--- title: Southwestern Ontario / Eastern Ontario Development Fund (Business Stream) description: Explore funding opportunities for businesses in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario to enhance growth and innovation with the Development Fund's Business Stream. image: https://grantmatch.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_461801102%20(1)-1.jpeg --- Ontario # Southwestern Ontario / Eastern Ontario Development Fund (Business Stream) Explore funding opportunities for businesses in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario to enhance growth and innovation with the Development Fund's Business Stream. [ GrantMatch Team ](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/author/grantmatch-team) Apr 29, 2026 [Canada](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/tag/canada) [Economic Development](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/tag/economic-development) [Funding for Company Expansion](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/tag/funding-for-company-expansion) [Ontario](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/tag/ontario) ### Share this article [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/southwestern-ontario-/-eastern-ontario-development-fund-business-stream&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/southwestern-ontario-/-eastern-ontario-development-fund-business-stream&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/southwestern-ontario-/-eastern-ontario-development-fund-business-stream&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/southwestern-ontario-/-eastern-ontario-development-fund-business-stream&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) ### Subscribe ### Subscribe ![](https://grantmatch.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_461801102%20(1)-1.jpeg) ## Secure up to $5M to scale operations, boost productivity, and drive job creation across Southwestern and Eastern Ontario The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) and Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) – collectively delivered under Ontario’s Regional Development Program (RDP) – are now accepting applications for the Business Stream, with a deadline of May 27. This highly competitive program is designed to support growing businesses, particularly manufacturers, in making strategic investments that drive productivity, innovation, and regional economic development across Ontario. ## Program Overview The Business Stream provides financial support to companies undertaking transformative projects that: - Grow operations and scale production capacity - Improve productivity through advanced equipment and technologies - Invest in innovation, workforce development, and talent - Expand into new markets or introduce new products/services - Create sustainable, high-quality jobs across Ontario With a strong focus on regional impact, the program prioritizes projects that deliver long-term economic benefits within Southwestern and Eastern Ontario communities. ## Eligible Regions Funding is available to businesses operating within designated regions across Eastern Ontario and Southwestern Ontario, including: **Eastern Ontario:** - Frontenac - Haliburton - Hastings - Kawartha Lakes - Lanark - Leeds and Grenville - Lennox and Addington - Muskoka - Northumberland - Ottawa - Peterborough - Prescott and Russell - Prince Edward - Renfrew - Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry **Southwestern Ontario:** - Brant - Bruce - Chatham-Kent - Dufferin - Elgin - Essex - Grey - Haldimand - Huron - Lambton - Middlesex - Niagara - Norfolk - Oxford - Perth - Simcoe - Waterloo - Wellington ## Funding Details **Performance-Based Loan:** - Up to 15% of eligible project costs - Maximum contribution: $5 million - Up to 30% forgivable (capped at $500,000) **Performance-Based Grant (Small & Rural Companies Only):** - Up to 15% of eligible project costs - Maximum contribution: $500,000 **Small & Rural Definition:** - Fewer than 100 employees (FTEs) - Located in a municipality with: - Population under 100,000, or - Population de ## Eligible Projects Eligible projects include: - Investment in advanced equipment, automation, and technology adoption - Expansion of existing operations or establishment of new facilities - Introduction of new products, services, or entry into new markets - Workforce development, training, and talent acquisition initiatives ## Eligibility Criteria - For-profit company (manufacturers are most competitive) - Minimum 10 FTEs (or 5 FTEs in rural communities) - Creation of at least 5 new full-time jobs - Minimum project investment: - $500,000 standard - $200,000 in rural communities - Project duration of 3–4 years ### How GrantMatch Can Help BDO GrantMatch supports your success by: - Assessing eligibility and project alignment with program priorities - Developing a compelling business case focused on economic impact and ROI - Quantifying job creation, productivity gains, and regional benefits - Managing the full application process from intake to submission - Positioning your application to maximize funding outcomes **DON'T MISS OUT – [CONNECT WITH GRANTMATCH TO DISCUSS PROJECT ELIGIBILITY](https://share.hsforms.com/1Uor5e1UOQ9GsjLy7SRO7Aw34udz)!** ## Similar posts [Canada Blog ](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs) Budget Release ### [2025 Ontario Fall Economic Statement: Key Funding Opportunities in the Plan to Protect Ontario](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/2025-ontario-fall-economic-statement-key-funding-opportunities-in-the-plan-to-protect-ontario?hsLang=en) Explore Ontario's 2025 Fall Economic Statement, highlighting key funding opportunities and incentives for businesses and municipalities amidst new... GrantMatch Team Nov 12, 2025 Funding Program News ### [Navigating Ontario's Budget 2026](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/navigating-ontarios-budget-2026?hsLang=en) Explore Ontario's 2026 Budget highlights, featuring key funding programs and tax incentives aimed at fostering business and community growth and... GrantMatch Team Mar 30, 2026 In Canada ### [Ontario Invest North Program](https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/ontarioinvestnorth?hsLang=en) The Invest North Program, offered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is designed to boost economic growth in northern Ontario... Gibson Ingram Jun 8, 2021 ### Sign up for exclusive grant funding updates and more.  Be the first to know about new government programs and learn more about our products and services designed to keep you up to date with Canada's ever-changing funding landscape.  ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "GrantMatch Team", "url" : "https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/author/grantmatch-team" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-04T13:47:34.276Z", "datePublished" : "2026-04-29T17:41:51.000Z", "headline" : "Southwestern Ontario / Eastern Ontario Development Fund (Business Stream)", "image" : [ "https://grantmatch.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_461801102%20(1)-1.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://grantmatch.com/hot-new-programs/southwestern-ontario-/-eastern-ontario-development-fund-business-stream", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://grantmatch.com/hubfs/governmentfundingstrategistsfinal-01-3.png" }, "name" : "GrantMatch Corp." } } ```