Not-for-profit organizations/associations/charities, sole proprietorships, construction companies providing primary construction services, providers of personal services, and consulting firms are not eligible for the program.

Eligible projects activities

Projects must address the impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including:

  • business development, such as market diversification and sales expansion
  • procurement of advanced equipment and facility modifications to enhance domestic manufacturing and support Ontario’s supply chain
  • development of innovative technologies to boost the competitiveness of Ontario’s production and manufacturing capacity
  • localization for new markets (for example, certification, legal, labeling, testing costs)
  • creating and securing jobs in Ontario
  • modification of existing products to enter new sectors (for example, pivoting production from automotive fasteners to construction fasteners)
  • increasing the resiliency of Ontario’s economy in response to trade-related challenges, such as purchasing equipment and materials from local suppliers or shifting sales to non-U.S. markets

Ineligible project activities

Ineligible projects include:

  • ongoing operations including maintenance and capital replacement (exact replacements are not eligible, upgraded technology/equipment would be considered eligible)
  • refinancing of existing business operations
  • acquisitions and buyouts
  • restructuring, or relocating to other jurisdictions within Ontario
  • electricity projects
  • waste management/primary recycling
  • hospitality projects (for example, hotels and restaurants)
Submission of these statements is a requirement of the program. Note: Start-ups are not eligible.

Applicants will be required to prepare either Review Engagement Financial Statements (CSRE 2400) or an Audited Financial Statement.

Financial statements must be prepared in accordance with GAAP and cannot be internally prepared financial documents.

Compilation Engagement Report (CSRS 4200) will not be accepted unless from applicants with annual revenue of less than $5M that are applying for a grant.

Applicants that do not meet minimum number of employees but are significantly impacted by U.S. trade exposure, may still be considered for funding if their project demonstrates considerable benefits to Ontario’s economy.

You may be eligible for funding consideration for the Ontario Together Trade Fund.

Please reach out to an Ontario Advisor to discuss your project. The advisor can help provide advice on your application and guide you through the application steps.

Contact us

Food and beverage processing businesses (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness)

Forestry products (Ministry of Natural Resources)

Northern Ontario businesses (Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth)

Southern Ontario businesses (Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade)

Thank you for your interest in the Ontario Together Trade Fund. Unfortunately,  your project does not meet the eligibility requirements.

Ontario offers a variety of programs and services to help businesses grow.

If you are looking to export or expand your business internationally, we have a tool that quickly provides key information and resources tailored to your specific needs. At the end of this export-readiness assessment tool, you can also request a conversation with one of our Export Advisors and International Market Consultants.

Please complete our Custom Guide to Export Supports.

If you remain committed to investing or are interested in learning more about other available programs and services, please visit Business, workplace and economy.