# Ontario Invests $49M to Strengthen Small Business Supports

Ontario has committed a $49 million investment over three years to enhance the Small Business Advisory Centres network, including the Business Advisory Centre Durham and other regional centres such as those in Windsor and Essex County. This funding aims to provide expanded business advice, training, mentorship, and support services to help small businesses navigate economic challenges including rising costs and trade uncertainties caused by U.S. tariffs. The initiative consolidates 50 business and entrepreneurship centres under the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC) brand to streamline access to resources for entrepreneurs across the province.

- This funding program is administered by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and targets small business growth and job creation across Ontario.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on advisory and support services, which may create opportunities for service providers specializing in business consulting, training, and mentorship.
- The consolidation of advisory centres under OSBAC indicates a strategic provincial approach to centralize small business support, potentially affecting how contracts and service agreements are structured.
- Businesses and contractors serving Ontario small businesses should evaluate how this investment impacts demand for economic development services and consider engagement with OSBAC initiatives and regional centres.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
- Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC)
- Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD)
- Ontario Government
- Government of Ontario

### Key Quotes
> By connecting business owners with local support, funding opportunities and expert advice, we are helping businesses grow, create jobs and contribute to a more prosperous Ontario.
> — Andrew Dowie, MPP (PC — Windsor-Tecumseh)

> Their success is supported by a strong economic development ecosystem, including the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, Invest WindsorEssex, municipalities, post-secondary institutions and community partners.
> — Ryan Donally, CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce

> Ontario's $1.1-billion small-business tax cut is saving more than 375,000 businesses up to $5,000 a year.
> — Doug Ford, Premier

### Sources
- [Ontario announces $49M to strengthen small-business supports in Durham and across Ontario - Frequency](https://www.frequencynews.ca/news/ontario-announces-49m-to-strengthen-small-business-supports-in-durham-and-across-ontario) - frequencynews.ca
- [Province pledges $49 million to help businesses survive tariff war](https://windsorstar.com/news/province-pledges-49-million-to-help-small-business-survive-tariff-war) - Windsor Star