New business assistance programs in Ontario and Quebec
Applications for funding are being accepted.
FedDev Ontario is launching a facilitated application process for business and entrepreneurship funding. Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario Filomena Tassi announced this in an official press release:
"Over this past year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with business owners, industry, and community leaders who wanted an easier application process. We heard them and we are delivering. We will continue to invest in the people who are growing businesses across Ontario."
Applications for funding will now be accepted three times a year (fall, winter and spring). The fall intake is open until November 7. The program is relevant to entrepreneurs from across Southern Ontario: from Cornwall in the east to Owen Sound in the west, and from Pembroke in the north to Windsor in the south. The exact geography can be verified on the website of FedDev Ontario. There you can also view the requirements for projects eligible for funding and find contact information.
The program is designed for the following business categories:
- projects that support the greening of the economy;
- projects introducing innovative developments;
- projects related to cutting-edge sectors and science (artificial intelligence, digital technologies);
- projects that support change in traditional sectors.
All questions can be answered online. FedDev Ontario is holding information sessions on virtual programs. The next ones are scheduled for the second half of September, in English and French. You can register for a session now.
Tassi has previously announced on behalf of the agency more than CA$ 3 million in funding for small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario. Simplifying the funding application process is the next logical step in supporting localized entrepreneurship.
Quebec keeps up with Ontario. Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, on behalf of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, announced CA$ 296,000 to support Quebec's female entrepreneurs. The funds will be given to the ongoing project "Flexi-Loan for Women". It is run by the social and economic organization Société d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) Shawinigan.
The project aims to ensure full participation in the economic life of part-time women entrepreneurs. Their number has been growing rapidly in Quebec in recent years, and the State has a clear interest in maintaining this trend.
"The Government of Canada is working to ensure a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economy for everyone," commented Marci Ien.
The Canadian authorities have been consistently supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship for many years. Buying or starting your own project here is one of the proven ways to immigrate. Consult with Immigrant.Today to develop a personalized strategy for moving to Canada.
