Funding for organizations that help businesses grow

Strong regional economies depend on more than individual businesses—they rely on the organizations that help entrepreneurs scale, innovate, and adapt. For groups playing that role in southern Ontario, Funding for organizations that help businesses grow offers an opportunity to strengthen local business ecosystems and expand the impact of their support services. Delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), this initiative focuses on building the conditions small and medium-sized businesses need to compete and grow in a changing economy.

This funding is geared toward organizations that work behind the scenes to drive business success, such as industry associations, innovation hubs, accelerators, and other ecosystem builders. Support is provided through non-repayable, project-based funding that can help organizations launch or expand programs, improve service delivery, and respond to emerging needs in the regional economy. Rather than backing individual firms directly, the program invests in the infrastructure, networks, and services that enable many businesses across various industries to thrive.

Applications are typically accepted on an ongoing basis, with funding levels varying depending on the scope and impact of the proposed project. For organizations in southern Ontario focused on strengthening business growth, innovation, and resilience, learning more about how this FedDev Ontario funding works could be an important next step.