FedDev Ontario Small Business Services ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Ontario - Future entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in Ontario - Businesses in priority sectors (manufacturing, agri-food, advanced technology, clean technology) - For-profit businesses and self-employed individuals - Businesses at various stages: pre-launch, early-stage, and established growth phase ### 💰 Funding Details - Nature: Non-repayable advisory and referral services (not direct grant funding) - Cost: Free front-line support and business information services - Structure: Access to referral network connecting businesses to specialized resources, consulting services, and government programs - No matching requirements: Services provided at no cost to eligible applicants - No repayment obligation: Advisory and referral services are non-repayable ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses This program does not directly fund business expenses. Instead, it provides: - Business advisory and mentoring services - Referrals to specialized business development support - Information on accessing other government funding programs (grants, loans, tax credits) - Business planning and strategy guidance - Market research and competitive analysis support - Connections to export development resources - Referrals to training and skills development programs - Access to technology adoption information and resources ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Eligibility verification: Business must demonstrate operation or active planning in Ontario - Engagement requirement: Applicant must participate in initial consultation and needs assessment - Referral-based model: Services delivered through referral to appropriate service providers and agencies - Ongoing support: Services may be available throughout business lifecycle as needed - No formal application deadlines: Access available on rolling basis through regional offices - Regional delivery: Service availability depends on FedDev Ontario regional office locations across the province - Follow-up expectation: Businesses expected to engage with referred resources and provide feedback on outcomes