For anyone starting or running a small business.
Free advice, grants and programs for people starting a small business.
We found 9. Open deadlines come first, nearest first. After that, places people say worked move up. When a deadline passes, that place moves to the bottom of this page, so you can still ask them about the next round.
Send to someone who needs thisShow help for:
Up to $5,000
You likely qualify if: Toronto residents 18 or older; Business running 6 months to 5 years; Already invested $1,250...
Deadline October 9, 2026closes todayAdd to calendar
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 8, 2026
Up to $3,000
You likely qualify if: Students aged 15 to 29 living in Ontario; Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Returning...
The 2026 intake closed on May 15, 2026.
Open the official pageSend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 5, 2026
You likely qualify if: Toronto entrepreneurs; Free series for newcomers and for women.
Fall 2026 sessions: Runnymede (Newcomer) Wednesdays Oct 7–Nov 25; North York Central (General) Tuesdays Oct 20–Dec 8; Deer Park (General) Thursdays Oct 22–Dec 10; S.
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 5, 2026
You likely qualify if: Startups incorporated in Canada; Climate, health or transformative tech; A prototype, MVP or...
Rolling; response within about one week, screening call if shortlisted
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on September 30, 2026
You likely qualify if: Anyone with a business idea; Not only York students.
Ongoing; book via the programs page form
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on September 30, 2026
You likely qualify if: Independent businesses in Toronto; Usually with a physical storefront.
No deadline.
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 4, 2026
You likely qualify if: Ontarians who cannot afford a lawyer; A civil law problem in Ontario; Not family, immigration...
Ongoing; phone Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.
Free. Never pay anyone to apply.
Open the official pageSend to someone who needs thisChecked on September 30, 2026
You likely qualify if: Anyone; Help with research, jobs, homework or digital skills.
Ongoing; request via online form
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on September 30, 2026
You likely qualify if: Anyone starting or growing a small business; The business is in Toronto.
Ongoing; book by online form
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on September 30, 2026
Not on this list? Call 2-1-1 or text 2-1-1, any time, in more than 150 languages. It is free, and real people answer. 211ontario.ca
These have closed for now. Many open again every year, so ask them when the next round opens. The way to reach each one is right there.
These do not give the help themselves. They help you find it or understand it. All guides and tools
Everything above is from their own websites, with the date we read each one. After you try one, tap It worked or No answer on its card. That is how this stays true for the next person.
For an AI assistant: llms.txt. How to read this site.