Don’t Miss Out on Ontario Government Grants! Apply for the AMIC and SWODF Before They Close

As a business owner in Ontario, especially if you’re operating in manufacturing or in southwestern Ontario, the clock is ticking on two important Ontario government grants programs. The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Program and the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) are both accepting applications, but their deadlines are fast approaching. If you’re considering investing in growth, innovation, or talent development, these programs could provide the financial support you need to succeed.

AMIC: Empowering Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Program offers financial support for businesses in advanced manufacturing, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ontario. Whether you’re in aerospace, automotive, chemical, or other advanced manufacturing sectors, this program provides valuable funding to help you grow and innovate.

Important AMIC Dates

Intake Period: January 16 to April 24, 2025
Notification Date: July 22, 2025

Projects under this program can span 3 to 4 years, though the spending period can be shorter than 3 years. The AMIC Program is specifically designed to support projects that foster growth, create jobs, and boost competitiveness through innovation and talent development.

What Does AMIC Offer?

Loans: A loan of up to 15% of your project costs, with a maximum of $5 million, interest-free for the duration of the project (up to 4 years).
Grants: For every $1 in loan, you could receive 30% of the loan amount as a grant, up to $500,000, potentially forgiven if targets are met.
Rural Ontario: For businesses with fewer than 100 employees, the program offers grants of up to $500,000.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Businesses in strategic projects may qualify for up to $1.5 million in grants.

Eligible Projects

AMIC funds a variety of projects that contribute to business growth, including:

Capital Equipment purchases
Technology Adoption and innovation
Talent Upskilling through training programs
Expansion and New Product Development

Are You Eligible?

To qualify for AMIC funding, your business must meet the following criteria:

Be an Ontario-based company in an advanced manufacturing sector
Have been operating for at least 3 years
Employ a minimum of 10 people
Be willing to invest $500,000 or more in your project

This program is highly competitive, and companies must act fast to take advantage of this opportunity.

SWODF: Strengthening Southwestern Ontario’s Economy

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) is another essential program that supports economic development through business growth and job creation. If you operate within Southwestern Ontario, this fund could provide the financial assistance needed to expand your operations, modernize your facilities, or create new jobs in your community.

Important SWODF Dates

Application Period: March 19, 2025 – May 21, 2025

With funding up to $5 million, the SWODF aims to help businesses in 18 geographic areas of Southwestern Ontario, including rural regions, to grow and attract private sector investment.

What Does SWODF Offer?

Similar to AMIC, the SWODF provides both loans and grants:

Loans: A loan of up to 15%, with a maximum of $5 million, and interest-free for the project duration (up to 4 years).
Grants: A grant of 30% of the loan amount, up to $500,000, may be forgiven if certain targets are met.
Rural Ontario: For rural businesses with fewer than 100 employees, grants of up to $500,000 are available.
FDI Projects: Grants of up to $1.5 million are available for strategic foreign direct investment projects.

Eligible Projects

The SWODF funds projects related to:

Facility Modifications and expansions
Equipment and Machinery purchases
Labor for New Equipment Setup
Employer-Provided Training for employees
Third-Party Engineering Services

Eligibility Criteria for SWODF

To apply for the SWODF, your business must:

Be located in one of the 18 Southwestern Ontario areas
Have been in operation for at least 3 years
Employ 5 to 10 people
Be willing to invest at least $500,000 in the project

For rural businesses (with populations under 100,000), the minimum investment requirement is reduced to $200,000.

Why Should You Apply for These Ontario Government Grants?

Both the AMIC and SWODF programs are designed to help businesses innovate, expand, and create new jobs. These grants provide critical financial support for businesses making significant investments in growth. The potential to secure up to $5 million in grants and loans is a game changer, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to increase their competitiveness.

Don’t Wait—Apply Today with Ayming Canada

Time is running out to apply for these grants. With competitive funding and tight deadlines, it’s essential to act quickly. At Ayming Canada, our team of experts is here to guide you through the application process, ensuring your business maximizes its funding potential. We understand the intricacies of these programs and can help you position your project for success.

Contact Ayming Canada today to get started with your AMIC or SWODF application before the deadlines pass. Let’s make 2025 your most successful year yet!