Each month, Blinc curates the latest funding, grants, and resources available to Ontario founders. Whether you’re a creative or a BIPOC business owner, this roundup can help you grow and scale your business.
Inked by Blinc
January 2, 2026
1. EcoAction Stream 2: Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation across Canada
Supports projects that protect freshwater ecosystems, reduce pollution, and advance innovative freshwater sustainability solutions across Canada. Eligible applicants can include businesses delivering environmental or conservation-focused projects with public benefit.
Funding: Typically $25,000 to $100,000 per project (varies by scope and applicant)
Deadline: January 20, 2026
2. Integrating Environmental Sustainability into Pharmacy Practice Grant
Supports pharmacies and pharmacy professionals implementing environmentally sustainable practices in pharmacy operations, patient care, and professional practice.
Funding: Grant amount varies by project (awarded by the CSHP Foundation)
Deadline: January 15, 2026
1. Ontario Arts Council – Exhibition Assistance
Supports Ontario-based visual, craft, and media artists with costs related to presenting confirmed public exhibitions.
Funding: $500 to $2,000
Deadline: January 15, 2026
2. Canada Council for the Arts – Micro-grants
Supports short-term activities that help artists and arts organizations grow and advance their artistic career or practice. Eligible activities include artistic or career development, participation in exhibitions or presentations, accessibility initiatives for Deaf artists or artists with disabilities, and market or network development.
Funding: Up to $30,000
Deadline: Ongoing
1. FACE Coalition Micro-Loans
Provides loans and mentorship for Black-owned businesses.
Funding: Up to $250,000
Deadline: Ongoing
2. Rise Small Business Lending
Supports entrepreneurs facing barriers due to mental health or addiction challenges.
Funding: Up to $10,000 in small business loans
Deadline: Ongoing
3. Community Enhancement Program – Enhance Your Community Stream
Supports projects that strengthen community well being in northern regions.
Funding: Up to $2,000,000 or 50% of eligible project costs
Deadline: Ongoing
1. Innovation Guelph – Rhyze Up! Program
Supports women led Canadian companies with mentorship, leadership coaching, and project funding.
Funding: Support services and project funding
Deadline: Applications Open for Spring
2. PARO Centre – BIZGrowth Program
Supports established women-owned businesses in Ontario expanding into new markets through mentorship and access to PARO-administered business grants.
Funding: Grant amounts vary by intake
Deadline: Rolling intakes throughout the year
1. Desjardins GoodSpark Small Business Grant Program
Supports small businesses investing in local impact, innovation, or community development.
Funding: Up to $20,000
Deadline: Applications Open for Early 2026
2. RBC’s Futurpreneur
A national pitch competition supporting new and early stage businesses across Canada.
Funding: Cash prizes from $5,000 to $10,000
Deadline: February 2026
3. Starter Company Plus (Ontario)
Supports Ontario entrepreneurs launching or growing a business through structured training, mentorship, and a non-repayable grant upon program completion.
Funding: $5,000 to $10,000
Deadline: Varies, apply through your Local Small Business Centre
Plan for the new financial year!
January is the start of a new planning cycle for many businesses and funders. Use this time to review last year’s numbers, update your budget and cash flow forecast, and decide what funding you actually need in the year ahead. Having clean financials and a clear plan makes it much easier to move quickly when grant and program intakes reopen later in the quarter.
We’ll be posting new Ontario grant updates every month to help you stay informed and funding-ready.
If you need support with compliance, bookkeeping, or accounting, we’re here to help.
📍Book a demo with us today and we’re always happy to chat with you at blinc.today.
