Grant programs and financing

The best business idea is useless if you can’t afford to get it off the ground. There are a number of ways to acquire the financing you need that best suits you, your business and your plans.

Business grant programs

Digital Main Street

The BRC is re-launching its Digital Main Street Service Squad to help small businesses in the City of Brantford re-open and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Digital Main Street was established to help local businesses enhance their online capabilities. Brantford’s Digital Service Squad is a team of local tech wizards that provide individualized support to help you improve your digital presence online.

To date, our digital service squad has helped many local businesses improve their online presence in the form of:

  • Websites
  • Online shopping platforms (eCommerce)
  • Google my Business
  • Social Media
  • Online training
  • Tools to improve customer engagement

Let us help you access the knowledge and skills you need to complete your digital transformation. Whether it’s a stronger online presence, selling online, or improving your social media tactics, we can help! Our current global situation has shone a spotlight on the importance of digital technologies and how vital they are to the success of small business.

To learn more about the Digital Main Street program contact us at brc@brantford.ca or 519-756-4269. These services are FREE to businesses in the City of Brantford.
Starter Company Plus

Starter Company Plus is a provincially funded program for people that want to start, expand or buy a business.

Through this program, you will:

  • receive one-on-one guidance from experienced business advisors
  • participate in six free business workshops, where you will learn about business planning, developing a marketing plan, budgeting and how to create cash flow projections
  • create your own business plan and financial forecasts
  • work with local mentors with experience in starting, expanding or buying a business; and;
  • pitch your business to a panel of grant committee members for a chance to be awarded a grant of up to $5,000


This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Please keep in mind that this is a competitive process, and space is limited. Not all program participants will receive a grant, however business training and support are free of charge to participants.

Contact Melanie Mears at MearsMe@brantford.ca or 519-717-4020 for more information and about the intake for Spring 2021.
Summer Company 

Summer Company Logo

Summer Company is a provincially funded program for students between the ages of 15 to 29 that provides:

  • start-up money to help kick-off your new business
  • free business training from experienced advisors: and,
  • mentorship from local business leaders.
  • You must be returning to school in the Fall

To apply for the summer 2021 program, please visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany. For more information, please contact Melanie Mears at MearsMe@brantford.ca or 519-717-4020.
Youth Financing and Incentives

Business financing options

Enterprise Brant
Enterprise Brant is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations serving Southwestern Ontario. They provide business loans and business counselling.
Small Business Financing & Incentives
Traditional Financing

Contact the Business Resource Centre with any questions or to learn more about one of the grant programs or financing options listed above.