Funding and grants to automate your food processing plant in Ontario

If you want to find out whether you are eligible for funding programs to automate your business in Ontario, this article is here to help you in your search.

You can find our article on federal programs via this link:

link

you can also find programs for other provinces via these links:

• Quebec

• British Columbia

• Alberta

• Nova Scotia

Ontario has one of the richest funding ecosystems in Canada for manufacturers. Food and beverage processing companies can combine several provincial and federal programs to maximize their support.

The AMIC (Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness) program is the cornerstone of manufacturing funding in Ontario. It supports SMEs in investing in equipment, technologies, and skills development, with the goal of improving competitiveness, creating jobs, and stimulating innovation.

• Financial assistance: Interest-free loan covering up to 15% of eligible costs (maximum $5,000,000); grant of up to $500,000 for small businesses in rural areas or $1,500,000 for strategic projects involving foreign investment. A portion of the loan (up to 30%, maximum $500,000) may be forgiven if investment and job creation targets are met.

• Eligible projects: Purchase of production equipment, automation and robotics, adoption of digital systems, skills development related to new technologies. Minimum investment of $500,000 required.

• Eligibility: Advanced manufacturing companies in Ontario, minimum 10 employees and 3 years in operation. Note: cannot be combined with other Ontario provincial programs.

• Learn more:AMIC – Government of Ontario

The Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (OMMITC) is a provincial tax credit that encourages manufacturers to invest in buildings, machinery, and manufacturing or processing equipment. It serves as a tax lever complementary to direct grants.

• Learn more:OMMITC – Government of Ontario

FedDev Ontario is the federal regional development agency for Southern Ontario. Its Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program supports companies that adopt technologies and innovate to increase their productivity and grow, particularly in advanced manufacturing and agri-food.

• Financial assistance: Repayable contributions of up to several million dollars for projects with strong economic impact and job creation.

• Learn more:FedDev Ontario