Entrepreneurs often report that getting financing is the most challenging aspect of starting or growing a business. If you are looking for money for your business, you should start by learning about the different types of financing that are available. You can then decide which one best suits your needs.
Please note: Although we make an effort to update this page, some grants listed may no longer be available. Please refer to the linked pages for information regarding availability and eligibility.
Funding and Financing Resources
- How to get money for your business Use this tool to access more than 4,500 federal, provincial and municipal government funding programs for businesses, non-profits, charities and research institutions. Information on all funds is updated daily!
- Canada Small Business Financing Program The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
- Futurpreneur Futurpreneur offers funding and mentorship programs available to aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-39.
- RiseHelps RiseHelps provides peer support programs, online programs, and low-interest loans to startup businesses.
- Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) Funding Receive funding for IP protection and commercialization services by taking part in one of IPON's eligible programs.
- Managing your finances Use these resources to better understand financial concepts and learn about tasks like budgeting, financial analysis and bookkeeping.
- Ontario Power Authority – Save on Energy Incentives for Business Receive up to 50% of project costs for upgrading old or inefficient equipment.
- RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity A community grant that provides support for community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black, Indigenous and racialized communities in Kitchener.
- Kitchener – Facade Grant Program Downtown Kitchener is a hub of activity, and downtown businesses want to make a lasting impression on visitors. Our façade grant program can help.
- Waterloo – Community Improvement Grant Eligible property owners and tenants in the uptown area can receive grants for various renovation projects as part of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
- Cambridge – Core Areas Community Improvement Plan The Core Areas Community Improvement Plan (CIP) 2021 provides the basis for improvement programs and initiatives within designated CIP Project Areas in the City of Cambridge.
