Starting & Funding a Business in Ontario – Directory of Resources & Support

Thinking about starting a business in Ontario? 

This page brings together key resources to help you explore business ideas, understand the steps to get started, and find funding support from public, non-profit, and private sector organizations. 

Use this hub as your starting point for launching and growing a business in Ontario!

Business Ideas for Ontario Entrepreneurs

Explore business ideas that match Ontario’s economy, industries, and market trends. These resources can help you identify opportunities and choose a business that fits your goals and the local demand.

Starting a Business in Ontario

Learn the key steps to starting a business in Ontario, from planning and structuring your company to handling legal and financial basics. These guides walk you through what to expect.

Business Funding in Ontario

Discover the types of funding available to entrepreneurs in Ontario, including grants, loans, tax credits, and investment opportunities. 

Each category below links to a guide that explains where to find support and how to apply:

Grants

Find non-repayable funding options available to startups and small businesses in Ontario in our guide to Ontario business grants.

Government Loans

Loan programs supported or delivered by the Ontario government often offer lower interest rates and/or flexible terms for small businesses. Explore our guide to Ontario government business loans.

Wage Subsidies

Reduce your hiring costs in Ontario through government-supported subsidy programs. We have a guide to wage subsidies in Canada supported by the federal and provincial governments.

Tax Credits

Tax credits can lower your tax burden based on your business activities. Check out the current federal and provincial business tax credits in Canada.

Equity Investments

Many startups and high-growth businesses can obtain equity financing from incubators, private investors, or government equity investment programs. Learn more about equity financing in Canada. 

Business Funding Organizations in Ontario

Browse organizations across the public, non-profit, and private sectors that provide business funding in Ontario. These links connect you directly to their funding programs and services.

(For a complete guide to the types of funding available to entrepreneurs, read our Canada Business Funding guide.)

Public Sector Funding Organizations in Ontario

Federal Government Funding Organizations

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)

Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC)

Provincial Government Funding Organizations

Provincial Government Ministries

Provincial Government Crown Corporations

Provincial Business Development Organizations 

Provincial Innovation Centres & Networks

Provincial Sector-Specific Organizations

Utility Companies

Municipal Government Funding Organizations

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)

Learn more about Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in Ontario.

Municipal Economic Development Offices

Sector-Specific Municipal Organizations

University-Affiliated Funding Organizations

Applied Research & Commercialization Hubs

Entrepreneurship Centres

Research Partnership Offices

Technology Access Centres

Non-Profit Sector Funding Organizations in Ontario

Associations

Chambers of Commerce

Learn more about Chambers of Commerce in Ontario.

Cooperative Non-Profits

Financing Non-Profits

Foundations

Incubators

Networks

Research Organizations

Social Enterprise Organizations

Private Sector Funding Organizations in Ontario

Accelerators

Learn more about Accelerators in Ontario.

Angel Investor Networks

Microfinance Organizations

Asset-Backed Financing Firms

Equipment Financing and Leasing Companies

Venture Capital Firms