Government programs
Federal regional development support for businesses in southern Ontario
✓ Checking what you qualify for does not affect your credit score.
Short answer: FedDev Ontario is the federal regional development agency for southern Ontario, from Windsor to Ottawa. It supports manufacturers and technology companies scaling up or adopting new technology, often through repayable contributions paid on claims. Some streams accept applications continuously; others have limited intake periods.
Key facts
Related: Government Business Programs in Canada: 19 Guides · Funding the Matching Share of a Government Grant · Bridging a Government Grant or Refund Payment · Business Funding Requirements in Canada · Working Capital Funding in Canada
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario is one of Canada's regional development agencies, delivering federal support for businesses and communities in southern Ontario.
Southern Ontario has dense manufacturing, technology and agri-food sectors. FedDev Ontario programs typically support scale-up, productivity, innovation and regional development.
Scale-up projects often involve large equipment purchases with deposits paid months before delivery. FedDev reimbursement follows spending, so the business may carry a significant amount between order and claim.
Supplier deposits and installation should be scheduled with the claim timetable in mind.
Government programs are usually the lowest-cost money available to a Canadian business, and they are worth pursuing first when you qualify. They are also slower, have intake windows and often pay after you spend. Many owners use a short, revenue-based advance only to cover a timing gap, such as paying a share of a project before a contribution arrives, and repay it when the program pays out. Size any advance to the gap, not to the whole project, and confirm that the program's terms allow other financing.
Official program information: feddev-ontario.canada.ca. Program details change; check current eligibility, intake dates and terms with the program directly. Summary as of October 2026. Merchant Fund Express is not affiliated with this program and does not administer it.
A project budget, a clear description of the expected growth in revenue, jobs or productivity, and a plan for funding your share and the gap until claims are paid. Repayable contributions are usually interest-free, which makes them worth the paperwork.
Yes, it serves southern Ontario including the Greater Toronto Area.
Business contributions have often been repayable without interest; confirm current terms.
Northern Ontario is served by FedNor.
Educational information only. It is not legal, tax or accounting advice.
Same-day decision. Applying takes a few minutes and will not affect your credit score.
