Free Guide to Canadian Business Grants 2026
13 active programs. Up to $12,950,000 in available funding. Zero cost to use this guide.
Top Grant Programs for Ontario Businesses
Starter Company Plus
Deadline: Ongoing (intake periods)
Up to $5,000 grant for new Ontario businesses. Includes mentorship and business training. No repayment required.
CIP Facade Improvement Grants
Deadline: Ongoing (varies by municipality)
Municipal grants covering 50-75% of facade, signage, and storefront improvement costs. Available in most Ontario cities through Community Improvement Plans.
Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
Deadline: Ongoing
Government-backed loans up to $1.15M for real property, equipment, and improvements. 85% government guarantee reduces lender risk.
Home Retrofit Savings (Heat Pump Rebates)
Deadline: November 2026
Provincial rebates of $7,500-$15,000 for heat pump installations. HVAC contractors benefit from increased demand.
CanExport SMEs
Deadline: May 29, 2026
Up to $50,000 to help Canadian SMEs enter new export markets. Covers trade show costs, market research, and promotional materials.
Southern Ontario Development Fund (SODF)
Deadline: May 27, 2026
Up to $1.5M for southern Ontario businesses creating jobs. Focus on advanced manufacturing, food processing, and technology.
Find Grants by City
Every Ontario city has different CIP zones, BIA districts, and municipal incentive programs. Our city guides show you exactly what's available where you are.
Grants by Trade
Contractor-specific grant guides with programs matched to your trade, Red Seal status, and typical job values.
Download Free Grant Calendar
Monthly deadline grid with program names, amounts, and direct application links. Trade-specific colour coding.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for Canadian small businesses in 2026?
There are 13 active grant and incentive programs available to Ontario businesses right now, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000,000. Use our free eligibility checker to find which ones match your business.
Are Canadian business grants free money?
Most grants do not need to be repaid, unlike loans. However, some programs (like CSBFP) are government-backed loans, not grants. Each program page clearly states whether repayment is required.
How do I know which grants I qualify for?
Use our free 7-question Eligibility Checker tool. It matches your business profile (industry, location, revenue, employees) against all active programs and shows your matches instantly.
What is a CIP or BIA grant?
Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are municipal programs that fund facade improvements, signage, accessibility upgrades, and storefront renovations. Available in most Ontario cities.
How long does it take to get a grant?
Processing times vary: Starter Company Plus takes 6-10 weeks, CIP facade grants take 4-8 weeks, federal programs like CanExport take 8-12 weeks. We include timelines on each program guide.