There are many opportunities to leverage government grants, loans and tax incentive programs to launch or grow your business in Wellington County.

Resources

Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs)
Focusing on job creation through strategic planning, CDFCs provide funding and advisory services to area businesses.

• Wellington Waterloo Community Futures (covering Puslinch, Guelph Eramosa, Erin, Centre Wellington, Mapleton)
• Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (covering Minto, Wellington North)

County of Wellington Community Improvement Programme (CIP)
Wellington County provides leadership in community improvement planning by offering incentives to eligible owners and tenants of lands and buildings in key sectors and areas of economic activity. The County’s Invest Well Programme works together with the Member Municipal Community Improvement Plans. Learn more at www.wellington.ca/cip.

Canadian Small Business Financing Programme
For more information visit www.ic.gc.ca or contact 1.866.959.1699.

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
Businesses with 5 to 10 employees OR over 10 may be eligible for financing to assist in their expansion projects. Learn more here.

Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence (AIME) 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. Apply here.

Canada Business Ontario
This resource provides a listing of government grants and loans. For more information visit www.cbo-eco.ca.

Investing in Business Innovation
Provides mentorship, entrepreneurial support and financing to help new businesses grow and succeed. Learn more here.

Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small businesses, with a particular focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy. For more information visit www.bdc.ca.

Golden Triangle Angel Network
In addition to financial support, GTAN members provide dynamic early-stage companies with valuable mentorship and access to capital networks. For more information visit www.goldentriangleangelnet.ca.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Through their programs and services they support innovation, sustainable farming, business development, managing risk, trade and market development. For more information visit www.agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs.

Mentor Works
Whether it is to expand your business, adopt IT best practices, human resources and training or to purchase manufacturing equipment, there are new creative ways to approach financing to solve your innovation challenge. For more information visit www.mentorworks.ca.

Entrepreneurship funds and resources for people under 30!
Thinking about starting your own business? There are government support programs to help you get started. Learn more here.

Letters of Support

Grant proposals may be strengthened by a letter of support. One may be requested by emailing our Economic Development Office. Please include a copy of your application and any applicable information.