Proud to Work

Hamilton–Burlington · Ontario

Hamilton

Hamilton's economy runs on advanced manufacturing, goods movement and a fast-growing health and life sciences cluster around McMaster University. Innovation Factory, The Forge and McMaster Innovation Park form the core of local startup support.

19 resources · Checked September 2026

Programs marked Provincial apply anywhere in Ontario. See Canada-wide programs →

Grants & funding 7

Provincial innovation agency running commercialization, industry-academic and sector programs including OVIN and the Life Sciences Innovation Fund.

For Ontario technology companies and researchers commercializing IP

Ontario-funded digital adoption support offering DMAP planning grants, technology demonstration funding and a retail modernization grant.

For Ontario for-profit SMEs with 1-499 employees, at least one year old

Refundable 8 percent tax credit on eligible scientific research and experimental development expenditures carried out in Ontario.

For Ontario corporations claiming federal SR&ED

Grants and interest-free loans for capital projects that diversify markets and re-shore supply chains disrupted by U.S. tariffs.

For Ontario for-profit firms, 3+ years operating, 5+ employees, tariff-affected

Summer Company

Provincial

Provincial grant of up to $3,000 plus mentorship for students who run their own business over the summer.

For Ontario students aged 15 to 29 returning to school

Federal regional development agency offering repayable and non-repayable contributions to businesses and business-support organizations.

For Businesses and not-for-profits across southern Ontario

FedDev Ontario support for technology adoption, market development and supply-chain projects by firms hit by trade disruption.

For Southern Ontario firms with 5 to 499 employees, incorporated 3+ years

Accelerators & incubators 2

Regional innovation centre for Hamilton and Halton offering free advisory services, IP programming, peer networks and the LiONS LAIR pitch competition.

For Technology startups and scaling companies in Hamilton and Halton

The Forge

Non-profit

McMaster University business incubator running cohort-based programs and the Startup Survivor pitch competition for early-stage ventures.

For Early-stage startups in Hamilton, the GTA and Niagara, including McMaster students

Investors 3

Ontario pre-seed co-investment fund that invests up to $250,000 alongside private investors in campus-linked startups.

For Ontario startups under five years old built on academic or incubator IP

Venture Ontario

Provincial

Ontario's venture capital investment agency, backing venture funds and making direct investments in high-potential technology companies.

For Ontario technology companies and the VC funds that back them

Accredited-investor network based at TechPlace in Burlington that reviews hundreds of applications a year across the Hamilton-Toronto corridor.

For Early-stage Ontario companies raising angel capital

Government services 3

Invest Ontario

Provincial

Provincial agency that guides companies through site selection, expansion and investment decisions in priority sectors.

For Firms expanding or relocating operations to Ontario

Hamilton's Small Business Enterprise Centre, delivering Starter Company Plus, Summer Company, Launch Local and Foodpreneur Advantage.

For Hamilton residents starting or growing a small business

City of Hamilton economic development office offering site selection, sector data, workforce information and municipal grant programs.

For Businesses investing, expanding or relocating in Hamilton

Industry & trade 1

Chamber founded in 1845 offering advocacy, the Business Insights Series, group insurance and member-to-member programs.

For Hamilton businesses of all sizes, including small business members

Community 1

Hamilton life sciences cluster organization that brokers partnerships, maintains a sector directory and hosts the monthly Health Check-Up.

For Health and life sciences startups, researchers and industry partners

Workspace & labs 2

Research and commercialization park on Longwood Road offering leasable lab, office and build-to-suit space plus conference facilities.

For Research-driven companies and university spin-offs needing lab or office space

10,000 square foot downtown Hamilton coworking space with private offices, meeting rooms, event space and monthly memberships.

For Freelancers, small teams and startups in downtown Hamilton