Top Ontario Grants, Loans, and Tax Credits in 2026 

Ontario businesses are navigating 2026 with a sharper focus on productivity, resilience, and long-term growth. Rising costs, evolving supply chains, and global competition are pushing companies to invest in technology, workforce development, and innovation. Government funding continues to play a central role in enabling these investments. 

“Ontario’s economic future depends on innovation, productivity, and the ability of our businesses to compete on a global stage.” 
– Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade 

Ontario remains one of Canada’s most competitive business environments, supported by a diverse economy spanning advanced manufacturing, agri-food, cleantech, and technology. With more than 400,000 small businesses and a strong industrial base, the province continues to prioritize programs that drive commercialization, skills development, and capital expansion. 

Government grants, loans, and tax credits are a key lever behind this growth. These programs help offset the cost of hiring, training, research and development (R&D), and equipment investments. This blog outlines the top Ontario grants, loans, and tax credits in 2026, including programs that are currently open and those with expected intake based on historical patterns. 

Hiring and Training Funding for Ontario Businesses 

Investing in talent remains one of the most accessible and immediate funding opportunities for Ontario businesses. Programs in this category support employee upskilling, reskilling, and workforce expansion across industries. 

Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) 

The COJG continues to be a foundational program for employers looking to strengthen workforce capabilities through third-party training. The COJG helps Ontario employers offset training costs to improve workforce productivity and competitiveness. 

• Funding amount: Up to 50–83% of eligible training costs, to a maximum of $15,000 per trainee  
• Eligible applicants: Ontario-based employers, including for-profit businesses, nonprofits, and Indigenous organizations  
• Eligible projects: Third-party delivered training, including technical, software, leadership, and compliance training  
• Timeline: Continuous intake; applications must be submitted before training begins  

This program is particularly valuable for manufacturing, technology, and service-based businesses investing in digital transformation and workforce modernization. 

Business Expansion, Productivity, and Regional Growth 

For companies planning capital investments, facility expansion, or productivity improvements, several federal and provincial programs provide substantial support. 

FedDev Ontario (Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation) 

FedDev Ontario remains one of the most impactful funding programs for scaling businesses in Southern Ontario. It supports business scale-up, technology adoption, and commercialization across key sectors. 

• Funding amount: Up to 35% of eligible project costs, with contributions up to $10 million  
• Eligible applicants: Incorporated businesses in Southern Ontario with at least three years of operations  
• Eligible projects: Technology adoption, process improvements, commercialization, and facility expansion  
• Timeline: Continuous intake; early engagement recommended  

This program is highly relevant for manufacturers, cleantech firms, and scaling technology companies. 

Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) 

These regional funds support large-scale economic development and job creation projects in Ontario communities.  

• Funding amount: Up to 15% of project costs (Business Stream), ranging from $500,000 to $5 million  
• Eligible applicants: Businesses operating in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario with a minimum of three years in operation  
• Eligible projects: Facility expansion, equipment investment, and job creation initiatives  
• Timeline: Not yet confirmed for 2026; historically opens in intake rounds (typically late fall/winter)  

Businesses planning major projects should begin preparing early to align with expected intake windows. 

Protect Ontario Financing Program 

Introduced to support key industrial sectors, this loan program continues into 2026. This program provides liquidity support to manufacturers impacted by global trade pressures. 

• Funding amount: Loans ranging from $250,000 to $40 million  
• Eligible applicants: Ontario businesses in steel, aluminum, and automotive supply chains  
• Eligible projects: Working capital, payroll, and operational stability  
• Timeline: Open; rapid review process following eligibility screening  

This program is especially relevant for advanced manufacturing and supply chain businesses. 

Innovation, R&D, and Tax Credit Programs 

Ontario and federal governments continue to prioritize innovation through grants and tax incentives that reduce the cost of developing new products and technologies. 

National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) 

IRAP remains a cornerstone program for funding technical R&D in Canada. It supports early-stage innovation and product development for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMes). 

• Funding amount: Typically 60–80% of eligible labour and subcontractor costs  Eligible applicants: Canadian SMEs with fewer than 500 employees  
• Eligible projects: Experimental development, prototype creation, and engineering work  
• Timeline: Continuous intake; begins with advisor consultation  

IRAP is widely used by software, AI, and engineering-driven companies. 

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) 

The SR&ED tax credit program remains the largest source of innovation funding in Canada. It is a federal tax incentive that rewards businesses conducting eligible R&D. 

• Funding amount: Up to 69% of labour and overhead, plus support for materials and contractors  
• Eligible applicants: Canadian companies performing qualifying R&D  
• Eligible projects: Experimental development, applied research, and technological advancement  
• Timeline: Claims must be filed within 18 months of fiscal year-end  

SR&ED is often combined with grants like IRAP or FedDev to maximize total funding. 

Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) and Ontario R&D Tax Credits 

In addition to federal SR&ED, Ontario offers complementary provincial tax credits. These tax credits can enhance R&D funding for Ontario-based companies. 

• Funding amount: Up to 8% refundable tax credit on eligible R&D expenditures  
• Eligible applicants: Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) in Ontario  
• Eligible projects: R&D aligned with SR&ED eligibility  
• Timeline: Claimed alongside corporate tax filings  

These credits are essential for maximizing total R&D funding stacks. 

Sector-Specific and Strategic Ontario Funding Programs 

Ontario businesses in key sectors such as agri-food and export-driven industries can access targeted funding programs. 

AgriInnovate (Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership) 

AgriInnovate continues to support innovation in Canada’s agri-food sector. This program supports commercialization and adoption of innovative agri-food technologies. 

• Funding amount: Up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $5 million  
• Eligible applicants: For-profit businesses, cooperatives, and Indigenous organizations  
• Eligible projects: Commercialization, automation, and clean technology adoption  
• Timeline: Open; projects must be completed by March 31, 2028  

This program is highly relevant for food processing, agtech, and export-focused businesses. 

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) 

This program addresses financial pressures tied to global trade dynamics. It supports companies adapting to tariff-related challenges. 

• Funding amount: Varies depending on project scope and impact  
• Eligible applicants: Ontario businesses impacted by tariffs  
• Eligible projects: Supply chain adjustments, market diversification, and productivity improvements  
• Timeline: 2026 intake not yet confirmed; expected based on prior demand  

Strategic Response Fund (SRF) 

A flexible provincial fund designed to respond to economic disruption. SRF supports business continuity and sector stabilization during economic shifts. 

• Funding amount: Variable based on project and provincial priorities  
• Eligible applicants: Ontario businesses facing significant economic disruption  
• Eligible projects: Operational resilience, technology upgrades, and productivity improvements  
• Timeline: Not currently open; future intake expected but unconfirmed. 

Navigating Ontario Government Funding in 2026 

Ontario’s funding landscape in 2026 remains robust, with a mix of grants, loans, and tax credits supporting business growth across industries. From workforce training and capital expansion to innovation and export development, there are significant opportunities for companies to offset project costs and accelerate growth. 

However, navigating these programs requires careful planning. Eligibility criteria, intake windows, and stacking rules can significantly impact funding outcomes. Many of the most competitive programs require early preparation and a clearly defined project scope. 

Get Expert Support for Your Ontario Funding Strategy 

If your business is planning to invest in hiring, training, technology, or expansion in 2026, now is the time to act. Ryan’s Government Funding team works with Ontario businesses to identify the right programs, build strong applications, and maximize total funding outcomes. 

Connect with our Government Funding team today to start your funding strategy and secure support for your next project.