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Starting a small business can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you are an individual entrepreneur or a group of business partners, you need to invest significantly in time, effort, and capital to sustain and grow your company. One effective way of easing the financial burden on small business owners is by taking advantage of government grants. In Ontario, there are various grants and programs available to help startups get off the ground. This article outlines the top 5 Ontario Grants for Small Business Startups to help you access funding and support to make your business dreams a reality.

1. Small Business Innovation Challenge

The Small Business Innovation Challenge is a government-funded program that provides grants of up to $100,000 to small businesses that are working on innovative solutions. The program aims to encourage the development of new products, services, or technologies that address specific issues related to Ontario’s economy, environment, or social well-being. The challenge is open to businesses that have less than 500 employees and have been operating for less than 7 years. To apply, businesses need to submit a proposal outlining their innovative solution, how it solves the problem, and the expected benefits to Ontario.

2. Starter Company Plus

The Starter Company Plus program is a grant initiative run by the Ontario government to support young entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. The program offers one-on-one mentorship, training, and business advice sessions in addition to a grant of up to $5,000. While the program is open to entrepreneurs of all ages, priority is given to those who are between 18 to 29 years old and not currently enrolled in full-time education. To qualify, businesses must have been operating for less than a year and have a viable business plan.

3. Canada-Ontario Job Grant

The Canada-Ontario Job Grant is a training program that provides businesses with funding to train their employees. The grant covers up to two-thirds of the cost of the training, while the business covers the remaining third. The program aims to help businesses to enhance the skills of their workforce and remain competitive. To qualify, businesses must be located in Ontario, have been operating for more than a year, and be willing to contribute at least one-third of the training costs.

4. Export Market Access

Export Market Access is a grant initiative that helps small and medium-sized businesses expand their export potential by covering up to 50% of the costs of participating in international trade shows or missions. The goal of the initiative is to help businesses access new markets, increase sales, and create jobs. To be eligible, businesses must be based in Ontario, operating for two or more years, and have fewer than 500 employees. Businesses can receive up to $50,000 in funding per year, which can be used to cover expenses such as travel, accommodations, and booth fees.

5. Ontario Centres of Excellence

The Ontario Centres of Excellence program provides funding and support to innovative technology-based businesses in Ontario. The program offers access to expertise, funding, and support services to help these businesses succeed. The program offers funding of up to $500,000 for research and development, commercialization, and scale-up initiatives. The program is open to businesses that are developing innovative products, technologies, or services, and that have the potential for high growth and job creation.

In conclusion, there are various grant programs available in Ontario to help small business start-ups. The grants listed above offer funding for research and development, marketing, training, and international expansion. Despite the rigid criteria and application process, accessing these grants and programs can provide a significant boost to a small business. It is essential to understand the specific requirements and application process involved in each program to increase your chances of success. With the right support and funding, small businesses can emerge, grow and thrive in Ontario’s competitive environment.

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