Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Grants for economic development in southwestern Ontario
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $1,500,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 2, 2024
- Closing date : September 17, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of Ontario
Status
Open
Overview of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects program
Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that focus on job creation and economic and business development in southwestern Ontario.
Financing terms and conditions
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides comprehensive financial support for business and community economic development projects to stimulate growth and job creation in southwestern Ontario. The funding modalities are designed to cater to the unique needs of each project type.
- Business projects can receive up to 15% of eligible project costs through interest-free loans, up to a maximum of $5 million, with potential loan forgiveness of up to 30% if specific targets are met.
- Grants for businesses are available in specific circumstances, such as up to $500,000 for companies with fewer than 100 employees in rural Ontario, or up to $1.5 million for strategic projects competing against other jurisdictions.
- Community economic development projects can obtain up to 50% of eligible project costs with a maximum grant of $1.5 million.
- Funding cannot be combined or "stacked" with other provincial programs.
Eligible projects & activities
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 550,000
Development of an innovation hub to support local startups and entrepreneurs
$ 800,000
Community project to enhance digital infrastructure and broadband access
$ 800,000
Establishment of an eco-friendly packaging manufacturing facility
$ 600,000
A program for extensive skills development in advanced manufacturing techniques
$ 700,000
Expansion of a local food manufacturing facility to increase production capacity
$ 750,000
Upgrade of a technology incubator to support emerging tech startups
Eligibility criteria of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects program
The eligibility criteria for companies applying for this grant require specific operational and investment conditions.
- The business must have at least 3 years of operations or provide 3 years of 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 achieving a 30% increase in jobs for companies with fewer than 15 employees.
- The business must invest at least $500,000 in the project, or $200,000 if located in rural Ontario.
- The business must be located in, or plan to relocate to, a community in southwestern Ontario.
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
Eligibility criteria of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects program
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on their alignment with the fund’s goals, economic benefits, and achievability.
- Alignment with the fund’s objectives of investment attraction and job creation in the regions.
- Economic benefits offered by the project, including job creation and contribution to the region or sector development.
- Achievability of the project, including the applicant's financing, project management structure, and experience.
How to apply to the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects program
1
Complete Self-Assessment
- Use the online self-assessment tool to determine eligibility.
- Choose the relevant stream: Business or Community.
2
Consult Regional Advisor
- Contact a regional advisor to discuss your project.
- Receive guidance on the application process.
3
Register on TPON
- Register on the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system.
- Have necessary business information and documents ready (e.g., legal business name, CRA Business Number).
- Ensure accuracy to avoid delays.
4
Complete Application
- Work with your regional advisor to complete the application form.
- Gather required supplemental information.
- For business projects, review program guidelines and sample application form.
- For community projects, review program guidelines and sample application form.
5
Submit Application
- Submit the completed application on TPON.
- Ensure all required documents are included.
6
Await Outcome
Wait for notification of decision within 60 business days of the application deadline.
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.
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