Jennie Stevens MPP, St. Catharines

Government of Ontario

Business Support

I know there is a great deal of concern in our community about the COVID-19 coronavirus, and how businesses will survive through restrictions. 

My team and I have prepared the below list of funding programs and resources for small businesses in Ontario.  I have included major federal programs with an emphasis on those that have partnered with the province with a focus on the ones specific to the Niagara Region.

Alongside the business community I will continue to advocate for support for our business community, and please reach out directly to my office if you have questions or would like a phone call directly from myself.

Ontario Funding Programs

Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs

This Ontario Government guide provides information about programs supporting businesses affected by the pandemic. Currently listed open programs:

Ministry of Finance Credits, Benefits and Incentives

A list of tax credits for businesses.

Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families

Ministry of Finance, January 7, 2022

Available funding opportunities from the Ontario Government

This Ontario Government directory lists current funding programs in Ontario. From among the listed programs, the following currently listed programs may be helpful to your business:

You may also wish to review the Ontario Government’s guide to Closed funding opportunities from the Ontario Government.

Ontario Government Resources

Ontario Business and Economy

This Ontario Government guide to directs members of the public to support, information and advice for running a small business. Constituents may be particularly interested in the following guides:

Ontario incentive programs and services

Invest in Ontario has a list of incentives and programs available through the Government of Ontario and elsewhere.

Small Business Enterprise Centres

Ontario’s Small Business Centres offer free consultations and several other information resources for entrepreneurs.

❤️ Local Invest in STC is located at 50 Church Street and can be reached by online form or phone (905-688-5601).

 

Agencies, Accelerators & Other Partnerships

Ontario Centre of Innovation

OCI connects entrepreneurs with potential researchers, industry partners and funding information. OCI has a series of programs in partnership with the Ontario Government and Government of Canada.

Regional Innovation Centres

Regional Innovation Centres (RIC) can provide support for new businesses such as advice, mentorship, workshops and connection to potential resources, funding and partners.

Ontario Government & Government of Canada Partnerships

Ontario Regional Development Opportunities Investment Tax Credit

A 10% refundable income tax credit for capital investments, such as “constructing, renovating and acquiring eligible commercial and industrial buildings or other assets.”

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

This program provides financial support to small, medium and large employers investing in workers’ skills development.

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

FeDDev Ontario is a Government of Canada economic development agency serving Southern Ontario. 

Community Futures Development Ontario

Community Futures Development Network of Canada offices offer local economic development expertise and include small business counseling, services and resources. These not-for-profit offices across Canada are funded by FedDev Ontario.

❤️ Local St. Catharines is served by Venture Niagara.

Other Tools & Resources

Business grants and financing

This Government of Canada guide provides information about grants, loans, private and public sector financing and how to leverage personal assets. Its Business Benefits Finder allows businesses to filter information based on their attributes and needs.

Mentor Works: Government Funding Directory

This third-party directory lists sector-specific provincial and Canada-wide innovation funding opportunities.

 

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