Every startup needs funding to get off the ground. Whether it’s a few hundred dollars for a domain name and website hosting, purchasing software tools, building a prototype, or covering early operating expenses, launching a business often requires upfront investment long before revenue begins to flow.
While many founders turn to personal savings, friends and family, or investors, one of the most attractive sources of startup funding is non-dilutive capital. Unlike venture capital or angel investment, non-dilutive funding allows founders to access financial support without giving up ownership or equity in their company.
Fortunately, Toronto entrepreneurs have access to a growing number of grants, fellowships, and funding programs designed to help startups launch, validate ideas, develop products, and scale their businesses. Here are some of the top startup funding opportunities available to founders in Toronto and across Ontario.
1. Starter Company Plus
Starter Company Plus is a small business grant program that helps entrepreneurs start, grow, or purchase an existing business. Delivered through local Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario, the program combines training, mentorship, and financial support.
Successful applicants can receive grant funding to help cover business expenses while also gaining access to workshops, business planning resources, and ongoing guidance from experienced advisors. The program is particularly well suited for early-stage founders and first-time entrepreneurs looking to validate and launch their businesses.
2. Inventor to Founder Fellowship
The Inventor to Founder Fellowship supports researchers, innovators, and technical founders who are looking to commercialize breakthrough technologies and transform innovative ideas into venture-backed companies.
Participants receive funding, mentorship, and access to experienced entrepreneurs who help bridge the gap between invention and business creation. The fellowship is ideal for founders emerging from universities, research institutions, or deep-tech sectors who need support turning intellectual property into a scalable startup.
3. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fund
The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fund provides financial support to organizations and initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s innovation ecosystem. Through various streams and partnerships, the fund helps accelerate entrepreneurship, support startup growth, and encourage innovation across multiple industries.
Startups may benefit indirectly through programs, incubators, accelerators, and ecosystem partners that receive support through the fund. It plays an important role in expanding resources available to entrepreneurs across the province.
4. i.d.e.a. Fund
The i.d.e.a. Fund was created to support high-potential startups led by founders from equity-deserving communities. The program helps entrepreneurs access capital, mentorship, training, and strategic support needed to grow innovative businesses.
In addition to funding, founders gain access to a network of advisors, industry experts, and ecosystem partners. The program focuses on creating more inclusive opportunities within Canada’s startup ecosystem while helping businesses reach commercialization and growth milestones.
5. Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF)
The Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF) supports Ontario-based life sciences companies that are developing innovative health technologies, biotechnology solutions, medical devices, diagnostics, and other healthcare innovations.
The fund is designed to help companies advance product development, achieve commercialization milestones, and accelerate growth. By providing non-dilutive funding, LSIF helps promising life sciences startups move closer to market while strengthening Ontario’s position as a leading health innovation hub.
6. Circular Food Innovators Fund
The Circular Food Innovators Fund supports startups and organizations developing solutions that reduce food waste, improve sustainability, and create circular economy opportunities within the food sector.
Funding is available for innovative projects that help divert waste, improve resource efficiency, develop sustainable food systems, and create environmental impact. The program is particularly attractive to food-tech startups, sustainability-focused ventures, and companies building technologies that support a more circular food economy.
Access to funding can make a significant difference during the early stages of building a startup. While customer revenue should always be the ultimate goal, grants and fellowship programs can provide valuable non-dilutive capital that helps founders test ideas, build products, hire talent, and reach important milestones without giving up ownership in their company.
For Toronto founders, these programs represent some of the most promising funding opportunities available today and are worth exploring as part of any startup funding strategy.