Expand Your Business with the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) provides essential support to businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations aiming to expand operations and stimulate regional economic development.

This program provides financial assistance and complementary services to help grow businesses, improve productivity, invest in innovation and skills development, and create sustainable jobs.

Program Overview

The fund helps projects that:

• Stimulate business growth and productivity
• Invest in innovation and skills development
• Create sustainable jobs

Eligible projects must be distinct from ongoing operations and lead to measurable benefits.

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Types of Support Available

• Funding Support: Up to 15% of eligible costs, with loans up to $5 million and specific grant opportunities.

• Complementary Services: Advisory services, environmental compliance assistance, and access to tax credits.

Eligibility Criteria

• At least 3 years of operations and 10 employees (5 in rural areas)
 
• Minimum $500,000 investment ($200,000 in rural areas)
 
• Commitment to creating new jobs
 

Application Deadlines

• Period 17: July 2, 2024 – September 26, 2024. Notifications by December 20, 2024.

• Period 18: November 5, 2024 – January 28, 2025. Notifications by April 24, 2025.

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Explore how the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund can help your project thrive by visiting the SWODF webpage.

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For more details and to get connected with a regional advisor, contact our team

Invest Sarnia: invest@sarnia.ca  

• Business Advisory Services: westernregionbas@ontario.ca or centralregionbas@ontario.ca
  
• General Inquiries: swodf@ontario.ca

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If you would like to brainstorm ideas or need information to complete your application, contact our team!

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SWODF is a program of the Government of Ontario.

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