Protect Ontario Financing Program

Government of Ontario · The Protect Ontario Financing Program provides term loans to help eligible Ontario businesses impacted by U.S.

Save for later Check my fit

Overview

The Protect Ontario Financing Program provides term loans to help eligible Ontario businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs cover working capital expenses such as payroll, lease payments, and utilities. The program supports for-profit businesses operating in tariff-affected sectors (steel, aluminum, copper, autos, mechanical equipment, electrical machinery, plastic products, beverages, paper products, and others) that have at least $2 million in annual revenue and 10 full-time employees in Ontario.

Eligibility

For-profit business (legal entity or limited partnership) registered to operate in OntarioOperate within Ontario in sectors subject to section 232 tariffs (steel, aluminum, copper, autos) or section 338 tariffs or import bans, either as direct exporter or supply-chain supporterMinimum $2 million annual revenue and at least 10 full-time employees in OntarioMinimum 3 years of operations with financial statements availableFacing material working capital challenges due to U.S. tariffs (e.g., difficulty meeting payroll)Have explored or faced barriers in accessing federal financial support options

Eligible projects

Payroll expensesLease paymentsUtility paymentsOther working capital costs to support short-term financial obligations

Financing terms

Term loan with minimum $250,000Repayable over up to 72 months (6 years) with annual repayment frequencyNo prepayment penaltyInterest-bearing loan up to market prime rate (at province's discretion)Potential for principal-free repayments for up to 12 months (at province's discretion)Applicant must demonstrate ability to repay and provide satisfactory security

How to apply

1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.

2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.

3Apply on ontario.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.

4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.

Additional information

Ineligible: not-for-profit organizations, associations, charities, start-ups, non-working capital costs (property, equipment), refinancing existing debt, acquisitions, relocationsCan stack with existing active provincial projects but not with new provincial program applications; can combine with federal fundingApplications assessed through preliminary questionnaire followed by rigorous third-party assessment and due diligence

At a glanceMaximum$250KProviderGovernment of OntarioDeadlineRolling intakeStatusOpenRegionOntarioOfficial sourceontario.ca ↗

Members only