Financing

Owners of new and established businesses in Ontario have access to a large selection of government programs, services and financial incentives. Grants and loans are available to:

• Start or buy a business
• Buy or lease a property
• Sell or close a business
• Research, develop and commercialize a new product or idea
• Obtain a patent or licence
• Apply a new technology
• Hire and train workers, including summer students
• Assist employers in hiring individuals with disabilities

Information about financing programs and incentives is available from the federal and provincial governments and agencies that work to attract new business.

The Ontario Business Program Guide has an online directory of programs, wage subsidies, tax incentives and other assistance for businesses in Ontario. Some examples of special funds to help business are:

• The Eastern Ontario Development Fund, a grant program that supports project s that create and retain jobs, encourage new technologies and growth in new markets, and contribute to the diversification of the provincial economy.
• The Next Generation of Jobs Fund, a program that supports environmental advances in all areas of the economy, including advanced manufacturing and energy production.
• Energy Connections, a program that supports long-term partnerships for manufacturers and suppliers involved in the supply of energy.

Ontario East Economic Development provides information about doing business in southeastern Ontario and up-to-date news on government programs and other initiatives of benefit to business owners (see For More Information links below).

The Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) has detailed information about programs and incentives to start and grow business in Kingston. KEDCO runs regular workshops and events on business-related topics such as financing and marketing new ventures.