The Government of Ontario Investing $49 Million to Strengthen Supports for Small Business has announced a record investment of $49 million over the next three years to strengthen support services for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the province. The funding will enhance the newly branded Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC) network, formerly known as Small Business Enterprise Centres, creating a more recognizable and coordinated system of support available through more than 50 locations across Ontario. The initiative is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to help businesses navigate economic uncertainty, including the ongoing impacts of U.S. tariffs, while ensuring entrepreneurs can more easily access consultations, business guidance, government programs, funding opportunities, mentorship, training, and succession planning resources
The rebranding and expansion effort is intended to eliminate confusion caused by inconsistent local names and branding that previously existed across the province’s business support centres. By establishing a unified provincial identity, Ontario aims to increase awareness and accessibility of programs such as Summer Company, Starter Company Plus, and Succession Ontario, helping more entrepreneurs start, grow, adapt, buy, or sell businesses successfully. The impact of these services is already significant: during 2025-26, the network responded to more than 182,000 inquiries, delivered nearly 40,000 consultations, supported over 16,000 businesses, and contributed to the creation of more than 16,600 jobs. The province views this investment as a key component of strengthening local economies, fostering innovation, and supporting long-term economic resilience in communities across Ontario.
Quick Facts
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- Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of the economy, with nearly 500,000 businesses representing 98 per cent of all employer businesses in the province and employing roughly 2.5 million people.
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- Ontario is providing $49 million over three years to help the OSBAC network meet growing program demand, expand advisory services and support new initiatives.
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- The Summer Company program helps students aged 15 to 29 gain entrepreneurial experience by providing training, mentorship and funding of up to $3,000 to start and run their own summer businesses.
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- The Starter Company Plus program helps entrepreneurs aged 18 and older start, grow or buy an existing business through mentoring, training and access to up to $5,000 in funding.
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- In February 2026, Ontario announced an investment of nearly $2 million to establish Succession Ontario. Succession Ontario is a province-wide initiative that provides tools, training and resources to help business owners plan ownership transitions, keep viable businesses operating in their communities and protect jobs.
Quotes
“Local entrepreneurs are the driving force behind strong communities and a strong economy, which is why I am proud of our government’s record $49 million investment in Ontario’s network of Small Business Advisory Centres. By connecting business owners with local support, funding opportunities and expert advice, we are helping businesses grow, create jobs and contribute to a more prosperous Ontario.”
– Andrew Dowie, MPP, Windsor-Tecumseh
“Small businesses, microbusinesses and sole proprietors are a vital part of the Windsor-Essex economy and represent approximately 85 per cent of our membership. They create jobs, drive innovation and contribute to the vibrancy of our communities. Their success is supported by a strong economic development ecosystem, including the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, Invest WindsorEssex, municipalities, post-secondary institutions and community partners. We thank the Government of Ontario for its continued investment in the programs and partnerships that help local entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed, strengthening both our local businesses and regional economy.”
– Ryan Donally, President and Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce
“Small businesses are the heart of a strong downtown and having accessible, locally delivered support can make a real difference as businesses navigate new challenges and find opportunities for growth. We recognize the value of creating a more consistent identity for these services across the province and are optimistic that the new Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre brand will make it easier for Windsor businesses to find and access the support available to them.”
– Chris MacLeod, Board Chair, Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Area
“When we established Marenco Architects after relocating back to our hometown of Windsor, we brought years of experience as architects. Building and growing our own business, however, required a very different set of skills. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre provided us with valuable advice, mentorship, funding and opportunities to connect with the local business community. That support has helped us invest in our practice, strengthen our business planning and grow the firm in a more intentional and resilient way. We’ve seen firsthand the value that accessible, local support can have for a small business and we’re pleased to see those resources continue to be strengthened for entrepreneurs across Ontario.”
– Kathryn and Will Marenco, Owners, Marenco Architects Inc.
Bottom Line
Ontario’s historic investment signals a strong commitment to ensuring that small businesses remain a driving force behind the province’s economic growth and job creation. By making business support services easier to identify and access through the OSBAC network, the province is working to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs and provide practical resources that can help businesses remain competitive, adapt to changing market conditions, and seize new opportunities for expansion.
Ultimately, this initiative recognizes that thriving small businesses contribute directly to stronger local communities, increased employment opportunities, and a more resilient provincial economy. With enhanced funding, a unified service network, and continued support for entrepreneurship programs, Ontario is positioning its small business sector to play a central role in driving innovation, economic stability, and long-term prosperity across the province.