Ontario Business Grants: What’s Available and How to Apply

The Year-round grants are intended for large re-urbanization projects over 5,000 sq. ft. that create new floor space for affordable housing units and/or non-residential uses that include an office employment component.The program. provides a tax increment grant equal to a portion or full amount of the estimated property tax increase after the property is redeveloped and reassessed
Additional incentives will be provided for developments that include heritage conservation and/or sustainable building design and construction

The intent of the Workforce Development Stream is to strengthen and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce through business partnerships by offering internships.

The Winery Agri-Tourism Economic Relief Grant will help eligible Ontario wineries and cideries continue to grow their operations, create new jobs, and attract more visitors to rural Ontario.

Summer Company is an amazing opportunity for young entrepreneurs to run their own business over Summer. Participants can expect to receive:

start-up money to kick-off a new summer business
advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running
Learning how to run your own student business is one of the best summer jobs you can have. You get to be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. You’ll develop skills in areas such as sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management, networking and more

The Starter Company Plus (SCP) Program is for business owners operating less than 5 years (market ready and ready to sell), ready to expand (hiring employees, contractors, or getting a location), or buying a business in Waterloo Region.

Owners of properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, protected by a conservation easement agreement, or a Historic Site designation, may receive grants in support of the restoration of their heritage resource. There are also grants for project/events and publications.

The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) Wine Support Program supports Ontario wineries in increasing competitiveness and innovation while growing the sale of Ontario VQA wines at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). The Program provides grants to help wineries invest in growing their VQA wine business, including export and tourism development activities.

The program supports visual arts and crafts practices through grants to artists, curators, ad hoc groups, collectives and Francophone organizations in Ontario.

Toronto Arts Council’s Visual Artists Program: Creation provides support to visual artists who have a professional independent art practice for the creation/production of new work or the completion of works in progress. Funds are intended to cover direct costs of creation/production, and materials.

Visual Arts includes drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, printmaking, performance art, installation and fine crafts and more. The Visual Artists Program does not include film or video makers: they apply to the Media Artists Program

The program supports professional Ontario-based visual artists to create new work and to continue work in progress. The program aims to reflect the range of artistic practices in the visual arts, and to support excellence, regional activity, diverse artists and communities.

The purpose of the grant is to to improve appearance of streetscape and buildings, and conserve heritage features. City and UpTown BIA grants are matched to funding from the applicant. Heritage designation grant does not require matching funds

The Triple-P program is designed to spur economic development by offsetting the cost of purchasing equipment or software related to the innovative commercial product, process, or service of the for-profit company

Book publishers are invited to submit titles for consideration for the annual Trillium Book Award. There are prizes both for the winning recepients and their publishers. Furthermore, the publishers of all finalists receive a grant for promotion of their books prior to the announcement of the winners.

The Trillium Book Award was established by the Ontario Government in 1987 to “recognize excellence, support marketing and to foster increased public awareness of the quality and diversity of Ontario writers and writing.

The Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) was a Government of Canada investment delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario that provided one-time, non-repayable funding support of up to $100,000 to eligible tourism businesses and organizations in the Ottawa and Prescott-Russell region.

The program supported costs related to product development and enhancement of tourism experiences to help tourism businesses adapt to the ‘new normal’, modernize tourism offerings, and encourage the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices. Funding also supported destination development initiatives that would position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities through strategic planning for medium to long-term investments.

The TAF is a pilot funding program that aims to address specific gaps in our destination’s visitor experience and increase the destination’s accessibility by funding tourism businesses to improve the level of accessibility in their businesses. The intention of the TAF is to ensure that Ottawa can provide an amenity-rich experience for visitors with disabilities. The application-based grant program will allow businesses to upgrade their built environment and in-destination experiences.

The Touring Projects program supports Ontario-based professional artists/curators, ad hoc groups/collectives and arts organizations to tour performances, exhibitions, screenings and readings for public audiences within Ontario, nationally and internationally. The work(s) being toured must be created and performed by professional artists.

The Indigenous Arts Projects program is an annual multi-disciplinary project grant specifically for Indigenous artists, collectives and organizations. For the purpose of this program, “Indigenous” refers to people who self-define as a First Nations (Status or Non-status), Inuit, or Métis person of Canada. TAC recognizes Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of what is now known as Toronto, which has great historical and cultural significance as a place for ceremony, gathering, trade, and exchange. This program is designed to increase participation in and access to Toronto Arts Council funding by Indigenous artists, while increasing the creation and presentation of high-quality Indigenous art in the City. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council.

The program recognizes a diverse range of art practices. You may apply in one of four categories described below. Grants awarded may be less than the full amount requested. With the exception of the Project Development and Creation categories, TAC will not fund 100% of a project: applicants must indicate other revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services.

The Dance Projects program provides funding to professional dance artists, organizations and collectives for the creation, production and presentation of dance works, and other projects that support the development of professional dance in Toronto. The program recognizes a diversity of dance practices. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council.

The program supports professional exploration, creation, development, production and presentation, regardless of theatrical tradition, as well as initiatives that benefit the Ontario professional theatre community.

The program supports the creation, exploration, development, production and presentation of French-language dramatic works in Ontario.

The program fund high impact climate solutions to create low-carbon, equitable cities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area

The DCC Technology Demonstration Program (DCC Demo) is part of a broader Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) initiative. The Technology Demonstration stream supports Ontario Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) that have completed a Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) project to adopt and implement the digital technology identified in their DMAP, accelerating growth of the SME whilst also supporting the commercialization of Ontario digital technologies.

As TechAlliance takes bold steps towards equitable growth, we continue to unlock opportunities for some of Canada’s most promising startups and fastest-growing innovation companies with the i.d.e.a. Fund™ to foster a vibrant, inclusive and green ecosystem.

In Cohort 3, we will distribute up to a maximum of $20,000 in matching seed funding and up to 30 hours of expertise from our Venture Growth team to select innovative businesses in various sectors.

The TalentEdge Internship Program (TIP) stream of Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) program provides support for current college and university students and recent undergraduate or Masters graduates, to work on industry-driven research and development projects related to automotive and smart mobility technology such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) technologies, Electric Vehicles (EV), battery technologies,

The TalentEdge Fellowship Program (TFP) stream of Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation (OVIN) program provides support for PhD graduates and post-doctoral fellows, to work on industry-driven research and development projects related to automotive and smart mobility technology such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) technologies, Electric Vehicles (EV), battery technologies,

The Talent Development – Internship Program (TDI) provides support for recent undergraduate or Master’s graduates, to work on industry- driven projects related to the six CIT Critical Technology areas: 5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Robotics, in any one of the four key sector areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, Mining. Companies can tap into world-class talent coming out of Ontario’s publicly funded post-secondary institutions and strengthen their capacity to develop new products, services and processes, while interns receive hands-on industry experience in areas such as software and hardware development, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

Through a process led by facilitators from across disciplines and sectors, participants in the TAC Leaders Lab will enhance the skills, tools, networks and knowledge that will support personal leadership growth and new collaborative opportunities.

Innovation Factory’s Synapse Competition is Ontario’s premier life science pitch competition. Designed to help move your innovative life science products and services out of the lab and into the market, the competition pairs innovators with business and entrepreneurship students, and provides the training, mentorship, and resources to be successful.

This program supports Northern Ontario agriculture and food producers, businesses, collaborations, and communities to create new products, enhance productivity, and adopt clean technologies.

The Streetscape Master Plan Program provides eligible BIAs with one-time funding to acquire consulting services to create comprehensive streetscape plans that guide future improvements.

The StART Partnership Program provides support and up to $70,000 in funding for large-scale projects that support the program’s mission to revitalize and engage communities through mural, street, and graffiti art.

The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) enhances innovation and commercialization for entrepreneurs and established businesses who demonstrate the potential to create jobs and grow the economy. Emphasis will be placed on companies who identify business growth opportunities and are looking to reach new markets and expand sales.

This program help startup companies transition from temporary spaces to more permanent office spaces in downtown Kitchener. This program also helps property owners lease out their vacant or underused building spaces to local companies.

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in southwestern Ontario make investments to:
1. Grow their businesses
2. Improve productivity
3. Invest in innovation and skills development
4. Pursue new markets
5. Generate broad positive regional economic impact
6. Create new good, sustainable jobs

A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations, that will result in benefits to the organization such as business growth or access to new markets.

Southern Ontario Pharmaceutical & Health Innovation Ecosystem (SOPHIE) Program brings together Innovation Factory’s commercialization services with the Synapse Life Science Consortium’s strategic network to leverage access to Hamilton’s unique life sciences capabilities and research expertise. This funding will support collaborative projects for Ontario-based life science firms in the later stages of commercialization and in need of financing to secure technology validation and first sale.

The Small Distillery Program provides eligible Ontario distilleries with financial support to help grow their operations. Payments are based on production of spirits.

The Small Cidery Component of the Ontario Small Cidery and Small Distillery Program (the
Program) supports Small Cideries’ growth and competitiveness, and helps them scale up
into medium and large businesses. The Ontario government is striving to create an
environment where agri-food business can thrive and prosper. The Program will provide
grants to help eligible cideries invest in growing their businesses and create jobs. The
Program will be delivered by Agricorp, an agency of the Ontario government.

The program intended to provide financial incentive to stimulate new investment in small businesses in the targeted sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying the local economy. Consists of a grant program, whereby new or existing businesses that are expanding will be eligible to receive a grant for a percentage of the tax increment generated from the investments made in the development or redevelopment of the building or property in conformity with this Community Improvement Plan (CIP).

The Skode Program will match 3 Finalists with a mentor and provide a $5,000 non-repayable financial contribution to advance their new Indigenous culinary tourism ideas to the next level.

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers, including apprentices, to drive Ontario’s economic growth.

The SDF Training Stream supports:
1. Projects that address the labour shortage and stimulate growth in key sectors of Ontario’s economy
2. Projects that will increase Ontario’s long-term economic competitive advantage by creating a sustainable and resilient workforce
3. Projects helping people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, racialized persons and Indigenous peoples, those with disabilities, and others facing barriers to employment
Skills Development Fund Capital stream

This program supports Ontario-based Indigenous arts professionals and arts professionals of colour, or ad hoc groups and collectives made up of Indigenous arts professionals or arts professionals of colour for professional development and skill-building opportunities that advance applicants’ work and careers. It funds all contemporary and traditional art practices that are supported at OAC. Projects can include: study and training, mentorship, internship and apprenticeship and documentation of art work.

As part of the broader Critical Industrial Technologies initiative, the Sector Adoption (SA) Program is a challenge based multi-partner program that drives significant impact and advancement of a whole sector.

Get ahead with energy management training for your business! Save on Energy offers incentives of up to 50 percent for a range of industry-leading training courses for energy professionals.

Save on Energy’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program is a transformational new program, designed to help organizations improve their energy performance by implementing an integrated system of organizational practices, policies and processes to achieve persistent energy savings.

The SEM program will provide your organization with knowledge, expertise and training in energy management that can help increase your profitability through reduced energy costs and productivity, build organizational skills, and help your organization achieve your carbon reduction and environmental goals.

The Save on Energy Small Business Program is designed to help small businesses across Ontario make equipment improvements to reduce their energy consumption, at no cost to their business. Leveraging the success of the former Small Business Lighting program, this new and improved program offers small businesses direct-install incentives on an expanded range of equipment – both lighting and non-lighting. An investment in energy-efficient equipment upgrades is an investment in enhancing your customers’ experience, employee satisfaction and your bottom line. Save time and money when you participate in the Small Business program.

The Save on Energy Retrofit program offers businesses in Ontario incentives to upgrade equipment, reduce energy bills, lower their carbon footprint and increase productivity. The incentives are designed to help businesses speed up their payback on energy-efficiency equipment upgrades. The program offers incentives in two streams:
– Custom stream for larger, more complex retrofit projects to capture greater energy savings;
– Prescriptive stream for targeted retrofit projects focusing on commonly used products and technologies.

Participants in Peak Perks save with their smart thermostats by participating in brief, time-limited thermostat adjustments during periods of peak electricity demand that can occur on the hottest summer days.

The IESO’s Save on Energy Industrial Energy Efficiency Program (IEEP) has been extended until June 30, 2025. It supports customers across Ontario in improving their industrial processes and implementing system optimization projects. The program offers organizations up to $5 million in financial incentives for each large, industrial energy-efficiency project accepted into the program. Eligible projects will deliver electricity savings using proven commercial technologies to lower energy consumption and reduce electricity bills.

Save on Energy’s Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) program is designed to help owners, operators and managers of commercial and institutional buildings in Ontario improve their energy management. Implementing building management best practices will help reduce energy waste, enhance occupant comfort and increase profitability.

The Energy Performance Program (EPP) rewards customers who are able to make behavioural and operational changes that support capital investment projects, enabling them to grow their energy savings year over year.

Maximize your savings and efficiency with our Commercial CoolSaver program, delivered in collaboration with Alectra Utilities. Eligible businesses in York Region can receive free A/C tune-ups for HVAC systems – plus exclusive instant discounts on a variety of high efficiency upgrades.

Free tune-ups include airflow correction, air filter cleaning or replacement, digital refrigerant analysis, and cleaning of indoor blower, evaporator coils and condenser coils.

The Save on Energy BizEnergySaver program is designed to help industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI), and multi-residential building owners and operators make equipment improvements to reduce their energy consumption. The program helps address local electricity system constraints in Ottawa and in the Richview South area in Toronto by offering upfront incentives and direct installation of LED upgrades, adaptive lighting controls in areas such as exit stairwells and parking garages, high bay lighting upgrades and controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs) for pump systems and fans, and parking garage exhaust fan controls.

This program will support a Northwestern Ontario rural community or Indigenous community with a population less than 3000 to adopt innovative approaches to identified gaps within their communities. Entrepreneurs located in these communities can also apply.

Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps producers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. RMP for livestock was designed in consultation with representatives of the cattle, hog, sheep and veal industry in Ontario. RMP for livestock works like insurance to help Ontario producers offset losses caused by fluctuating commodity prices and production costs. Participants pay premiums based on their insured production and their chosen coverage level.

Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps producers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. RMP for livestock was designed in consultation with representatives of the cattle, hog, sheep and veal industry in Ontario. RMP for livestock works like insurance to help Ontario producers offset losses caused by fluctuating commodity prices and production costs. Participants pay premiums based on their insured production and their chosen coverage level.

Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps producers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. RMP for livestock was designed in consultation with representatives of the cattle, hog, sheep and veal industry in Ontario. RMP for livestock works like insurance to help Ontario producers offset losses caused by fluctuating commodity prices and production costs. Participants pay premiums based on their insured production and their chosen coverage level.

RMP: Grains and Oilseeds helps Ontario producers offset losses caused by low commodity prices and rising production costs. Payments are made if a crop’s market prices fall below the annual support level. The support level is based on the industry average cost of producing a crop (target price), which is calculated annually by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

This plan was designed in consultation with representatives of the grain and oilseed sector and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps producers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. Under the RMP plan for edible horticulture, producers deposit funds into self-directed risk management (SDRM) accounts and the deposit is matched by the government to help mitigate risk associated with farm business.

Agricorp sends personalized participation forms to eligible producers in September.

Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps producers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. RMP for livestock was designed in consultation with representatives of the cattle, hog, sheep and veal industry in Ontario. RMP for livestock works like insurance to help Ontario producers offset losses caused by fluctuating commodity prices and production costs. Participants pay premiums based on their insured production and their chosen coverage level.

The Revitalizing Hamilton Tax Increment Grant Program (the Program) is intended to provide a Grantto incentivize property owners within strategic commercial districts to develop,redevelop or otherwise improve properties and/or buildings (including designated heritage buildings) in a mannerthat will supportthe broader revitalization ofthe commercial district as well as generate new municipal property tax revenue through increased property assessments.

Small retail businesses are the heart of Toronto’s main streets, employ thousands of residents, and are a key driver of the city’s prosperity.

This program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities. In addition, it offers a micro grant valued at $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand.

The Residential Development Charges Grant program is designed to encourage private sector investment in residential property development in the Downtown and Old East Village areas. A grant, equal to a rebate of residential Development Charges (DCs), is offered for each new residential unit constructed.

The IION- Research and Prototyping in Development (iRAPID) Program accelerates commercialization activities for incorporated innovative companies who need assistance with their product development/prototyping projects. Emphasis will be placed on companies who demonstrate the potential to create jobs and grow the economy through their new product, process or service development.

The Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Tax Grant refunds a portion of the municipal tax increase resulting from the rehabilitation of an existing building or the construction of a new one. A percentage of this tax increase is refunded to the property owner annually for a 10-year period.

The Regional Development Program – Business Projects provides support for projects and investments to businesses and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern and southwestern Ontario.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. It will provide investments in:
1. Capital equipment
2. Technology adoption
3. Skills development

The fund supports projects that:
1. Create jobs and build talent
2. Attract and encourage private sector investment
3. Help companies to adopt technologies that improve their competitiveness
4. Lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
5. Encourage innovation, collaboration, and cluster development

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. It will provide investments in capital equipment, technology adoption and skills development.

Reduced rates for a new industrial building or an enlargement of more than 50 per cent of the gross floor area of an existing industrial building, as defined in the Regional Development Charge By-law 14-046.

Limited grants to offset Regional Development Charges (RDC) for rental and supportive housing project priorities that proceed to building permit stage on a first-come, first-served basis. Only applicable for projects that have received a capital grant through the Affordable Housing Strategy Program.

Brownfield sites may be eligible for Regional Development Charge (RDC) Exemptions to help cover the cost of remediation. The value of the RDC Exemption is based on the sum of direct costs of remediation at 50% reimbursement to a maximum of $1,000,000, less any additional financial assistance previously received. This exemption applies to all of Waterloo Region, except where development charges are waived for developments. Please refer to the Regional Development Charges Bylaw 19-037 (specifically, Schedule C) for more information.

The Region of Waterloo Arts Fund is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land that was promised to Six Nations, and was traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral Peoples. We are grateful to have the opportunity to live, work, create, and to meet on territory protected by the Dish With One Spoon wampum. The enduring presence, philosophies, and deep traditional knowledge of First Peoples are foundational to the arts and culture of this place. We are committed to supporting local creators by acknowledging the collective past, and respecting the contributions of all peoples.

The program supports Ontario writers in the creation of new work and creates and strengthens connections between Ontario writers, publishers, and literary organizations.

To assist theatre creators to develop new work. This is a third-party recommender program. Applications are made to and funding decisions are made by the theatre companies enrolled in the program.

The R&D Partnership Fund, Electric Vehicle (EV) Stream supports projects related to the development and demonstration of technologies in electric vehicles (EV) and battery manufacturing technologies in the following priority areas:
1. mass light vehicles, such as cars, trucks and vans;
2. heavy duty vehicles, including commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles (RVs), and others used for goods movement;
3. charging infrastructure;
4. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS);
5. transit-supportive systems and vehicles.

The Publishing Organizations: Operating program supports Ontario-based, Canadian-owned book and magazine publishers that publish works of literary, artistic or cultural importance for the general public. There are two categories:
– Book publishers: Organizations that publish books in print or digital format as their primary activity. Some publishers may publish magazines or journals as a secondary activity;
– Magazine publishers: Organizations that publish magazines in print or digital format as their primary activity. Some publishers may publish books as a secondary activity.

The program supports the ongoing operations of not-for-profit, professional public art galleries in Ontario.

The Summer Company program provides students aged 15 to 29 start-up money to kick-off a new summer business and advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running.
Applicants must start their business from May to July and end it on Labour Day or they can choose to keep running their summer business while in school.

Starter Company Plus provides a grant of up to $5,000 to start a new company, expand an existing company or buy a business in Ontario. Applicants can also apply for training and mentoring.

So you have an innovative idea! Now all you need is to get made. That’s not a simple task but luckily for you, the ProtoZone program is here to help you get started with a prototype. It starts by looking at the viability of your idea, both from a customer perspective and scalability perspective, and ends with a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) to move your idea forward. The focus of the program is to support innovative product development and commercialization by providing the right technical and business support, ensuring product-market fit throughout the product development process, and assisting innovative entrepreneurs and small businesses find the necessary funding programs associated with successful product development.

The Promoting Agriculture and Food Careers Initiative provides funding to agricultural societies to promote careers in the agriculture and food industry.

Business associations and community groups with strong business participation can receive one-time funding for outdoor mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate commercial or industrial neighbourhood identity. The mural program helps local businesses and communities create an attractive and positive identity for their area.

The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs.

Projects must address the impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including:

Trade diversity:
– Diversifying sales portfolios: Expanding market reach to new markets, with a focus on interprovincial trade.
Trade security:
– Enhancing competitiveness: Increasing manufacturing capacity and capabilities and increasing profitability through investments in advanced technology and innovative processes.
– Contributing to regional and sectoral ecosystems: Strengthening Ontario’s supply chains through reshoring and efforts to procure more equipment and supplies from Ontario and Canada.
– Creating and or retaining jobs

The OMIF Music Creation stream provides funding to support the development of competitive, sustainable music companies in Ontario that take risks discovering and developing talent – particularly emerging artists – and bringing it to market.

The OMIF Live Music stream supports businesses and organizations that produce or promote live music events featuring Canadian artists, including eligible music festivals and concert series. The Live Music stream will provide funding to increase the number and quality of live music experiences (e.g. events, festivals and concerts*) that can be experienced by residents in and visitors to Ontario.

The Ontario Labour Market Partnerships program provides financial assistance to local communities, sector groups, employee/employer associations, and employers in developing and implementing strategies for addressing and responding to local economic (employment) development, labour force adjustments and human resource planning. The program is intended to help partners to:
1. promote the creation of broad industry/community partnerships necessary to address labor market issues,
2. assist local communities with the development of innovative strategies to prepare for future skills requirements and prevent skills shortages within new and emerging industries and organizations,
3. plan for effective utilization of local human resources,
4. develop and promote labor market intelligence and its use in labor market development.

The Ontario Job Creation Partnerships program offers funding to eligible employers for projects that give work experience to unemployed Ontarians, help their community and benefit their local economy. Job seekers, also known as participants, can work on projects that:
– benefit the community or local economy;
– add recent work experience to their resume;
– develop or enhance employable skills;
– provide networking opportunities.

The Ontario Creates Book Fund is designed to increase financial viability and overall business growth of Ontario-based publishers through marketing initiatives which profile the works of Canadian authors to both foreign and domestic markets, and/or activities that enable publishers at various levels to achieve business development objectives that best suit their individual corporate goals.
Funding will be provided to support projects that have clear, objective and measurable results and/or indicate direct and positive impact that on the overall long-term business growth of the book publisher. Priority results include enhancement of publisher revenues and the creation/retention of jobs in the Ontario publishing industry. Ontario Creates will measure results of the program based on return on investment and jobs created and retained.

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) provides funding to small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers in Ontario to help modernize Ontario’s automotive supply chain to make it more competitive and responsive to the changing needs of its customers.

The program supports Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) artists to research, develop and create new work and engage with their communities, as well as opportunities for Indigenous organizations and communities to strengthen their relationships with the arts.

The program supports the creation, production and presentation of live and virtual dance and other initiatives that benefit the Ontario professional dance community.

AgriStability is an important part of a comprehensive suite of risk management programs. AgriStability protects producers from large declines in their farming income caused by production loss, increased costs or market conditions.

Pilot and demonstration projects are undertaken after lab work or theoretical applied research on proof-of-concept has been completed. The goal of the pilot and demonstration stream is to fund projects that focus on the development of a model or prototype of new technology (complete TRL 6).

The pilot project is the step between applied research and full-scale commercial application. The latter allows researchers to assess if their findings are generalizable to the real world. These projects aim to complete TRL 6 (prototype development).

The knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) stream is focused on activities designed to drive the transformation of research knowledge into use faster, including:

synthesis
exchange
engagement
dissemination
dialogue
collaboration
brokering between researchers and research users
These projects go beyond typical communication activities and include an array of knowledge mobilizing activities.

Commercialization stream funding is focused on scaling innovative technologies, products and services to the real world or commercial environment. It ensures technologies and best practices are suitable for commercial use and ready to be widely used.

Applied research projects use the process of scientific investigation (including lab work and experiments) to find solutions to existing problems.

ONCAT Resource Grants support the identification and collection of new information related to learner mobility that can enrich ONCAT’s ongoing research activities.

The Office-to-Residential (OTR) Construction Conversion Grant offers a per-unit incentive grant, functioning as a forgivable loan, for eligible office-to-residential conversion projects.

The Northern Arts Projects program supports the creation, production and presentation of artwork; professional development; and community arts engagement initiatives that benefit communities in Northern Ontario. The program has four categories:
– New works: to help cover the costs of creation and production of new works in all artistic disciplines;
– Presentation: to help cover the costs of presenting artistic work;
– Skills/Career development: for artists to undertake skills and career development projects and for groups presenting projects that will benefit northern Ontario artists;
– Working with community: to help cover the costs of community-engaged arts projects.

The Next Level program provides funding for Northwestern Ontario businesses with an innovative product or service and looking to expand. The support may be applicable to contracted expertise, services or direct costs in any of the following areas: equipment purchase, expansion to new markets, conference & tradeshows costs ($1,000 max), training & certification costs.

Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship program provides support for newcomer and refugee artists to develop their artistic practice and to further their integration and inclusion to Toronto. We define a newcomer as: an immigrant or refugee who has lived in Canada for less than 7 years; a refugee is a person who was forced to leave their home country and is now located in Canada.