The Ontario government is directing $49 million over the next three years toward a provincial network of small business support centres, aiming to make it easier for entrepreneurs to find advice, mentorship and funding as they contend with economic headwinds.
The money will flow to the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres, a network of more than 50 locations across the province that connects business owners with guidance on starting, growing or adjusting their operations. Rob Tamblyn, business development manager for small and medium enterprises, said the funding is meant to help local businesses tap into available resources during a period of uncertainty, though he noted the investment is not entirely new money layered on top of existing programs.
Demand for Support Has Grown
In the 2025-26 period, the network fielded more than 182,000 inquiries, delivered close to 40,000 consultations and provided direct support to more than 16,000 businesses, according to figures released by the province. Those numbers point to steady demand for the kind of hands-on guidance the centres offer as owners navigate rising costs and shifting trade conditions.
Among the programs the centres will continue to run are Starter Company Plus, which gives eligible entrepreneurs access to up to $5,000 in funding, and Summer Company, aimed at students, which offers up to $3,000. The province says the broader goal is to streamline how business owners discover and access these supports rather than introduce an entirely new suite of services.
Economic Backdrop
The funding announcement comes as small businesses in Ontario continue to grapple with higher operating costs, U.S. tariffs and broader economic uncertainty. The province says small businesses represent a significant share of its economy, with close to 500,000 small businesses employing roughly 2.5 million people across Ontario.
Ontario Small Business Support by the Numbers
The province has pointed to the advisory centre network as a key channel for helping those businesses adapt, whether they are launching new ventures, expanding operations or adjusting to changing market pressures. Information on locating a nearby centre is being made available through the province’s business support resources.
This article references reporting from:
