New funding will expand access to advice, mentorship and funding as businesses face economic uncertainty
Ontario is investing $49 million over three years to help small businesses access advice, mentorship and funding through a province-wide network of business support centres.
The Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres will receive the funding as part of an effort to make business services easier for entrepreneurs to find and access.
Rob Tamblyn, business development manager for small and medium enterprises, says the investment can help local businesses access resources as they start, grow or adapt.
The network has more than 50 locations across Ontario. In 2025-26, it answered more than 182,000 inquiries, provided nearly 40,000 consultations and supported more than 16,000 businesses. Tamblyn says the funding isn’t all new.
The province says the centres will continue offering programs including Starter Company Plus, which provides eligible entrepreneurs with up to $5,000 in funding, and Summer Company, which offers students up to $3,000.
The investment comes as small businesses continue to navigate rising operating costs, U.S. tariffs and broader economic uncertainty. Tamblyn explains more.
Ontario says nearly 500,000 small businesses employ about 2.5 million people across the province.
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Story by Alyssa Brush
