The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund supports regional economic development by providing financial support and services to help companies in southwestern Ontario with growing their business, improving productivity, investing in innovation and skills development and expanding into new markets. The Fund supports both business projects and community economic development projects.
Business projects can receive loans of up to 15% funding to a maximum of $5M, interest free during the project period (up to 4 years). If you achieve your investment and job targets, up to 30% of the loan (to a maximum of $500,000) may be forgiven. The funding cannot be stacked with other provincial programs.
Grants are available only for specific circumstances, up to 15% to a maximum:
Eligible projects involve investment in existing operations to improve competitiveness, productivity and pursue new markets or business expansions involving the introduction of new products or services. Expenses can include:
Eligible business projects must meet the following criteria:
SWODF offers four intake periods per year.
Find out more about the services we offer, what options are a good fit for your business, and where to begin on your funding journey.
