For-profit business (legal entity or limited partnership) registered to carry out business in Ontario
Services
Ontario Together Trade Fund
Ontario grants and loans (typically 10-20% of eligible costs, up to $5M) that help tariff-impacted SMEs invest at least $200,000 to diversify sales (with a focus on interprovincial trade), reshore critical supply chains, and build capacity in Ontario.
Overview
Ontario grants and loans (typically 10-20% of eligible costs, up to $5M) that help tariff-impacted SMEs invest at least $200,000 to diversify sales (with a focus on interprovincial trade), reshore critical supply chains, and build capacity in Ontario.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant or loan |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | Ontario |
| Administrator | Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade |
| Cost share | 20% |
| Max per project | $5,000,000 |
| Budget | $150,000,000 |
| Total gov stacking cap | 75% |
| Intake status | Open - continuous intake since April 23, 2025; rolling assessment |
| Non-US bias | Diversification focus: emphasis on interprovincial and non-U.S. markets; priority to projects that capitalize on domestic market opportunities and address U.S.-tariff-driven supply-chain gaps |
Eligibility
Operate within Ontario and locate in an Ontario community during the project period
At least three years of operations/financial statements
At least 5 full-time equivalent (FTE) active employees
Demonstrate impact from U.S. tariffs
operates in a sector extensively targeted (e.g. steel, auto, aluminum), or significant trade-risk exposure (e.g. revenue loss of 30% or higher), or pivoting to supply a customer replacing a U.S. supplier due to tariffs
Invest at least $200,000 in eligible project costs and complete the project within 2 years
Demonstrate all financing will be in place by the project start date
Eligibility expanded as new U.S. tariff measures take effect (Sep 2026
steel, aluminum, other metals, furniture, paper, dairy, leather, alcohol, motorcycles, and more)
Exceptional, case-by-case consideration for applicants that do not meet the eligibility parameters if the project demonstrates exceptional benefit to Ontario
What it covers
Business development such as market diversification and sales expansion
Increasing manufacturing capacity and creating and securing jobs in Ontario
Procurement of advanced equipment and facility modification to enhance domestic manufacturing, support reshoring and grow Ontario's supply chain
Development of innovative technologies to boost competitiveness of Ontario production and manufacturing capacity
Localization for new markets (e.g. certification, legal, labelling, testing costs)
Modification of existing products to enter new sectors (e.g. pivoting production from automotive fasteners to construction fasteners)
Purchasing equipment and materials from local suppliers or shifting sales to non-U.S. markets
Eligible cost categories
facilities and infrastructure, equipment and machinery, one-time labour, materials, specialized expertise, training and talent costs, permits and fees, new market access
Market and diversification rules
Priority to projects that capitalize on domestic market opportunities and address gaps in Ontario's supply chain caused by trade barriers and supply disruptions
Diversification of market reach beyond the U.S. is a selection criterion, with emphasis on interprovincial trade
How to apply
Complete the mandatory online eligibility self-assessment tool
If the self-assessment suggests you may qualify, contact an Ontario Advisor to review the project
Register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
Work with the Ontario Advisor to complete and submit the application forms and supplemental information via TPON
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis; funding is not guaranteed
Stacking notes
Maximum funding of 75% of eligible costs is considered only for projects with exceptional benefit to Ontario aligned with government priorities
Most eligible businesses receive grants or loans in the range of 10-20% of eligible costs up to $5 million
Loans are interest-free during the project period (up to two years) with a typical 4-year payback; up to 30% of the loan (max $1.5M) may be forgiven if investment and job targets are met
Disclose all sources of government funding in the application
Notes
$150 million total over three years starting in 2025-26 (initial $50M plus an additional $100M announced in the 2025 Fall Statement)
Complementary advisory services, compliance-approval assistance, and skills/talent access available to applicants for the duration of the project regardless of funding outcome
Contact
ottf@ontario.ca
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
Book a free readiness call
Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
Book a free readiness call