Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario

For defence and aerospace businesses in southern Ontario, scaling production, modernizing facilities, or breaking into complex defence supply chains often requires significant capital. The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario is designed to help address that gap by supporting companies and organizations that play a role in Canada’s defence and security ecosystem. Delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario on behalf of the Government of Canada, the program focuses on strengthening industrial capacity while supporting regional economic growth.

This initiative is particularly relevant for established small and mid-sized businesses, larger enterprises, and sector-focused non-profits that are already active in defence-related supply chains or preparing to enter them. Funding can support projects that expand manufacturing capabilities, adopt advanced technologies, increase innovation capacity, or improve competitiveness within domestic and international defence markets. Businesses typically access repayable financing, while not-for-profit organizations supporting defence capability development may receive non-repayable contributions. Individual projects can receive substantial support, ranging from roughly $120,000 to as much as $10 million, depending on scope and impact.

With applications currently being accepted on an ongoing basis and priority given to projects ready to move forward, this program represents a significant opportunity for defence-sector organizations in southern Ontario to accelerate growth and investment. Reviewing the full program details can help determine whether your planned project aligns with the initiative’s objectives and funding approach.