Current Marketing Grants in Ontario, Canada 2025
Complete Guide for Kingston Area Businesses
Important Disclaimer
We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information about available marketing grants and funding programs. However, program details, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application deadlines can change frequently. Always verify current information directly with the administrating agency before submitting applications or making business decisions based on this information.
Overview of Current Marketing Grants
Ontario offers a diverse range of marketing grants and funding programs designed to help small and medium-sized businesses grow their market presence, adopt digital technologies, and expand their reach. These programs are administered by various federal, provincial, and local organizations throughout the province.
Funding Range
$2,500 - $5,000,000
Program Types
75+ Available Programs
Support Level
Up to 90% Coverage
Current Marketing Grants Available
Digital Main Street Programs
Digital Transformation Grant
Amount: Up to $2,500
Coverage: Digital assessment, training, implementation
Status: Currently Available
Eligibility:
- • Qualified brick-and-mortar small businesses in Ontario
- • Must complete digital assessment
- • Focus on digital transformation implementation
Digital Service Squad Grant
Focus: One-on-one digital assistance
Coverage: Training, advisory support, grants
Scope: All regions of Ontario
Note:
This program is for organizations to apply for, not individual businesses.
Experience Ontario 2025
Deadline PassedTier 1 - Signature
Up to $125,000
For events with $1M+ expenses
50% of eligible expenses
Tier 2 - Emerging
Up to $55,000
For events with $250K-$999K expenses
50% of eligible expenses
Tier 3 - Community
Up to $20,000
For events with less than $250K expenses
50% of eligible expenses
Eligible Marketing Expenses:
- • Targeted paid media/advertising buys
- • Distribution/shipping costs for printed materials
- • Website/mobile app development and upgrades
- • Marketing staff wages (temporary/contract)
Ontario Creates Programs
Ontario Creates Book Fund
Focus: Marketing initiatives for publishers
Use: Profiling Canadian authors' works
Markets: Foreign and domestic
Eligibility:
Ontario-based publishers focusing on business development objectives
Tax Credit Programs
Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit
Refundable tax credit for marketing & distribution expenses
Book Publishing Tax Credit
30% credit, max $30,000 per work
Federal Programs Available to Ontario Businesses
CanExport for SMEs
Amount: Up to $50,000
Coverage: 50% of eligible costs
Status: Currently Closed
Uses:
- • Export marketing and trade shows
- • Digital advertising for international markets
- • Marketing strategies for export promotion
Note: Check back after April 2025 for reopening
Canada Book Fund (CBF)
Focus: Production, marketing, distribution
Scope: Canadian-authored books
Components: Multiple funding streams
Includes:
- • Publishing support for ongoing operations
- • Business development sub-component
- • Export sales supplementary funding
Regional Development Programs
Eastern Ontario Development Fund
Status: Open with ongoing applications
Focus: Economic development projects
Applicants: Businesses, municipalities, non-profits
Application Process:
Four intake periods per year with 60 business day decision timeline
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
Status: Open with ongoing applications
Structure: Similar to Eastern Ontario fund
Support: Business and community development
Services Include:
- • Funding support
- • Complementary services and support
Specialized Sector Programs
Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP)
Amount: Up to $150,000
Coverage: 50% of eligible costs
Deadline: July 22, 2025
Sector: Automotive suppliers
Size: Small-medium businesses
Location: Ontario-based
Eligibility Requirements:
- • Less than 500 employees in Ontario
- • Less than $1 billion in global revenues
- • Minimum 30% of sales from auto supply sector
- • Manufacturing location in Ontario required
Tourism Growth Program (TGP)
Total Funding: $108 million over 3 years
Focus: Local tourism products and experiences
Eligibility: Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities
Applicants: SMEs and non-profit organizations
Organizations Administering Programs in the Kingston Area
Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDC)
Official Small Business Enterprise Centre for Kingston
Contact Information
Programs Administered
- Starter Company Plus (Up to $5,000)
- Business Grant Writing Support (Up to $2,000)
- Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
- Digital Main Street Programs
- Provincial and federal program coordination
Key Contact:
Rob Tamblyn, Business Development Manager, Small & Medium Enterprises
Frontenac Business Services
Formerly Frontenac CFDC - Community Futures Development Corporation
Contact Information
Services Provided
- Free business coaching and consulting
- Commercial financing up to $250,000
- Funding opportunity identification
- Application support
- Networking and workshops
Executive Director:
Anne Prichard - 613-372-1414 ext 204, [email protected]
All support is confidential and free of charge
Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce
Business networking and member support
Contact Information
Member Benefits
- Grant program identification
- Business networking opportunities
- Provincial and federal program connections
- Member-specific funding opportunities
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
CDAP Program Administration
Contact Information
Programs
- Grow Your Business Online Program
- CDAP digital adoption support
- SME digital transformation assistance
Current Status:
The CDAP Grow Your Business Online program has closed. Check for updates on new program launches.
Key Resources for Finding Current Grants
Government Resources
Business Benefits Finder
Government tool for tailored funding programs
canada.ca/en/services/business/grants.htmlTransfer Payment Ontario
Portal for Ontario government funding applications
ontario.ca/page/get-funding-ontario-governmentProgram-Specific Resources
Small Business Enterprise Centres
Local one-on-one funding support across Ontario
Contact your local centre for personalized assistance
Recommended Application Strategy for Kingston Area Businesses
Start with Kingston Economic Development Corporation
As the official Small Business Enterprise Centre for Kingston, KEDC should be your first contact for most provincial programs and general business support.
Why start here: They serve as the primary coordinator for provincial programs and can help identify which specific programs match your business needs.
Contact Frontenac Business Services
For comprehensive business coaching, financing, and specialized funding support, especially if you're located in Frontenac County.
Best for: Businesses needing extensive support, financing up to $250,000, or comprehensive business development services.
Leverage Chamber of Commerce Membership
Join the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce for networking opportunities and member-specific funding programs.
Additional benefits: Access to exclusive member programs, networking events, and business development opportunities.
What to Expect from These Organizations
Free Services Include:
- • Initial business assessments
- • Grant application support
- • Business coaching and mentoring
- • Funding program identification
Collaborative Approach:
- • Organizations work together
- • Cross-referrals for specialized needs
- • Comprehensive support ecosystem
- • Confidential advisory services
Important Notes for Grant Applicants
Program Variability
- Many programs have specific eligibility criteria based on industry, business size, or project type
- Some programs are time-limited or have specific application deadlines
- Funding amounts and program availability can change throughout the year
Application Tips
- Always verify current information with the administrating agency before applying
- Prepare detailed project plans and financial projections
- Consider working with local business advisors for application support
