FedDev Ontario works with communities, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and other orders of government in southern Ontario to strengthen the region's capacity for innovation, economic development and growth. Through strategic investments and targeted programming, we are helping businesses scale, supporting community development, creating jobs and driving long-term economic prosperity across the region.
The information below highlights FedDev Ontario's investments, initiatives and impact across southern Ontario
Builder of the Week series
Builder of the Week is FedDev Ontario's profile video series highlighting the entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders driving economic growth across southern Ontario. The series showcases how FedDev Ontario investments are helping businesses scale, create jobs, strengthen communities and contribute to a more resilient Canadian economy.
Transcript
As you all know, FedDev Ontario's Builder of the Week series, which I love, celebrates the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the job creators who are building southern Ontario's future. And they're incredible companies, incredible people. So today, we're recognizing 25 exceptional businesses and organizations whose leadership, ambition, and achievements have stood out in the past six months. Across communities, both large and small, these builders, these entrepreneurs are advancing new technologies. They're strengthening local economies. They're creating good-paying jobs for workers, and they're helping Canadian innovation thrive. They're inspiring. So congratulations to all 25 builders. And we look forward to celebrating the next generation of southern Ontario innovators in the months to come. Keep on building.
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Delivering real, measurable results & value for money
Over the past decade, FedDev Ontario has invested over $3.7 billion in more than 4,300 projects, supporting over 297,000 jobs.
Since May 2025, FedDev Ontario has invested over $800 million in 570 new projects, leveraging over $1.8 billion in additional investment in the economy.
Stronger growth among FedDev Ontario-supported firms.
Supporting priority investments across southern Ontario
Regional Tariff Response Initiative Expanded Intake Now Open
Expanded funding to help firms facing tariff pressures, market disruptions and supply chain and liquidity challenges. Since the trade challenges began:
Build Communities Strong Fund (Intake Paused)
Supporting projects that build, expand or improve infrastructure to strengthen local economies and communities.
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Now Open
Helping businesses adopt, commercialize and scale AI solutions to strengthen productivity, competitiveness and economic growth.
Strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base
In support of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, FedDev Ontario is helping southern Ontario firms pursue defence-related opportunities through targeted funding, supplier connections and pathfinding support.
Regional Defence Investment Initiative (Intake Paused)
Helping firms enter defence supply chains and scale defence innovation.
Defence Concierge Service
Helping SMEs navigate defence procurement and connect with contractors, suppliers and research partners.
Anchoring a resilient Canadian economy
Southern Ontario is central to Canada’s economy, supply chains and national resilience.
39% of Canada’s Real GDP
37.5% of Canada’s population
92% of auto production
50% of steel production
50% of AI firms & defence industrial firms
48% of venture capital investment among Ontario-based firms, 2025
FedDev Ontario impact stories
We are helping bring innovative projects to life by supporting businesses and entrepreneurs ready to expand and invest in cutting-edge technology. These investments are strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem, creating and sustaining skilled jobs, and positioning southern Ontario for continued growth and global success.
Visit our impact stories page.