Building the economy
We are building the economy of the future to benefit you today. We're investing in and connecting our electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery supply chains to create good-paying jobs across the province. EVs and the batteries that power them will be built in Ontario, by Ontario workers.
Unlocking critical minerals and the Ring of Fire
We're unlocking the economic potential of the Ring of Fire and Ontario's abundant supply of the critical minerals in the North to produce batteries for electric vehicles.
Training Ontario's skilled workforce
We're investing more than $1 billion to train the skilled workforce needed to build Ontario's economy.
Made-in-Ontario electric vehicles and batteries
We're connecting mines and minerals from the North with automotive and electric vehicle battery manufacturing in Southern Ontario so that communities across the province benefit.
Ontario's clean competitive advantage
Investing in clean, green steel
We're investing in clean steel to enhance our competitive advantage and help meet the demand for low-emissions manufacturing.
Securing Ontario's clean-energy advantage
The future of our economy will be powered by clean, affordable, made-in-Ontario energy.
Projects and investments
Ontario is securing EV and EV battery investments that are creating and keeping good jobs in communities across the province. Data from October 2020 to March 2023.
17.5 billion
Total investments
13,700
Jobs created and retained
Find more information about our latest announced projects and investments.
Invest in Ontario
Learn how to join a growing number of businesses choosing Ontario.
Start and run a business
Start a business
Learn how to:
- choose your business structure
- register your business name in Ontario
- set up an Ontario business number for business tax purposes
Get a custom guide
Answer a few simple questions and get a downloadable custom guide to starting your business. For example:
- business registration
- getting an HST number
- setting up payroll and benefits
- permits, licensing and insurance
Funding opportunities
Ontario has a number of funds available for entrepreneurs. Depending on the type of business you want to run, you may be eligible for programs and funding:
- Indigenous economic development
- Start a summer business: students
- Advice, support and grant opportunities for small businesses
- Financing, mentoring and support for aspiring business owners aged 18–39
- Employee training
- Digital Main Street for bricks-and-mortar businesses seeking to go digital
- Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs
(R.A.I.S.E) - Digitalization Competence Centre to help businesses adopt digital tools into their operations
View a full list of funding opportunities.
Programs by region
Get support to expand or bring business to your community:
Permit and licences
Find out what permits and licences are required for your business, based on your location, industry and business activities.
Insurance
Workplace insurance
Find out if you need insurance for wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support after a work-related injury or illness.
Business insurance
Protect against loss or damage to physical property, or the loss of your business's ability to operate and generate income.
Workplace rules and regulations
Understand your obligations as a business owner, and the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in Ontario.
Employment Standards Act
Learn the rules about minimum wage, hours of work limits, termination of employment, job-protected leaves of absence and more.
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Before starting specialized work (work that involves a trench, diving, window cleaning, tunnelling and asbestos removal), you must file a work notice to protect the health and safety of your workers.
Learn everyone's rights and duties in the workplace, and how to deal with workplace hazards.
Accessibility laws
Laws and standards are in place to make Ontario more inclusive for everyone.
- Get free training about Ontario's accessibility laws.
- Learn about accessibility requirements and standards for your business.
- How to complete an accessibility report for a business or non-profit with 20 or more employees.
Taxes
In order to file business taxes and deduct payroll, you need a Business Number (BN). If you don't have one already, learn how you can get a Business Number.
List of Ontario taxes
Learn about the different taxes that apply in Ontario, including corporations tax.
Harmonized Sales Tax
Learn more about the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), see what items are subject to a point-of-sale rebate, and claim a rebate.
Employer Health Tax
You may have to pay the Employer Health Tax (EHT) if you have employees. Find out if you have to register for the EHT.
File taxes for free
Manage your tax account, returns, payments, and refunds for free online at ONT-TAXS.
Tax credits and refunds
Explore different Ontario tax credits that your business can claim.
Export and trade
Grow your business by selling products outside Ontario and Canada.
Events
Search upcoming international trade programs and events by sector and market region. Find trade missions, exhibitions, seminars, and workshops for Ontario businesses looking to export outside Canada.
Resources
Explore resources to help grow your exporting business such as market research, funding support, and insurance.
Contact
- an export advisor to get your business ready for new markets
- an international market consultant to target specific regions
- the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre to book meeting spaces to cater events
Indigenous resources
Access the Indigenous business development toolkit for support on starting and expanding your business. In the toolkit, you can find:
- a list of Indigenous financial institutions that can help you plan your business
- instructions on how to bid on government contracts that benefit Indigenous people and communities
For practical advice, case studies and economic development resources to boost the local economy in your community, read the First Nations community economic development guide.
Get support
Close a business
Learn about how to close a business including succession planning, selling a business, closing accounts, and declaring bankruptcy.
Free legal advice
Pro Bono Ontario provides free legal advice to small business owners over the phone.
Call toll-free within Ontario:
Investment needs
Talk to a business consultant at Invest Ontario for your investment needs.
Technology and innovation centres
Visit a Regional Innovation Centre for programming and services to grow your innovation and technology company.
Join the “Ontario Made” program
Register as a manufacturer or retailer with Ontario Made. You'll be listed on their business directory and get access to promotional materials, such as the “Ontario Made” logo.
Find a Small Business Enterprise Centre near you
They provide advisory services and workshops that equip businesses with foundational entrepreneurship skills and continuing supports, including training, mentorship and grant opportunities.
See a full list of locations.
Help us better serve entrepreneurs and businesses
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