information and communication services.
- Academic research.
- Stand-alone restaurants and hotels, unless they are transformative and considered a regional priority.
Eligible expenses
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund aims to stimulate regional economic growth by supporting business expansion and community economic development initiatives. Eligible projects are those that contribute to business growth, job creation, and regional development across southwestern Ontario.
- Business growth projects that involve significant investment and the creation of new jobs.
- Projects focusing on improving business productivity through innovation and skills development.
- Initiatives aimed at accessing new markets to enhance business competitiveness.
- Community economic development projects led by municipalities or economic development organizations.
- Projects that involve economic infrastructure investment to drive regional priorities and job creation.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to entities based in specific geographic areas within Southwestern Ontario. These locations are chosen to stimulate regional economic development initiatives effectively.
- Brant
- Bruce
- Chatham-Kent
- Dufferin
- Elgin
- Essex
- Grey
- Haldimand
- Huron
- Lambton
- Middlesex
- Niagara
- Norfolk
- Oxford
- Perth
- Simcoe
- Waterloo
- Wellington
Additional information
Additional relevant information worth knowing by the grant applicant includes funding restrictions, reporting requirements, and support services.
- Applicants are not allowed to combine Southwestern Ontario Development funding with other provincial programs.
- Successful projects are required to work with a regional advisor to complete the application and ensure the application meets all necessary criteria and guidelines.
- Applicants may be eligible for other assistance related to advisory services, assistance with environmental compliance approvals, assistance in accessing skills and talent, and information related to available tax credits.
- There are four application intake periods per year, and decisions are usually communicated within approximately 60 business days of the application deadline.
- The application process requires prior consultation with a regional advisor, and registration on TPON (Transfer Payment Ontario) is mandatory for grant applications.
- Complementary services and supports are available once a complete application is submitted through the Regional Development Program, regardless of the funding outcome.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects?
Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that focus on job creation and economic and business development in southwestern Ontario.
How much funding can be received?
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **May 27, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects program?
To be eligible for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects program, you must:
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 a 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees.
What expenses are eligible under Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects?
This grant supports community economic development initiatives focused on business and job growth. The eligible projects aim to stimulate regional economic development through strategic investments and initiatives. Investments in community infrastructure to support economic growth.
Implementation of strategies to advance regional economic development priorities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).
Where is the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects available?
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects program is available the province of Ontario.
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