Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects
ON, Canada
Grants for economic development in southwestern Ontario
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|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that focus on job creation and economic and business development in southwestern Ontario.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within southwestern Ontario as determined by the funding body. These locations are chosen to promote regional economic development and to ensure the strategic use of the fund.
- Brant
- Bruce
- Chatham-Kent
- Dufferin
- Elgin
- Essex
- Grey
- Haldimand
- Huron
- Lambton
- Middlesex
- Niagara
- Norfolk
- Oxford
- Perth
- Simcoe
- Waterloo
- Wellington
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
$550,000
Development of an innovation hub to support local startups and entrepreneurs
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of eligible projects.
- Capital costs for new machinery and equipment.
- Employee training and skills development related to the project.
- Costs associated with research and development, including innovation to enhance efficiency or productivity.
- Marketing and promotional costs for accessing new markets.
- Infrastructure costs directly tied to the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Complete Self-Assessment
- Use the online self-assessment tool to determine eligibility.
- Choose the relevant stream: Business or Community.
- Step 2: Consult Regional Advisor
- Contact a regional advisor to discuss your project.
- Receive guidance on the application process.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application on TPON.
- Ensure all required documents are included.
- Step 6: Await Outcome
- Wait for notification of decision within 60 business days of the application deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Exploring the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides financial assistance to businesses and organizations engaged in projects targeting economic growth and job creation in southwestern Ontario. This initiative supports strategic investments aiming to enhance productivity, foster innovation, and expand market reach.
Understanding the Benefits and Application Process of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund stands as a significant pillar for economic growth within this dynamic region of Canada. It targets businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations to help transform the economic landscape through strategic investments. The fund offers a blend of financial support and complementary services, ensuring both immediate and long-term economic benefits for participants and the community at large.
Businesses eyeing this fund can benefit from funding that covers up to 15% of eligible project costs. Special provisions include loans up to $5 million, which remain interest-free during the project period of up to four years, with the possibility of partial loan forgiveness upon achieving job and investment targets. Grants are available under specific circumstances for smaller businesses, encouraging rural development and strategic foreign investments.
Community economic development initiatives can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs in grant funding, capped at $1.5 million. These initiatives must aim at fostering business development, generating private sector investment, and creating new employment opportunities, thereby offering a broader economic uplift to the area.
Southwestern Ontario, encompassing 18 diverse geographical regions, offers a fertile ground for such development efforts, underscoring the importance of collaborative endeavors that result in substantial regional economic impact. The fund is meticulously structured to ensure that applicants with credible, robust project plans that align with broader regional and economic priorities are given due consideration.
Applicants are advised to engage a regional advisor to navigate the process effectively and enhance their application’s strength. Registration on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) is a prerequisite, and potential applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly by reviewing the guidelines and understanding the complete application process. This rigorous approach ensures that the projects selected have a high potential for success and align with Ontario's economic and employment objectives, providing a sustainable economic boost to the region.
In summary, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is not only a financial instrument but also a catalyst for economic resilience and job creation. By supporting transformative projects, it aspires to reinforce the competitive position of Southwestern Ontario in the global economy, ensuring prosperity through innovation, skill development, and strategic regional partnerships.
