Protect Ontario Financing Program
Receive between $250K to $40M on eligible costs in loans.
The Protect Ontario Financing Program is allocating up to $1 billion in liquidity loans to help Ontario businesses in the steel, aluminum, and auto sectors weather the financial strain of U.S. Section 232 tariffs.
Eligible Ontario businesses can access term loans starting at $250,000 and up to $40 million per client, with repayment terms of up to six years and, in some cases, interest-only payments in the first year. The funding is designed to cover working capital expenses such as payroll, leases, and utilities, giving businesses the stability needed to maintain operations and protect Ontario jobs while navigating tariff-related challenges.

Amount of Funding
Protect Ontario Financing Program funding amount criteria details include:
- Minimum of $250,000 in loans; and
- Repayable up to 72 months (6 years); and
- No penalty for prepayment; and
- Annual repayment frequency; and
- Applicant to demonstrate ability to meet repayment requirements and provide security satisfactory to the province.
At the discretion of the province, loan parameters may also include:
- Interest-bearing loan up to market prime-rate
- Potential for loan repayments to be principal-free for up to 12 months
Eligible Applicants
- Incorporated, for‑profit businesses or limited partnerships registered in Ontario
- At least $2 million in annual revenue
- Minimum of 10 full‑time employees in Ontario
- Three years of operations, backed by financial statements
- Must face tariff-related working capital challenges
- Must have explored federal support options (EDC Tariff Impact Program, BDC Pivot to Grow, Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility)
Eligible Activities
- Working capital needs such as payroll, leases, utilities; and
- Not for equipment purchases, acquisitions, refi, or relocation.
Program Deadline
Speak with a member of our team to find the latest intake period info for this program or subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.