Decision Tree Tool

Your advanced manufacturing or social innovation business could access support services and up to $30,000 in seed funding for growth projects.

To be eligible, your business must:

• Be incorporated and headquartered in Southern Ontario
• Match the financial contribution
• Be a start-up that has generated revenues or secured investments, or has fewer than 50 employees
• Have a high growth opportunity with the potential to address Canadian or global markets

Eligible activities include:

• Innovating new products or services
• Optimizing your processes
• Making capital purchases
• Reducing costs through energy, water or waste innovations

For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, visit Innovation Guelph’s website at www.innovationguelph.ca.

On behalf of the Government of Ontario, OCE supports early-stage companies that are raising pre-seed and seed investments (total round sizes range from $500,000 to $2 million). Market Readiness is a competitive co-investment fund.  With more than 300 companies considered for funding each year, OCE completes 30-40 investments a year.

Eligibility

• Companies that have raised less than $1 million in third-party capital (excludes friends and family) are eligible for their first MR investment.
• Incorporated for no more than five years (Ontario or Canadian for-profit incorporation) and have principal operations in Ontario
• Currently or previously affiliated with a campus linked accelerator, incubator, or on-campus entrepreneurship activities in Ontario, or currently or previously affiliated with a Regional Innovation Centre and have previously received funding from other OCE programs (excluding the TalentEdge Program).
• Companies with their team/IP origin at a university (“university spin-out”), college or research hospital are also eligible, even if not Campus-Linked Accelerator-affiliated.

Learn more about Market Readiness Fund at https://marketreadiness.oce-ontario.org/.

Contact:

Jeff Van Heumen
Business Development Manager and Automotive Sector Lead
(226) 235-0444
Jeff.vanHeumen@oce-ontario.org

Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit organization providing pre-launch coaching expertise, online business resources, financing, and industry-leading mentoring to help you start your own successful business.

Futurpreneur Canada supports businesses of all kinds – skilled trades, technology, retail, services, and everything in between by providing support from the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey right through to all of your milestones. The program supports young entrepreneurs by providing a loan of $20,000 to start business for individuals age 18 to 39. Those who qualify can also apply for an additional $40,000 through the Futurepreneur-BDC Start-Up Financing Program. Find out more about Futurpreneur financing programs and your eligibility. http://www.futurpreneur.ca/en/resources/

Futurpreneur also supports young entrepreneurs by connecting them with an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage, and grow your business. Mentors provide business advice, as well as support and encouragement, to help young entrepreneurs remain focused on what is important for the success of their business. Find out more about being hand-matched with a Futurpreneur Canada mentor or about volunteering as a Futurpreneur Canada mentor. http://www.futurpreneur.ca/en/mentoring/

Contact:

Sabrina DeMarco, Small Business Centre
(519) 253-6900 | sdemarco@windsoressexsmallbusiness.com

The small business lending program includes financing, mentorship, and support to launch or grow your business for individuals who self-identify themselves as having a mental health and/or addiction challenge.

Rise offers low-interest business loans based on your stage of business development, viability of the business concept, and capacity to re-pay. Eligible entrepreneurs can access loans up to $10,000 throughout Ontario, with an average initial loan size in the $3,000 to $4,000 range.

• We offer a low interest rate and average loan term is 3 years.
• Repayment starts 30 days post-loan disbursement.
• Our loans do not require security or a guarantee and there are absolutely no hidden fees at all.
• For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, visit Rise Asset Development’s website at www.risehelps.ca or contact their office in London.

Contact:

(519) 659 2882 ext. 225
519 659 2882 ext. 223

EMAIL
david@riseassetdevelopment.ca

The SmartStart Seed Fund supports seed financing and funding for entrepreneurship skills training to help grow start-up companies and make them investment- and customer-ready.

SmartStart is co-funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and the Government of Ontario, as part of its Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy.

Funding is up to $30,000, including up to $7,500 for entrepreneurship skills training and professional advisory services within the seed funding amount.

Eligibility

Start-Up Company:

• For-profit, incorporated for up to four years
• Based in an eligible Southern Ontario Census Division
• Has less than $250,000 in revenue and/or investment combined
• Endorsed by a Regional Innovation Centre (RIC), OCE-supported Campus-Linked Accelerator (CLA) or OCE-supported On-Campus Entrepreneurship Activities (OCEA) program recipient.
• Actively engaged (for a minimum of four months within the past 12 months) and/or recently accepted into a program involving a selection process (such as an accelerator, a bootcamp/pitch competition winner, recipient of an embedded executive, etc.) with the endorsing RIC, CLA or OCEA

Applicant

Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old
Holds equity and key position in the company

Contact:

Jeff Van Heumen
Business Development Manager and Automotive Sector Lead
(226) 235-0444
Jeff.vanHeumen@oce-ontario.org

Ok, you’re a social enterprise business looking for grants or loans to help your business grow.

Select from the choices below to see what organization or program can best help you.

Starter Company Plus is an Ontario government program that provides entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge they need to start and grow their own business.

As a Starter Company Plus entrepreneur, you get:

• One-on-one guidance from the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre
• Business workshops on topics including business plan development and cash flow strategies, developing and executing a marketing plan and growing your business with confidence
• Grant of up to $5,000
• 3 months of mentoring with the Small Business Centre
• Networking opportunities
• Access to our drop-in coworking space

For more information about the Starter Company program, visit the Small Business Centre’s website at www.windsoressexsmallbusiness.com/startercompany or contact their office.

Contact:

Sabrina DeMarco at
519-253-6900 or sdemarco@windsoressexsmallbusiness.com
Small Business Centre

Summer Company is an Ontario government program that provides young people aged 15-29 with the resources and knowledge they need to start and run a new summer business.

As a Summer Company entrepreneur, you get:

• Startup money to kick-off a new summer business
• Hands-on business training, advice, and mentorship from local business leaders
• An award of up to $3,000

For more information about the Summer Company program, visit the Small Business Centre’s website at www.windsoressexsmallbusiness.com or contact their office.

Contact:

Myrtle Donnipad
Youth and Entrepreneurship Advisor
Windsor-Essex Small Business Centre
(519) 253-6900 ext. 2234
mdonnipad@windsoressexsmallbusiness.com

Ok, you’re an entrepreneur looking for office space.

Select from the choices below to see what organization can best help you.

Ok, you’re an entrepreneur looking for production space.

Select from the choices below to see what organization can best help you.

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program is a federal tax incentive program designed to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada.

Highlights

Generally, a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC) can earn a refundable input tax credit (ITC) at the enhanced rate of 35% on qualified SR&ED expenditures, up to a maximum threshold of $3 million. This 35% ITC is 100% refundable on qualified SR&ED expenditures and 40% refundable on qualified SR&ED capital expenditures incurred before 2014.

A CCPC can also earn a non-refundable ITC at the basic rate of 15% on an amount over the $3 million threshold.

A CCPC that meets the definition of a qualifying corporation can earn a refundable ITC at the basic rate of 15% on an amount over the $3 million threshold, of which 40% can be refunded.

For more information about the SR&ED Program, including what you need to know to claim it, visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s website.

Contact:

Jody Wipp
(519) 973-5604
jody.wipp@cra.gc.ca
General Inquiry Line: (905) 566-6010

The Ontario Innovation Tax Credit allows qualifying corporations to claim a refundable tax credit for qualified expenditures on scientific research and experimental development performed in Ontario.

• For taxation years that commence after May 31, 2016, the tax credit rate is 8%.
• The tax credit rate is prorated for taxation years straddling June 1, 2016.
• For taxation years that end before June 1, 2016, the tax credit rate is 10%.

Program Highlights

Based on an expenditure limit of $3 million:

• For taxation years that commence after May 31, 2016, the maximum tax credit amount is $240,000
• The maximum tax credit amount is prorated for taxation years straddling June 1, 2016, and
• For taxation years that end before June 1, 2016, the maximum tax credit amount is $300,000.

The expenditure limit is gradually reduced if:

• Federal taxable income of the prior tax year exceeds $500,000 and is totally eliminated at $800,000, or
• The prior year’s taxable capital exceeds $25 million and is totally eliminated at $50 million.

Associated corporations must share the expenditure limit. The limit is also reduced for a short tax year based on the number of days in the tax year, in proportion to 365.

For more information, including how to claim the tax credit, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance’s website at www.fin.gov.on.ca.

The Ontario Business Research Institute Tax Credit allows eligible corporations to claim a 20% refundable tax credit for qualified expenditures on scientific research and experimental development work performed in Ontario under contract with eligible research institutes.

Small businesses may claim this tax credit and the Ontario innovation tax credit on qualified expenditures.

Qualified expenditures are capped at $20 million annually. The maximum annual tax credit is $4 million.

For more information, including eligibility and what you need to know to claim the tax credit, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance website at www.fin.gov.on.ca.

The Ontario Research and Development Tax Credit allows qualifying corporations to claim a non-refundable tax credit on eligible scientific research and experimental development expenditures performed in Ontario to reduce their Ontario corporate income tax payable.

• For taxation years that commence after May 31, 2016, the tax credit rate is 3.5%.
• The tax credit rate is prorated for taxation years straddling June 1, 2016.
• For taxation years that end before June 1, 2016, the tax credit rate is 4.5%.

For more information, including eligibility and what you need to know to claim the tax credit, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance website at www.fin.gov.on.ca.

If you are a newly established corporation in certain sectors, you could be eligible for a refund of the corporate income tax and corporate minimum tax your business paid in its first 10 taxation years.

Eligibility

You need to operate in:

• Advanced health
• Bioeconomy (including clean energy technologies)
• Telecommunications, computer or digital technologies production

You also:

• Must be incorporated between March 25, 2008 and March 24, 2012
• Cannot be formed by way of an amalgamation or merger
• Must be commercializing intellectual property developed at a Canadian university or college

For more information about the exemption program and how to apply, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance website at www.ontario.ca.

Ok, you’re a business who wants to know what grant or loan programs might exist to conduct business research with a Canadian College or University.

Select from the options below to learn more about what research organizations and programs are available to help your business.

Ok, you’re a business who wants to know what grant or loan programs might exist to support innovative research. These programs do not require collaboration with a research institute.

Select from the options below to learn more about what research opportunities are available to help your business.

Ok, you’re a business who wants help to commercialize your product, which may include product testing, pre-commercialization, and adoptions programs.

Select from the options below to learn more about what programs are available to help your business.

Ontario’s one-stop source to business information, tailored investment solutions and valuable connections for investors looking to establish or expand their business in Ontario.

For more information, visit: https://www.investinontario.com/investment-services.

Contact:
info@investinOntario.com
1-800-819-8701

Our Innovation Advisors are located across Canada. They provide free, one-on-one assistance and use their industry experience and knowledge to help guide clients to the most appropriate innovation programs and services.

Innovation Advisors are entrepreneurs just like you! They have extensive networks, experience and expertise in a wide range of industrial sectors and plenty of success stories under their belts. They are familiar with the Innovation support eco-system in Canada because as executives and business owners, they have used many of the support programs that can help you too. Want to grow? Get in touch!

If you’re incorporated and creating a new innovative product, process or service, an innovation advisor can help you find funding, expertise, facilities and global opportunities.

For more information, visit: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/080.nsf/eng/h_00010.html.

Contact:
Rawl Banton
Innovation Advisor
Rawl.Banton@Canada.ca
(226) 821-2177

Canada Business Ontario is now FedDev Ontario Small Business Services. The information and services remain the same.

For more information, including Business Guides, visit: http://www.cbo-eco.ca/en/.

The City of Windsor’s Investor Support Program (ISP) is a cross-functional service program that guides strategic investment through all aspects of city approvals and requirements.

The objective of the ISP is to work proactively with strategic projects. An investment is categorized as “strategic” based on its economic significance for Windsor. Examples of projects that may be eligible for the ISP may include developments that generate knowledge-based jobs, office-oriented/industrial business parks, and major redevelopments of existing vacant properties.

To be eligible for ISP, strategic projects must meet one or more of the following characteristics:

• creates or retains a minimum of 50 jobs within the manufacturing sector or creates more than 20 jobs or retains a minimum of 35 jobs within any other targeted sector(s).
• is a major tourism investment expected to draw a minimum annual attendance of 100,000 visitors;
• is uniquely complex with multiple priorities and stakeholders; and,
• adds to the diversification of the local economy by developing a targeted sector identified by the City.

The city’s Economic Development Officer is assigned to each strategic investment and works proactively with other departments and external agencies to guide projects through the municipal process. This includes, but is not limited to planning approvals, construction permits, licensing requirements, utilities, technology requirements, tax and fee estimations, etc.

Contact:

City of Windsor’s Economic Development Office
(519) 255-6100 ext. 6608
mjohnson@citywindsor.ca

An online collection of projects, programs, and policies courtesy of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) to help you support agriculture and food.

To view, click the topic button on the PDF linked below:
https://ofa.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Agri-Food-Initiatives-Directory-FINAL.pdf.

Magnet is a not-for-profit, digital social innovation platform co-created by Ryerson University in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in 2014.

Our mission is to accelerate inclusive economic growth for all in Canada by advancing careers, businesses and communities.

For more information, visit: https://magnet.today/.

BizPaL is a collaborative effort between all three levels of government. It helps entrepreneurs generate a personalized list of the business permits and licences they need, for all levels of government, to start or grow their business. Based on some generic information that you provide about your business, you will generate a customized list of permits and licences that you may need from the municipal, provincial, and federal governments.

To access the BizPal tool, visit the City of Windsor’s BizPal website.

Visit the City of Windsor’s website to see whether your type of business requires a license to operate at www.citywindsor.ca.

If you have questions or require assistance, please contact the City.

Contact:

(519) 255-6200
licenses@citywindsor.ca

For a complete list of property tax rebates and reliefs, including how to apply, visit the City of Windsor’s website at www.citywindsor.ca.

Zoning designations and other information can be found online at the City of Windsor’s website at www.citywindsor.ca by entering any municipal address.

Zoning maps can also be found online at the City of Windsor’s website at www.citywindsor.ca. Once opened, you can zoom into a desired location by selecting one of the sixteen areas of the map.

The Energy Efficiency for Industry program is offering cost-shared assistance to industrial companies to implement energy management projects, including CAN/CSA-ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard pilots, and for two types of energy studies: Process Integration and Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will provide financial assistance of up to 50 percent of eligible costs to a maximum of $40,000 for

• Energy Management Projects*
• Process Integration and Computational Fluid Dynamics Studies

Visit Natural Resources Canada’s website to learn more about the program, including funding details and eligibility, at www.nrcan.gc.ca.

Ok, you’re a business interested in learning more about the Save ON Energy programs that are run by the various local distribution companies in Windsor-Essex.

Who do you buy your electricity from?

Businesses in the agriculture and agri-food sector can use the AgPal Program and Service Finder tool to identify which programs and services might be best suited to help their business grow.

Please contact at AgPal-AgriGuichet@agr.gc.ca.

Use the AgPal tool at agpal.ca.

The final version of the City of Windsor Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan (CIP) was adopted by City Council on April 26, 2010. The Windsor Brownfield Redevelopment CIP applies to the entire urban area of the City of Windsor and contains the details of the approved financial incentive programs and a municipal leadership strategy that the City is promoting to encourage the clean up and redevelopment of brownfields sites in Windsor.

Eligibility:

Any property located in the city that is contaminated with respect to the Ministry of Environment standards as to the proposed use of the property.  If someone has to spend money cleaning up a site to meet the Provincial standards prior to it being able to be redeveloped, they are likely eligible to recover those costs through the incentive programs.

Funding:

The City of Windsor is offering a number of attractive incentive programs designed to promote brownfield redevelopment throughout the city.  These incentives include grants and tax assistance to encourage activities such as feasibility studies, environmental studies, environmental remediation, building rehabilitation, infrastructure upgrading, and even the construction of energy efficient “green” buildings.

Projects that demonstrate a commitment to “green” planning and building practices are eligible for an increased level of financial incentives.

The five financial incentive programs approved to encourage the redevelopment of brownfields in Windsor are:

• The Feasibility Study Grant Program
• The Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant Program
• The Brownfields Property Tax Assistance Program
• The Brownfields Rehabilitation Grant Program
• The Brownfields Development Charge Exemption Program

For more information about the City’s Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan including details about funding, eligibility, and how to apply, visit their website at www.citywindsor.ca or contact their office.

Contact:

Greg Atkinson
Sr. Planner
City of Windsor
(519) 255-6543 ext. 6582
gatkinson@citywindsor.ca

The City of Windsor’s Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which came into effect on March 15, 2011, provides financial incentives to encourage new investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of diversifying the local economy and creating/retaining jobs.  The CIP allows the city to take a variety of measures – to further the objectives of the Economic Revitalization CIP – that would otherwise be prohibited by Ontario’s Municipal Act.  This includes the acquisition and preparation of land; construction, repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of buildings; the sale, lease, or disposal of land and buildings; and the provision of grants to owners or tenants of land – all of which must conform with the objectives and policies contained within the CIP.

The Economic Revitalization CIP contains four financial incentive programs to encourage new investment in targeted economic sectors.  These programs address a wide range of business types including new businesses considering locating in Windsor, expansion of existing businesses within the City, and small businesses. They are:

• Business Development Grant program
• Business Retention Grant program
• Small Business Investment Grant program
• Development Charges Grant program

For more information about the City’s CIP program including details about funding, eligibility and how to apply, visit their website at: www.citywindsor.ca or contact their office.

Contact:

Greg Atkinson
Sr. Planner
City of Windsor
(519) 255-6543 ext. 6582
gatkinson@citywindsor.ca

The City of Windsor’s Investor Support Program (ISP) is a cross-functional service program that guides strategic investment through all aspects of city approvals and requirements.

The objective of the ISP is to work proactively with strategic projects. An investment is categorized as “strategic” based on its economic significance for Windsor. Examples of projects that may be eligible for the ISP may include developments that generate knowledge-based jobs, office-oriented/industrial business parks, and major redevelopments of existing vacant properties.

To be eligible for ISP, strategic projects must meet one or more of the following characteristics:

• creates or retains a minimum of 50 jobs within the manufacturing sector or creates more than 20 jobs or retains a minimum of 35 jobs within any other targeted sector(s).
• is a major tourism investment expected to draw a minimum annual attendance of 100,000 visitors;
• is uniquely complex with multiple priorities and stakeholders; and,
• adds to the diversification of the local economy by developing a targeted sector identified by the City.

The city’s Economic Development Officer is assigned to each strategic investment and works proactively with other departments and external agencies to guide projects through the municipal process. This includes, but is not limited to planning approvals, construction permits, licensing requirements, utilities, technology requirements, tax and fee estimations, etc.

Contact:

City of Windsor’s Economic Development Office
(519) 255-6100 ext. 6608
mjohnson@citywindsor.ca

Funding under this stream helps to accelerate the growth of firms and assist with the adoption of new, innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity, and the development of and entry into new markets to help companies become globally competitive.

FedDev Ontario is looking for:

• Innovative and globally-oriented businesses seeking to accelerate their growth.
• High-potential firms (including accelerator graduates) that are commercializing innovative products, technologies and processes.
• Firms with scale-up potential looking to improve productivity through the adaptation/adoption of highly innovative, first-of-its-kind technologies with the goal of global competitiveness and market expansion.
• Entrepreneurs and businesses in rural areas looking to grow, commercialize and improve productivity.

For more information on eligibility, funding, and how to apply, visit FedDev Ontario’s website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca or contact their office.

Contact:

Jeff King
FedDev Ontario
(226) 339-2823
jeff.king@canada.ca

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario.

The types of support available include:

• funding support
• complementary services and support

The fund supports projects that:

• create jobs and build talent
• attract and encourage private sector investment
• lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
• encourage innovation, collaboration and cluster development

For more information about the Southwest Ontario Development Fund, visit the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth’s website at www.ontario.ca or contact their office.

Contact:

Nancy Creighton
Senior Business Advisor
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Roundhouse Centre, Suite 214
3155 Howard Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N8X 4Y8
519-252-1704
nancy.creighton@ontario.ca

The Strategic Innovation Fund allocates repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors. The program has a budget of $1.26 billion over five years. It consolidates and simplifies the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative, Technology Demonstration Program, Automotive Innovation Fund and Automotive Supplier Innovation Program.

The Strategic Innovation Fund’s objective is to spur innovation for a better Canada. Specifically, it serves to simplify application processes, accelerate processing, and provide assistance that is more responsive and focused on results.

The program has five Streams, each with its own precise objective:

• Stream 1: Encourage R&D that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services;
• Stream 2: Facilitate the growth and expansion of firms in Canada;
• Stream 3: Attract and retain large scale investments to Canada; and
• Stream 4: Advance industrial research, development and technology demonstration through collaboration between academia, non-profit organizations and the private sector.
• Stream 5: Supporting national ecosystems.

For more information, visit the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s website or contact their office.

Contact:

1-800-328-6189

or

Liana Daltoe
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
(519) 562-8492
liana.daltoe@canada.ca

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) is a partnership with small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers in Ontario. The goal is to help modernize Ontario’s automotive supply chain and make it more competitive.

Your business could get up to $100,000 to help cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.

As a successful applicant, you are required to contribute at least 50% of remaining project costs through:

• your own business resources
• private or bank financing

For more information about the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth’s website at www.ontario.ca or contact their office.

Contact:

Nancy Creighton
Senior Business Advisor
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Roundhouse Centre, Suite 214
3155 Howard Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N8X 4Y8
519-252-1704
nancy.creighton@ontario.ca

Funding under this stream helps to accelerate the growth of firms and assist with the adoption of new, innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity, and the development of and entry into new markets to help companies become globally competitive.

FedDev Ontario is looking for:

• Innovative and globally-oriented businesses seeking to accelerate their growth.
• High-potential firms (including accelerator graduates) that are commercializing innovative products, technologies and processes.
• Firms with scale-up potential looking to improve productivity through the adaptation/adoption of highly innovative, first-of-its-kind technologies with the goal of global competitiveness and market expansion.
• Entrepreneurs and businesses in rural areas looking to grow, commercialize and improve productivity.

For more information on eligibility, funding, and how to apply, visit FedDev Ontario’s website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca or contact their office.

Contact:

Jeff King
FedDev Ontario
(226) 339-2823
jeff.king@canada.ca

The Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation provides interest-bearing business loans to support innovation and growth in small and medium-sized enterprises. It is delivered locally by the Business Resource Centre of Essex County and can offer eligible businesses loans of $150,000 to $500,000 as a stable form of capital to support such growth activities as: late stage commercialization; new product or service deployment; new applications or markets, or development of new processes or technologies. The SOFII program makes financial aid possible when other forms of funding are unavailable.

The Business Resource Centre of Essex County (formerly known as Essex CFDC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing business financing and counselling to entrepreneurs in rural Essex County. Centrally located in the Town of Essex, the Business Resource Centre provides loans to businesses in rural communities of up to $250,000 for equipment, inventory, working capital, etc.

For more information, visit their website at http://ec-businessresourcecentre.ca and/or contact their office by phone or email.

Contact:

Diane Malenfant
General Manager
Business Resource Centre
39 Maidstone Avenue East
Essex, ON N8M 2J3
(519) 776-4611
dmalenfant@EC-businessresourcecentre.ca

The Magnet Export Business Portal delivers targeted export events, resources and opportunities to you through a customized dashboard- and to your inbox! It was created with one goal in mind: to help Canadian businesses succeed in reaching export markets, and grow their businesses with international customers.

For more information, visit: https://export.magnet.today/.

The CanExport program provides direct financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada that are seeking to develop new export opportunities, particularly in high-growth priority markets and sectors. Delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) of Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), CanExport provides financial support for a wide range of export marketing activities.

Program Highlights:

Non-repayable contributions from the CanExport program will range from $10,000 to $75,999 per project. The maximum annual CanExport contribution per applicant is set at $99,999 per government fiscal year, which begins on April 1 of each year and ends on March 31 of the following year. The amount of the contribution will be determined on a cost-sharing basis. The contribution can be for up to 50 percent of eligible expenses, that is, your firm must match available government funding on a one-to-one basis (i.e., including all other federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal sources for the same activity). Note also that the costs of a consultant for the production of a market study, for market research, for business to business (B2B) meetings, and matchmaking are limited to 25 percent of the total cost of the activity/project.

To be eligible, your business must meet these basic requirements:

• Be a for-profit company;
• Be an incorporated legal entity OR a limited liability partnership (LLP);
• Have a Canada Revenue Agency business identifier number;
• Have a minimum of one full-time equivalent (FTE) employee and a maximum of 250 FTE employees; and
• Have no less than $200,000 and no more than $50 million in annual revenue declared in Canada.

For more information about CanExport, visit the program’s website at http://international.gc.ca/canexport/.

Contact

Bill Norton
Trade Commissioner
(343) 203-0008
bill.norton@international.gc.ca

A Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) connects government buyers with Canadian expertise through the negotiation and execution of government-to-government contracts. The Corporation focuses on areas where there is a clear role for government, operating in sectors outside of World Trade Organization agreements, such as aerospace and defence. They also focus on emerging and developing markets, where governments of other countries may require additional capacity to undertake complex and timely procurements and projects.

CCC can operate either as Prime Contractor selling to governments, or as a Procurement Agent sourcing Canadian goods and services on behalf of governments in other countries. The Corporation also procures equipment, supplies, and expertise to help the Government of Canada fulfill its in-kind aid contributions worldwide.

CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION
350 Albert Street, Suite 700
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0S6
T: 613-996-0034
F: 613-995-2121
Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-748-8191

Questions about our services
CCC marketing department
info@ccc.ca

To learn more about CCC, and potentially begin the process of becoming one of their exporters, visit their website at www.ccc.ca

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) will provide you with on-the-ground intelligence and practical advice on foreign markets at no charge to client companies and organizations so that you can make better, more timely, and cost-effective decisions.

If you are part of the Canadian business community, and contribute to Canada’s economic growth, have a demonstrated capacity for internationalization, and have good potential to add value to the Canadian economy, you can benefit from their services.

Meaningful economic ties include maintaining established offices, a subsidiary, a plant, a research and development establishment, or a joint venture in Canada. A capacity for internationalization is reflected in having researched foreign markets, dedicated human and financial resources, and having a business plan. Increased economic activity benefiting Canada could be increased exports of Canadian-made products or services, technology transfer, new job creation, increased research and development activity, or increased production in Canada.

TCS can help you successfully navigate the complexities of international markets, whether you’re looking to:

• Export,
• Establish your company abroad,
• Tackle a market access issue,
• Pursue a joint-venture or strategic alliance,
• Participate in global value chain,
• Seek technology and R&D partnerships.

For out more by visiting their website at tradecommissioner.gc.ca or by contacting the Trade Commissioner below.

Contact:

Bill Norton
Trade Commissioner
(343) 203-0008
bill.norton@international.gc.ca

The Enterprise Canada Network (ECN) is an industry-led single window platform that connects Canadian small businesses and researchers to qualified global opportunities, facilitates international partnerships, and creates trade through access to public and private sector resources.

ECN allows Canadians to easily identify and connect to new global business, technology, and research partners. Registered users have access to ECN’s core match-making services, including the ability to:

1. Search Canadian and international open opportunities and view abstracts organized by industry sector, market, and technology;
2. Find new opportunities through Opportunity Matching Alerts based on your product/service, technology, or research preferences delivered right to your email in-box;
3. Connect to Qualified Leads and receive assistance from ECN staff to further qualify prospective partners and facilitate introductions;
4. Receive advance notice on sector specific incoming, outgoing, and virtual trade and innovation events and missions;
5. Post a profile about your business or technology. ECN can promote a user’s opportunity profile to Canadian and international industry/research players and connect users to qualified interested parties.  Exposure can be broad or restricted to specific countries or types of partners; and
6. Post calls for research proposals to raise broad awareness about needed expertise or join an international R&D consortium.

In addition, ECN is your single-window entry point to all Canadian trade and export support programs and publications. Visit our Export Assistance Navigator and our Publications search engine for more information.

To learn more about Enterprise Canada Network, visit their website at www.enterprisecanadanetwork.ca.

Investors from countries such as the U.S., China, Japan and India can now gain duty-free access to European Union (EU) countries through CETA by establishing operations in Ontario.

What is CETA?

CETA stands for Canada-European Union Comprehensive Trade Agreement, Canada’s most ambitious international trade agreement since NAFTA. CETA is unprecedented in the access it provides companies in Canada to EU consumers, businesses, governments at all levels, and other public bodies such as schools and hospitals.

When does CETA come into effect?

CETA comes into effect as early as September 21, 2017, removing 98% of duties on Canadian goods entering the EU.

Which countries are involved in CETA?

CETA is an agreement between Canada and the 28 member countries of the EU, a $17 trillion economy.

How can foreign investors take advantage of CETA?

Register to download our Foreign Investor’s Guide to CETA to learn how you can leverage this historic trade agreement between Canada and the EU.

Download the Foreign Investor’s Guide to CETA by visiting www.investinontario.com.

Ok, you’re a business who wants help hiring an apprentice.

Select the program below to learn how it can help your business.

Ok, you’re a business and you want help hiring a person with a disability.

Select from the options below to learn more about what services and programs are available to help your business.

Ok, so you’re a business who wants to hire a research intern.

Select from the options below to learn more about the programs that are available to help your business.

Ok, you’re a business and you want help hiring a youth, student, co-op or young adult.

Select from the options below to learn more about the programs that are available to help your business.

Ok, you’re a business looking for incentives to hire someone who is currently unemployed.

Choose one of the following programs to learn more about them.

Ok, below is a list of employment organizations that can help you.

There are two different types of organizations that you can access employment-related services from. Both types offer job matching and placements; however, Employment Ontario Service Providers can sometimes offer hiring incentives to employers.

1. Employment Ontario Service Providers are a province-wide network of community organizations that offer government-funded employment programs to Ontarians at no-charge.
2. Private Employment Agencies are for-profit organizations that are in the business of matching employees with employers and vice-versa. Some of these services may have a cost associated with them.

Which type of organization do you want help from?

Experiential Work Placements for co-op students, recent graduates, and apprentices. Employers will receive $3k-5k in funding for each hire.

APMA’s program is called the Career Ready Fund Auto Stream Program (CRFASP). https://apma.ca/career-ready/

Career Ready with CTMA https://www.ctma.com/career-ready

Adult learning services

Through Adult Learning services, individuals will be able to improve their reading, writing, math, and/or computer skills. Employers can also refer their employees to this program at no-charge to them or the learner.

Adult learning services help individuals prepare for:

• Secondary school credit
• Employment
• Apprenticeship training
• Post-secondary studies at college or university
• Greater independence

These programs are free and available in English or French. There are courses designed for Indigenous people and deaf people as well.

Would it be more convenient to get the service in Windsor or Leamington?

The Yves Landry Foundation has established the AIME (Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence) Global initiative, offering manufacturers in south, central, and eastern Ontario up to $50,000 to offset the costs of training expenses related to supporting innovation and achieving a competitive advantage. This popular program has been generously re-invested in by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

The AIME Global program supports southern Ontario manufacturers to undertake training or skills-upgrading activities which will support innovation at the manufacturing facilities. Supportable projects may include developing new engineering skills, training in the use of new software, hardware, or other tools necessary to support innovation; and training to adopt and adapt new technologies, new manufacturing methods, or any other area of business that will make a southern Ontario manufacturing company more competitive in the global market place. All initiatives must support innovation which will lead to new global export opportunities or create new global markets.

First time applicants whom have never received AIME funding from us in the past, may be eligible for up to a maximum of $50,000 with 50% shared costs. New, this year, manufacturers who have received funding from us in the past, but more than 24 months ago, may be eligible for a second tier of funding; these second generation applications may be eligible for up to $50,000 with a shared contribution up to 25%. In other words, the company must demonstrate 75% of the costs, with a 25% contribution from YLF up to $50,000.

The AIME Global initiative will support two types of eligible training activities:

1. Training that supports the adaption of new technology, new processes or procedures, or a change within the company to support innovation. This training must clearly be linked to innovations leading to global competitiveness including expanding into new domestic or international markets; and
2. Training that supports and develops highly skilled personnel in any area that leads to innovation. This can include the development of new engineering skills; training in the use of new software, hardware, or other tools necessary to support innovation; and adopting and adapting new technologies, new manufacturing methods, or any other business area that will make a southern Ontario manufacturing company more competitive in the global market place. Being able to clearly link your project to global competitiveness is essential.

For more information about the AIME, visit their program website at www.yveslandryfoundation.com.

The apprenticeship training tax credit is a refundable tax credit. It is available to employers who hire and train apprentices in certain skilled trades during the first 36 months of an apprenticeship program that commenced on or after April 24, 2015.

The tax credit is based on salaries and wages paid to an apprentice. Qualifying businesses can claim 25 per cent of eligible expenditures (30 per cent for small businesses) made during the first 36 months of an apprenticeship program that commenced on or after April 24, 2015. The maximum credit for each apprenticeship is $5,000 per year. The maximum credit over the first 36‑month period of the apprenticeship is $15,000.

For more information about eligibility and how to claim the credit, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance’s website at www.fin.gov.on.ca.

Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides opportunities for employers, individually or in groups, to invest in their workforce, with help from the government.

The Canada-Ontario Job Grant provides direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia who wish to purchase training for their employees. It is available to small, medium and large businesses with a plan to deliver short-term training to existing and new employees. Important to know:

• Employers can get up to $10,000 in government support per person for training costs.
• The training has to be delivered by an eligible, third-party trainer.
• Employers with 100 or more employees need to contribute 1/2 of the training costs. Small employers with less than 100 employees need to contribute 1/6 of training costs.
• For employer groups who want to apply for training supports the government offers a COJG Consortium Stream. The Consortium Stream allows a group of employers (two or more employers) to pool their resources to support common training objectives and goals. To apply as a consortium, the intermediary organization needs to ensure all the participating employers and trainees meet COJG requirements, and are able to make their required contribution towards the training cost.
• Most organizations acting as an intermediary are eligible for administrative funding equal to 15% of the government contribution.

If you’re an employer with a particular skills demand, the Canada-Ontario Job Grant might be right for you. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

For more information, visit: http://tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/cojg/.

Ontario Works Employer Incentive provides funding to Windsor-Essex employers for pre-employment and on-the-job training, employment-related expenses, and job matching.

For more information, including eligibility and available funding, contact the City of Windsor.

Contact:

John Marrocco
City of Windsor
(519) 255-5200 ext. 5361
jmarrocco@city.windsor.on.ca

To help people searching for safety training find certified and quality trainers more easily, we have created this page.

Here’s a list of certified safety training organizations in Windsor-Essex:

1. First Elements Inc.
2. Majors McGuire Inc.
3. WorkSmart Safety & HR Solutions
4. Windsor Equipment Training Facility

**If you are a certified safety training organization and wish to be added to the list, please contact info@workforcewindsoressex.com.

Work-Sharing (WS) is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers.

Work-Sharing is a three-party agreement involving employers, employees, and Service Canada. Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement must agree to a reduced schedule of work and to share the available work over a specified period of time.

The employer and the employees (and the union, if applicable) must agree to participate in a Work-Sharing agreement and must apply together. An application for a Work-Sharing agreement must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the requested start date.

For more information about the program, including how to apply, visit the Government of Canada’s website at: www.canada.ca

Contact:

Vivian Whaley
viv.whaley@servicecanda.gc.ca
(519) 398-0203
1-800-367-5693

The OEA provides Ontario employers with expert, free, and confidential advice, representation, and education on all workers’ compensation issues under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and on unjust reprisal issues under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

For more information visit their website at: www.employeradviser.ca.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development was established in 1919 to develop and enforce labour legislation, the Ministry of Labour’s mission is to advance safe, fair, and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario.

The Ministry’s website is a great resource to learn more about Employment Standards, Health and Safety, and Labour Relations. You can visit their website at: www.labour.gov.on.ca.

Employment Standards:

Businesses can get more information about any of the following items and more by contacting the Employment Standards Information Centre:

• Public holiday pay, unpaid wages, termination pay
• Minimum wage, hours of work, leaves, vacations
• Filing an Employment Standards Claim

Employment Standards Information Centre
1-800-531-5551

Health and Safety

Businesses can get sector-specific health and safety advice, products, services, and training.

Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (Construction, transportation and utilities)
Toll-free: 1-800-263-5024

Public Service Health & Safety Association (Health, education)
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7444

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (Industrial, service)
Toll-free: 1-877-494-9777

Workplace Safety North (Mining, forestry, paper)
Toll-free: 1-888-730-7821

The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.

Small businesses or startups operating for profit in Canada with gross annual revenues of $10 million or less are eligible for a loan up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower. Of this loan, no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment.

For more information about this program, visit the Government of Canada’s website at www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp.

Ok, so you want to sign up for a service that shares local job postings and career fairs by email.

The WEskills team at Workforce WindsorEssex would like to make your job search easier!

We distribute new job postings and information about upcoming job fairs and training opportunities to the public in the form of email blasts.

Visit www.workforcewindsoressex.com/wejobs to sign up.

Ok, so you’re looking for a few online job banks that you can search to find your next job.

Here are a few suggestions:

• www.workforcewindsoressex.com/jobs (job postings in list format)
• www.workforcewindsoressex.com/wemap-jobs (job postings on a map)
• www.agcareers.com (for agriculture, agri-food and biotechnology sectors only)
• https://windsor.discoverability.network/ (for persons with disabilities)

Google Alerts can help power your job search by sending emails to you when new results for a subject matter show up in Google Search.

For example, you can be notified when your favourite organization is mentioned online so you can stay current with the latest information about them. In the same way, you can also add certain key words like “Windsor hiring” or “Leamington job” or “Kingsville Welder” or “Hiring Nurse” so that you’ll be notified when new information containing those words appear online.

To create a custom Google Alert, click here: https://www.google.com/alerts. You can provide an email address of your choosing and also determine the frequency with which you are emailed the information.

Ok, so you’re looking for some tips and/or guides to aid in your job search.

Please visit Workforce WindsorEssex’s website to see what’s available by going to www.workforcewindsoressex.com.

Ok, so you want help researching or accessing information about the labour market.

What kind of labour market information are you looking for?

Ok, you are a post-secondary student or alumni and you are looking for research funding and/or internship opportunities.

What academic level of research or internship opportunity are you qualified to do?

Ok, if you’re looking for help to improve your resume, consider using the Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc.’s online resume critiquing service by visiting their website at www.uhc.ca.

As a student or graduate of a local College or University in Windsor-Essex who is looking for help to get a new job, there are four different types of organizations that you can access employment-related services from.

1. Employment Ontario Service Providers are a province-wide network of community organizations that offer government-funded employment programs to Ontarians at no-charge.
   On-Campus Services are offered to students and alumni of Collège Boréal, St. Clair College, and the University of Windsor.
2. Private Employment Agencies are for-profit organizations that are in the business of matching employees with employers and vice-versa. Some of these services may have a cost associated with them.
3. Research Opportunities will provide you a list of organizations who will work with post-secondary institutions and private sector partners to provide paid work for researchers by offering financial incentives.

Which type of organization do you want help from?

Ok, so you’re a youth or young adult under 30 years old who is looking for a new job.

There are three different types of organizations that you can access employment-related services from. Click the arrow for a description of each. Alternatively, you can review employment programs by name.

1. 1. Employment Ontario Service Providers are a province-wide network of community organizations that offer government-funded employment programs to Ontarians at no-charge.
   2. Community Organizations are not-for-profit organizations that offer a variety of services, including some employment supports, to youth. These organizations generally have mandates that go further than just employment supports.
   3. Private Employment Agencies are for-profit organizations that are in the business of matching employees with employers and vice-versa. Some of these services may have a cost associated with them.

Which type of organization do you want help from?

Ok, so you were born outside of Canada.

There are three different types of organizations that you can access employment related services from.

Which type of organization do you want help from?

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire someone with a disability or you have a disability and want help finding a job, you’re in the right place.

There are three different types of organizations that you can access employment-related services from.

1. Employment Ontario Service Providers are a province-wide network of community organizations that offer government-funded employment programs to Ontarians at no-charge.
2. Community Organizations offering disability services are not-for-profit organizations that offer a variety of services, including some employment supports, to persons with a disability. These organizations generally have mandates that go further than just employment supports.
3. Private Employment Agencies are for-profit organizations that are in the business of matching employees with employers and vice-versa. Some of these services may have a cost associated with them.

Which type of organization do you want help from?

Ok, so you are either First Nations, Inuit, or Metis and are looking for help finding a job.

There are three different types of organizations that you can access employment-related services from.

1. Employment Ontario Service Providers are a province-wide network of community organizations that offer government-funded employment programs to Ontarians at no-charge.
2. Indigenous Services will provide a list of organizations who offer a variety of services, including some employment supports, to Indigenous people. These organizations generally have mandates that go further than just employment supports.
3. Private Employment Agencies are for-profit organizations that are in the business of matching employees with employers and vice-versa. Some of these services may have a cost associated with them.

Which type of organization do you want help from?

Ok, below is a list of employment organizations that can help you.

There are two different types of organizations that you can access employment-related services from. Both types offer job matching and placements; however, Employment Ontario Service Providers can sometimes offer hiring incentives to employers.

1. Employment Ontario Service Providers are a province-wide network of community organizations that offer government-funded employment programs to Ontarians at no-charge.
2. Private Employment Agencies are for-profit organizations that are in the business of matching employees with employers and vice-versa. Some of these services may have a cost associated with them.

Tri-County Literacy Network

If you’re unsure about which local organization in Windsor or Leamington you should access Adult Learning Services from, the Tri-County Literacy Network can help you.

As the organization that facilitates the literacy program planning at the community and regional level in Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex, they provide an information and referral service to help potential learners find the program that best suits their needs.

Contact:

Toll free at 1-877-333-4833
tcln@cogeco.net

Tri-County Literacy Network

If you’re unsure about which local organization in Windsor or Leamington you should access Adult Learning Services from, the Tri-County Literacy Network can help you.

As the organization that facilitates the literacy program planning at the community and regional level in Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex, they provide an information and referral service to help potential learners find the program that best suits their needs.

Contact:

Toll free at 1-877-333-4833
tcln@cogeco.net