Local & Community Business Grants Across Canada (2026)

While federal and provincial grants get the most attention, some of the best funding opportunities come from your own city. Municipal grants, community foundations, and local chambers of commerce offer targeted funding with less competition and faster turnaround.

Why Local Grants Matter

• Less competition - Fewer applicants means better odds of success
• Faster decisions - Municipal programs often decide within weeks, not months
• Local support - Program staff understand your community and business context
• Relationship building - Connect with local economic development teams who can help beyond the grant

Ontario

Toronto

Starter Company Plus Grant - Up to $5,000 for new businesses, plus training and mentorship. One of Ontario's most popular programs, delivered through local enterprise agencies.

Commercial Facade Improvement Grant - Funding for storefront renovations in designated improvement areas.

RAISE Grant Program - Supports Toronto businesses with equity-focused funding for racialized entrepreneurs.

Toronto Enterprise Fund Catalyzing Grant - Grants for community organizations supporting local economic development.

Ottawa

City Enrichment Fund (CEF) - Grants for community organizations and initiatives that enhance quality of life in Ottawa.

Community Initiative Grants (CIGs) - Funding through the Ottawa Community Foundation for local projects and programs.

Hamilton

Hamilton County Community Foundation Competitive Grants - Community-focused grants for organizations serving the Hamilton region.

Kitchener-Waterloo

City of Kitchener Facade Grant Program - Funding for commercial property improvements in Kitchener's core areas.

RISE Fund - Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity funding in the Waterloo Region.

London

London Community Foundation Grants - Local grants for community organizations and social enterprises.

City of London Community Grants Program - Municipal funding for community projects, events, and capital improvements.

British Columbia

Vancouver

City of Vancouver Community and Neighborhood Grants - Grants for community organizations supporting neighborhood development and social connection.

DVBA Grants - Downtown Vancouver Business Association grants for local businesses.

Victoria, Surrey, Burnaby, Kelowna

PacifiCan Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) - Federal regional development funding delivered through PacifiCan, supporting BC businesses with growth and productivity projects.

Innovate BC - Innovator Skills Initiative - Provincial program supporting BC's innovation ecosystem with skills development grants.

Cultural Grants - City of Kelowna - Municipal funding for arts and cultural programs in the Kelowna region.

Alberta

Calgary

Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) - Major grants for businesses creating jobs and economic diversification in Calgary.

Alberta Innovates Micro-Voucher Program - Small grants for Alberta businesses pursuing innovation projects.

ENMAX Amplifier Fund - Local energy company grants for Calgary community organizations.

Edmonton

Edmonton Edge Fund - Economic development grants for businesses establishing or expanding in Edmonton.

Festivals & Events Grant Program - Funding from the Edmonton Downtown Business Association for community events.

Vacant Spaces Grant - Grants to activate vacant commercial spaces in Edmonton's core.

Smaller Cities

Communities Grant Microgrant Program (Red Deer) - Community Foundation of Central Alberta micro-grants for local organizations.

Community Priorities Fund (Lethbridge) - Community Foundation of Lethbridge grants for local priorities.

How to Find Grants in Your City

1. Check your city's website - Look for "Business", "Economic Development", or "Grants" sections
2. Contact your local chamber of commerce - They track local funding opportunities
3. Search community foundations - Most Canadian cities have community foundations offering grants
4. Use our database - We track 94+ local grant programs, browse them all

Browse All Local Grants

We track municipal grants, community foundation programs, and local economic development funding across Ontario, BC, and Alberta. Browse all local grants or search our full database of 1,400+ programs.