Strategic Federal Funding to Accelerate Canada’s AI Compute Capacity and Secure a Competitive Edge
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!
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