Grants and Funds Available to Newcomer Entrepreneurs

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Many of these entrepreneurs have heard about the benefits of receiving a grant to help with funding, but they don’t know where to look and find programs that they could be qualified for.

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Every year new entrepreneurs and experienced small business owners start looking for financing to either start or expand their businesses. Many of these entrepreneurs have heard about the benefits of receiving a grant to help with funding, but they don’t know where to look and find programs that they could be qualified for. Below, you’ll find funding opportunities that can help you grow your business.

 

Loans and Grants from Government and Institutions

 

Accelerator Centre Start-Up Grants
In partnership with the University of Waterloo, University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College, the Accelerator Centre offers programs designed to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Programs such as AC:Studio, AC:Incubate+, and AC:RevLab provide mentorship, guidance, and funding of up to $100,000 for start-ups based in Southern Ontario.

Business Development Bank of Canada Indigenous Entrepreneur
The BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur program provides loans of up to $350,000 to Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners for start-ups, ongoing operations, acquisitions, and expansion. Funding is available to business that operates on or off-reserve.

Business Development Bank of Canada Star-Up Financing
BDC offers loans of up to $150,000 for Canadian start-ups that have been operating for at least 12 months and generating revenue. These funds can be used to purchase assets, cover start-up costs, or buy a franchise.

Business Development Bank of Canada Strategic Investment Programs
This program strengthens and expands BDC’s strategic initiatives within Canada’s venture capital ecosystem. It connects tech entrepreneurs with financial and non-financial support through partnerships across the tech sector.

Business in the Streets – BITS Bucks 
BITS provides affordable and flexible micro-financing for young entrepreneurs aged 18–34 who are legal residents of the Greater Toronto Area. The program offers up to $5,000 in grants and loans, along with mentorship, to help grow their business.

Canada Small Business Financing Program 
By sharing risk with lenders, this program makes it easier for small businesses with annual revenues under $10 million to access loans of up to $1.15 million. Funds can be used for purchasing or improving commercial property, equipment, or leasehold improvements.

Canadian Agriculture Loans Act Program (CALA)

CALA is a loan guarantee program that supports the renewal of the agricultural sector and increases loan availability for farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural co-operatives (with majority farmer membership). Each farming operation can access up to $500,000, while co-operatives can receive up to $3 million.

DMZ Programs for Businesses and Entrepreneurs
DMZ offers programs to help businesses launch, scale, and access mentorship and resources. Successful applicants can receive guidance and over $1 million in resources to accelerate growth. Small businesses may also apply for a $10,000 grant through a partnership with American Express.

Farm Credit Canada Young Farmers Starter Loan 
Through the Starter Loan and Young Farmer Loan, applicants can receive customized financing to help buy equipment, livestock, or shares in a company. Canadians and permanent residents under the of age 40 can access loans of up to $2 million to support their agriculture-related businesses.

Government of Ontario Summer Company 
Students between the ages of 15 to 29 can receive a $3,000 grant, mentorship, and advice from local business leaders to start up their businesses. Applicants must launch between May and July and operate until Labour Day or while being enrolled in school.

Mitacs Globalink
Globalink offers 12-week research internships for international undergraduates from partner countries to explore hands-on research in their field of study. Successful applicants can receive funding to cover living and travel expenses. After completing the internship, applicants who return to Canada to pursue graduate programs are eligible to apply for the Graduate Fellowship, which provides $15,000 in awards.

Ontario Starter Company Plus
Ontario residents aged 18 or older who are Canadian citizens, not full-time students, and able to contribute 25% of the grant amount in cash or in-kind can receive up to $5,000 to start, expand, or buy a business. Entrepreneurs may also receive one-on-one guidance with a Small Business Enterprise Centre advisor. 

RISE Small Business Lending Program
Entrepreneurs facing addiction or mental health challenges can access a $10,000 low-interest business loan from the Rise Small Business Lending Program. In addition, the program offers mentorship and support to improve business skills and financial management.

York Entrepreneurship Development Institute VC Fund 
Entrepreneurs (for-profit or non-profit) who complete one of the Incubator and/or are resident of YEDI’s Business Acceleration Campus can receive funding from this program. To help achieve the necessary milestones for the next levels of investments, entrepreneurs can secure up to $500,000 in funding. 

Community Futures Ontario Access to Capital 

This program provides repayable financing of $150,000 or more to help social enterprises and small businesses start, expand, or stabilize operations while creating or maintaining jobs. Funding is offered through loans, loan guarantees, or equity investments on commercial terms.

 

Loans and Grants from Community Organizations

 

Futurpreneur Canada Financing
Aspiring business owners between the ages of 18–39 can receive support to launch successful businesses across Canada, including capital and mentorship for up to two years. Equity-free loans of up to $75,000 can be given to eligible businesses: $50,000 from the Business Development Bank of Canada and $25,000 from Futurpreneur.

Métis Voyageur Development Fund
Established businesses and start-ups owned or controlled by Métis individuals can receive up to $1,500,000 in financing at lower rates and with fewer restrictions than commercial lenders. The program also provides support for creating business plans and access to training and skills development.

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
This fund is open to Aboriginal-owned businesses that rely on the winter road network to move inventory and supplies at the beginning of the winter road season. It helps businesses stay competitive and lower inventory and supply costs. Eligible applicants may apply for up to $500,000 to purchase and transport inventory and supplies with an equity contribution of 10–15% or higher.

VERGE Capital Start-Up Fund
The organization offers low-interest loans between $100,000 and $500,000 to social enterprises in Southwestern Ontario or large-scale community infrastructure projects with a social impact. Priority is given to entrepreneurs serving underrepresented communities, including Indigenous, rural, racialized, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, people with disabilities, and women.

Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation
Wakenagun CFDC is a not-for-profit organization that serves individuals and organizations within the traditional home of the First Nations people of “Mushkegowuk.” It supports community economic development for community members through business financing of up to $100,000, grants of up to $5,000, as well as strategic planning for communities and business support.

 

Funding and Investment from Private Corporations

 

Golden Triangle Angel Network Investments
The Golden Triangle Angel Network (GTAN) is a members-only, not-for-profit organization of accredited investors seeking investment opportunities in promising early-stage businesses. GTAN invests in Canadian tech companies with fast-moving founders and novel IP. Businesses can receive $750,000 to $5 million in funding.

Mantella Venture Partners
Mantella invests in businesses early and offers support during the business journey. They will typically invest up to $1,000,000 at the beginning, but, if needed, they can and will invest more. They will also give entrepreneurs the added benefit of hands-on involvement with business, product, and team development, also they help with financing and marketing. 

MaRS Discovery District: The Investment Accelerator Fund
The Investment Accelerator Fund (IAF) provides funding for early-stage tech companies that have a strong presence in Ontario. They focus on software, hardware and emerging sectors. Investors can receive on average $500,000 funding as well as resources, connections, and expertise to help them succeed.

Round13 Capital
Round13 Growth focuses solely on Canadian-based businesses, including those in the healthcare and tech markets in the growth stage, where their relationships, knowledge, and experience can be used to help drive their growth and be a positive and active influence on their outcomes. 

Southwestern Ontario Angel Group Venture Financing 
Early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs can receive valuable mentorship and between $200,000 and $2 million in capital through the Southwestern Ontario (SWO) Angels. To qualify, companies must have an annual revenue of at least $100,000, operate in a market size of $100 million per year, and be based in Ontario, preferably in the southern region.

TandemLaunch 
TandemLaunch collaborates with researchers and inventors from the world’s best universities to create exceptional technology companies. Their Entrepreneur-in-Residence program offers $600,000 to $800,000 to aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their businesses. Other supports include access to investor networks, group health insurance, and a modest stipend.

York Angel Investors 
York Angel Investors support businesses that have an established concept and are ready for growth. They offer funds to businesses within their area of expertise, including Agri-tech, Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Med-Tech, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and SaaS.

 

Further reading: 

 
 
Page updated on December 19, 2025
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