Grow Your Business in Southwestern Ontario

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) is designed to strengthen the economic backbone of Southwestern Ontario by supporting established businesses ready to expand, modernize and create jobs. The program assists companies taking on transformative projects that drive growth, improve competitiveness, and deliver long-lasting benefits for local communities.

Program Objectives

SWODF supports businesses that aim to:

• Grow their business
• Improve productivity
• Invest in innovation and skills development
• Pursing new markets
• Generate broad positive regional economic impact
• Create new good, sustainable jobs

Eligibility

To be eligible, businesses need to:

• Have at least 3 years of operations/financial statements
• Employ at least 10 people (5 if you are within rural Ontario)
• Commit to creating at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees)
• Invest at least $500,000 in their project or $200,000 in rural Ontario
• Be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in southwestern Ontario

Eligible Locations

Projects must be located in certain areas: Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Elgin, Essex, Grey, Haldimand, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Niagara, Norfolk, Oxford, Perth, Simcoe, Waterloo, Wellington.

Funding Available

SWODF offers both loan and grant services.

• Loans are offered by up to 15% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $5 million
• Grants are offered to companies with less than 100 employees and are based in rural Ontario. The cost-share of up to 15% to a maximum of $500,000.

To be eligible, you are required to discuss your project with a regional advisor who can help you assess your fit with the program and provide advice on application preparation.

Intake Periods

Current Intake: November 4, 2025 -February 3, 2026

Deadline: February 3, 2026

Notification Date: April 30, 2026

Next intakes: May 27, 2026 & September 23, 2026

Why Apply?

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is a valuable opportunity for businesses to secure the financial support needed to pursue growth initiatives.

Ready to Apply?

Our team at Elite Agri Solutions can help you check eligibility and prepare a strong application. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your business.

Contact us today to see how your farm could qualify!