Grant Guidebook for Small Businesses in Ontario
What do I need to get started with grants in Ontario?

Executive Summary

• At the very least, you’ll need to have your business license to prove you are a Canadian business registered in Ontario. 
• The required documents vary depending on the grant type. The larger the grant, the more you’ll need. 
• Be sure to check the applicant guides and make a checklist for your submission documents.

So you’re ready to get started and apply for some grants! Before you get going, there are a few things you should have ready to make the process easier. Most of the work involved in grant applications is administrative, so being organized and having your ducks in a row will be key. The required documents vary depending on the grant type, so let’s take a look.

What you need to apply for hiring grants

• Business license
• Registered business number
• Job description
• Candidate resume

What you need to apply for training grants

• Business license
• Training course identified
• Course outline
• NAICS code

What you need to apply for market expansion grants

• Business license
• Business plan or export plan
• Marketing strategy

Additionally, some Ontario-specific grants ask for your region. You’ll have to choose from the following options: 

• Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
• Prescott and Russell
• Ottawa
• Leeds and Grenville
• Lanark
• Frontenac
• Lennox and Addington
• Hastings
• Prince Edward
• Northumberland
• Peterborough
• Kawartha Lakes
• Durham
• York
• Toronto
• Peel
• Dufferin
• Wellington
• Halton
• Hamilton
• Niagara
• Haldimand-Norfolk
• Brant
• Waterloo
• Perth
• Oxford
• Elgin
• Chatham-Kent
• Essex
• Lambton
• Middlesex
• Huron
• Bruce
• Grey
• Simcoe
• Haliburton
• Renfrew
• Other

These documents are the bare minimum that you’ll need to apply for grant funding in Ontario. Each grant may require additional documents such as market research assessments, letters of support, business cases, pitch decks, and even video submissions. As you can guess, the documents will vary depending on the grant type and grant size. The larger the grant, the more documentation you’ll need to provide to justify your case. That’s why it’s always important to review the application guidelines to make sure you include all the mandatory documents. 

Keeping track of all of your expenses, reports, invoices, and proof of payment will help you through the project period. It will also better your reputation with the granting program. Applicants that are organized and make the reporting process easier for grantors will improve your chances of getting approved again in the future. 

It’s tough to keep track of everything that’s required in your submissions and reporting. That’s why we’re here! Granted exists to take the weight off of your shoulders so you can focus on running your business.