Ontario Launches $50M Ontario Together Trade Fund

Written By Hickey Team

Ontario offers up to $5 million in grants or loans to Ontario businesses reshoring or expanding into interprovincial and global markets.

The Government of Ontario has introduced the $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund to support local for-profit businesses navigating challenges tied to U.S. trade disruptions. This initiative aims to strengthen Ontario's economic resilience by encouraging strategic investments that boost domestic competitiveness, reshore key supply chains, and unlock new opportunities in both interprovincial and international markets.

Eligible businesses can access funding through grants or interest-free loans, with a focus on projects that drive job creation or retention across the province.

SNAPSHOT

  • $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) is still accepting applications.

  • The program offers up to $5 million to help local firms expand beyond provincial borders.

  • Eligible business must employ at least 5 full-time staff.

  • Applications are open now and judged on a rolling basis.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • Secure up to $5 million in government-backed funding for each eligible project.

  • Receive up to 75% project cost savings for proposals demonstrating strong potential and impact.

  • Benefit from interest-free loans for up to two years during project implementation.

  • Eligible for partial loan forgiveness (up to 30%, maximum $1.5 million) based on performance metrics such as job creation, capital investments, and other qualifying criteria, subject to government review.

  • Funding can support a wide range of growth initiatives, including facility improvements, equipment purchases, certifications, workforce development, and new market expansion.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Ontario-based for-profit business (incorporated or LP)

  • Operating for at least 3 years with financials

  • Minimum 5 full-time equivalent employees

  • Impacted by U.S. trade disruptions (e.g., 30% revenue drop, tariffs, supply chain issues)

  • Typically, in export-driven sectors (steel, aluminum, automotive, etc.)

  • Minimum $200,000 in eligible costs

  • Must take place in Ontario and finish within 2 years

  • Should support revenue diversification, supply chain resilience, or Ontario job creation/retention

CONNECT WITH HICKEY CANADA’S INCENTIVES TEAM

  • The Hickey Canada incentives team has advised companies navigating the complex incentives process across Ontario and other Canadian provinces. Contact us for more specifics, including specific eligibility criteria, application details, and funding requirements.

  • If you’d like our support throughout the application process, we are here to help.

Hickey Team

Hickey & Associates makes learning about commercial site selection easy. We share information in writing and through videos and images, covering topics like grants and incentives advisory, location strategy, and supply chain logistics. Our team helps you find the best places for your business, get financial benefits, and make your supply chain work better. We are here to make complicated things simple and beneficial for your business's growth.

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