How Ontario manufacturers can maximize funding to boost innovation
Ontario manufacturers have a potentially lucrative opportunity to secure funding for transformative projects that could bolster competitiveness and innovation in the province.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) funding stream offers performance-based loans and grants to enable projects in Ontario that create jobs, develop talent and attract private sector investment. Applications opened on Nov. 4, 2025, and close Feb. 3, 2026.
This program marks a significant opportunity for Ontario manufacturers—particularly those in aerospace, automotive, chemical, information and communications technology, life sciences and steel—amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Provincial funding could help businesses purchase equipment, adopt competitive technologies, achieve sustainable growth and generate broad economic benefits.
Prospective and successful businesses must meet all eligibility requirements, including alignment with AMIC’s objectives. It is critical to consult with the appropriate tax advisors who can determine if this program is the right fit and to support applicants throughout the application and project lifecycle.
Key program details
AMIC offers performance-based loans and grants to successful applicants. Businesses can receive loans of up to 15 per cent of a project’s funding—with a maximum amount of $5 million, interest-free—during the project period (up to four years). If a business achieves its investment and job or upskilling targets, up to 30 per cent of the loan—with a maximum of $500,000—may be forgiven.
Grants are available only for specific circumstances. For example, small businesses located in rural communities may be eligible for up to 15 per cent of a project’s funding, with a maximum of $500,000. And strategic projects that are either foreign-direct investments, companies competing against other jurisdictions or those with significant reshoring projects may be eligible for up to 15 per cent of a project’s funding, with a maximum of $1.5 million.
How funding can support businesses
Here are some of the ways in which Ontario manufacturers can leverage the funding from this program:
- Capital investment and modernization: Businesses can use AMIC funds to purchase new equipment, upgrade production lines and implement automation. This can help manufacturers modernize operations, increase efficiency and improve product quality.
- Technological improvements: AMIC funds can be used to adopt advanced technology; develop or commercialize new products, processes or services; and implement digital solutions such as enterprise resource planning solutions, robotics and artificial intelligence. Incorporating these elements can bolster efficiency, enhance competitiveness and open new market opportunities.
- Workforce development: AMIC funding supports projects that create new jobs, upskill current employees and attract specialized talent—with the goal of strengthening the province’s workforce while supporting long-term growth.
- Strategic expansion: Funds are available for strategic projects like foreign-direct investment, reshoring and expanding into new markets. This funding could allow businesses to diversify operations, reduce reliance on single markets and take advantage of global opportunities.
- Sustainability and clean technology: Funding can be used to adopt environmentally friendly technologies, energy-efficient equipment, or processes that reduce waste and emissions.
Eligibility and additional information
Applicants must invest at least $500,000 in their project, employ at least 10 people and commit to creating at least five new jobs—or upskill current jobs. Eligible projects must be located, or be planned to take place, in an Ontario community and must be projected to take three to four years to meet investment and job creation and retention targets.
Projects will be assessed based on alignment with program objectives, return on investment to Ontario and broader economic benefits.
Applicants will be notified approximately 60 business days before the deadline regarding their success or failure. If approved, businesses should be mindful that only costs incurred after the application deadline of Feb. 3, 2026, will be deemed eligible for reimbursement.
Careful planning and consideration are imperative throughout the application process to ensure that AMIC funding is the appropriate fit and all obligations are met by eligible businesses.