SWODF and EODF: Grant and Loan Eligibility and Timelines for 2025–2026 

If your business is planning to expand, modernize, or break into new markets in Ontario, the 2025–2026 intake for the regionally focused funding streams may hold the key. 

In the current environment of rising capital costs and competitive labour markets, regional development programs such as the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) and Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) stand out as significant mechanisms for Ontario-based businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits looking to invest, create jobs, and scale.  

These two funds are designed to support large-scale business expansions and community economic development projects with a combination of grant and loan components. In this article, we’ll review the key eligibility requirements plus the latest intake timelines for 2025–26. Whether you’re a manufacturing firm, municipality, or economic development organization, this is your roadmap.  

“Provincial programs like these can provide critical support for businesses looking to grow, modernize, or invest in new capabilities.”  
– Matthew Slotwinski, CEO, Sarnia‑Lambton Economic Partnership. 

As always, the team at Ryan Canada is ready to assist you in navigating the funding application process, preparing the case, and positioning it for success. 

 

Understanding the SWODF and EODF Program Streams 

SWODF and EODF 

Both SWODF and EODF follow a similar structure, including:  

• A Business Stream targeting established for-profit businesses with significant project investments and job-creation commitments. 
• A Community Economic Development Stream aimed at municipalities, economic development organizations, or consortia with measurable regional impact. 

In practical terms: 

• Business Stream: Loan, grant, or mixed support for firms with multi-year investment plans and new job creation. 
• Community Stream: Nonprofits, municipalities, or sector organizations investing in infrastructure, region-wide growth, or economic development strategies. 
  Because of their structured design, both programs offer considerable support—but also carry application complexity and competitiveness. Early consultation and advisory support are strongly advised. 

Funding Snapshot: SWODF and EODF 

Below are the objectives, typical funding amounts, eligible applicants, and project types for the SWODF and EODF programs, plus application timelines for 2025–26. 

Objectives: 

• Support business expansions, productivity improvements, new markets, innovation, and job creation across Southwestern and Eastern Ontario. 
• Enable community economic development projects through infrastructure and collaborative initiatives with measurable regional economic impact.  

Funding Amount: 

• Business Stream: Interest-free repayable loans as high as ~15% of eligible project costs (in some cases to a maximum of $5M and more for strategic projects) with up to ~30% forgiveness or grant conversion. 
• Community Stream: Grants covering up to ~50% of eligible costs, capped at ~$1.5M.  

Eligible Applicants: 

• For-profit businesses (with three or more years operations, located in an eligible region, minimum employee base, job creation commitment, and minimum investment). 
• Municipalities, economic development organizations, sector associations, or consortia (for Community Stream) with measurable regional outcomes and private sector support. 

Eligible Projects: 

• Business Stream: Capital investment in new or expanded facilities, machinery/equipment, process improvements, innovation, new markets, training, and job creation.  
• Community Stream: Infrastructure or strategy projects led by municipalities/economic development organizations focused on regional growth, job opportunities, and investment outcomes. 

Timeline (2025–26): 

• Last open intake for both SWODF and EODF: June 19, 2025–September 17, 2025; decision notification by December 11, 2025.  
• Future intake windows for SWODF/EODF periods: November 4, 2025–February 3, 2026; February 26, 2026–May 27, 2026; and June 30, 2026–September 23, 2026. 

SWODF Grant and Loan Eligibility Criteria 

When seeking to apply for SWODF, here are the key eligibility considerations under the Business Stream (for established for-profit firms) and Community Stream: 

Business Stream 

• Located in one of the eligible Southwestern Ontario regions (Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Elgin, Essex, Grey, Haldimand, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Niagara, Norfolk, Oxford, Perth, Simcoe, Waterloo, Wellington). 
• Minimum three years of operations (or financial statements thereof). 
• Employ at least 10 full-time employees (or at least five if located in a rural municipality). 
• Commit to creating at least five new jobs or, for companies with fewer than 15 employees, a 30% increase in jobs.  
• Minimum investment in the project: At least $500,000 (or $200,000 if rural) under the Business Stream.  
• The project must be a “distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations” (i.e., not mere maintenance/replacement) and must demonstrate measurable outcomes.  

Funding Amount 

• Business projects: Support includes an interest-free repayable loan to a limit of 15% of eligible project costs, possibly forgiven up to 30% (capped) if job and investment targets are met.  
• Community economic development projects: Grants of up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $1.5M.  
• No “stacking” (i.e., combining) with other provincial programs.  

Timeline 

• Intake period 20 for 2025: Applications opened June 19, 2025 and closed September 17, 2025; decisions by December 11, 2025.  
• Future intake windows include application period 21 (2025–26), which opens November 4, 2025 and closes February 3, 2026; period 22, which opens February 26, 2026 and closes May 27, 2026; and period 23, which opens June 30, 2026 and closes September 23, 2026. 

EODF Loan and Grant Eligibility Criteria 

The EODF in Eastern Ontario offers a similarly structured program, with particular attention to job creation, investment, and regional impact. Below are the main eligibility elements: 

Business Stream 

• Located in one of the eligible regions (Frontenac, Haliburton, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, Lanark, Leeds & Grenville, Lennox & Addington, Muskoka, Northumberland, Ottawa, Peterborough, Prescott & Russell, Prince Edward, Renfrew, Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry). 
• Minimum three years of operations/financial statements.  
• Employ at least 10 full-time employees (or five if rural). 
• Commit to creating at least five new jobs (or 30% increase for companies fewer than 15 employees). 
• Minimum investment: $500,000 (or $200,000 if rural). 

Funding Amount 

• Loan: Interest-free for project period (up to four years) covering a maximum of 15% of eligible project costs, in many cases as much as $5M.  
• Grant component: Up to 30% of the 15% loan amount may be forgiven or converted if job and investment targets are met, often capped at ~$500,000; strategic projects (foreign direct investment, jurisdiction-competing) may access grants as high as $1.5M. 
• Community Economic Development Stream: Grants up to 50% of eligible costs, with the maximum around $1.5M.  
• No stacking with other provincial programs.  

Timeline 

• Intake opened June 19, 2025 and closed September 17, 2025; decisions expected December 11, 2025.  
• Note: Some sources show prior windows (e.g., intake ending May 21, 2025) but the last open window was the June–September period. 

Tips for a Strong SWODF/EODF Application 

Given the competitiveness and structural requirements of both funds, here are the best practices for applicants: 

1. Start early: The application window (e.g., June 19 to September 17, 2025) may seem lengthy, but submission requires consultation with a regional advisor, registration via the provincial system (Transfer Payment Ontario) and comprehensive documentation. For example, the SWODF guide recommends registration on TPON and advisor consultation at least two weeks in advance. 

2. Document your baseline and job-creation plan: Many reviewers will look for clear investment, expected job creation (at least five new full-time jobs or 30% increase), and timelines aligned to the project start. 

3. Demonstrate readiness and track record: You must show three years of operations or audited/reviewed financial statements, and your project should be distinct from ongoing operations (not just maintenance).  

4. Ensure incremental impact: Because the funds are about new growth, productivity, or market expansion, your project narrative should illustrate how the investment creates measurable change beyond business-as-usual. 

5. Use the internal link to broaden context: For readers interested in other funding opportunities, embed a link to Ryan’s article Top Ontario Grants, Loans and Tax Credit to help businesses benchmark alternative or complementary funding options. 

6. Align project scope with eligible cost types: Eligible costs commonly include facility modifications, equipment, engineering services, training, and one-time labour related to implementation. Ongoing operations, refinancing, stand-alone retail, or hotel construction are typically ineligible. 

7. Explore loan forgiveness/grant conversion options: Especially in the business streams, part of the loan can become grant-like (forgiven) if job and investment targets are met. Factor this incentive into your project’s return on investment (ROI) modelling. 

Applying for SWODF/EODF Funding 

The SWODF and EODF programs represent major opportunities for Ontario-based businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits to access meaningful support for growth, innovation, and regional economic development.  

With clear intake windows, structured eligibility criteria, and substantial funding potential, the programs are primed for the right projects. Applying without preparation or misaligning with the criteria, however, can significantly reduce your odds of success. 

Ready to explore whether your project qualifies and how to position it effectively? Contact the Ryan Canada government funding team today. We can help you assess eligibility, map out the application timeline, craft the required documentation, and guide you through the process. Don’t miss the next intake window—let’s get started together.