Local help in Guelph right now is mainly the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington's start-up programs and the city's tourism funding, plus the Ontario and federal programs any Guelph business can look at.
Destination Animation Fund up to $5,000 (10% match). Gather Here sponsorship up to $25,000, and no more than 15% of the event budget. The Marketing Assets program gives photos, video and training, not money.
The City of Guelph runs three tourism funding programs paid for by the Municipal Accommodation Tax. They support new tourism products, marketing photos and video with training, and events that bring visitors to Guelph. Incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit organizations can apply.
City of Guelph (with Destination Marketing Guelph for for-profit applications)Guelph
An Ontario program delivered by Business Centre Guelph-Wellington for people starting, growing or buying a small business in Guelph or Wellington County. It includes 8 in-person group sessions, advisor meetings and the chance of a grant of up to $5,000. Grants aren't guaranteed and spaces are limited.
Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, funded in partnership with the Government of OntarioGuelph
An Ontario program for students aged 15 to 29 who want to run their own summer business, delivered by Business Centre Guelph-Wellington. It offers up to $3,000 plus training, coaching and mentoring. Students must be returning to school in the fall.
Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, funded in partnership with the Government of OntarioGuelph
Ontario and federal programs for businesses in Guelph
Up to 15% of eligible project costs. Loans up to $5 million, interest-free during the project period (up to 4 years), with up to 30% (max $500,000) forgivable if targets are met. Grants only in limited cases: up to $500,000 for small rural firms, or $1.5 million for strategic projects.
Government of Ontario (Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade)All of Ontario
Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan: up to $15,000. Retail Modernization Project Grant: up to $5,000. Technology Demonstration Program: up to $50,000 (closed).
Liquidity help up to $2 million for up to 12 months (non-repayable, up to 50% of costs). Pivot projects up to $1 million non-repayable (up to 50%), or over $1 million repayable (up to 75%). Up to $3 million non-repayable and $20 million in total.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)All of Ontario
Up to $99,999 for individual Indigenous entrepreneurs; up to $250,000 for eligible Indigenous community businesses
Indigenous Services Canada, administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) through Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital CorporationsAll of Canada
Up to $17,000 per apprentice, paid in $1,000 steps as the apprentice finishes in-class levels and earns their certificate, with registration and extra payments for some apprentices.
Government of Ontario (Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development)All of Ontario
40% of eligible Ontario labour and marketing costs for products you sell yourself; 35% of labour for products made for a client. No overall maximum is stated.
Ontario Creates and the Canada Revenue AgencyAll of Ontario
35% of qualified SR&ED spending up to $6 million a year for most Canadian-controlled private corporations (tax years starting after December 15, 2024), and 15% on spending above that
