Markham Business Grants & Incentives 2026
Markham businesses have access to 12+ grant and incentive programs across municipal, provincial, and federal levels. Known as Canada's high-tech capital, Markham's thriving tech corridor and diverse commercial districts make it one of Ontario's top cities for business expansion funding.
Available Grants in Markham
CIP Facade Improvement Grants
Deadline: Ongoing (varies by municipality)
Municipal grants covering 50-75% of facade, signage, and storefront improvement costs. Available in most Ontario cities through Community Improvement Plans.
Markham Digital Main Street Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
Markham's Digital Main Street program assists small businesses with digital transformation grants for e-commerce, online marketing, and digital tools — ideal for Markham's tech-forward business community.
Southern Ontario Development Fund (SODF)
Deadline: May 27, 2026
Up to $1.5M for southern Ontario businesses creating jobs. Focus on advanced manufacturing, food processing, and technology.
BIA Improvement Grants
Deadline: Ongoing (varies by BIA)
Business Improvement Area grants for signage, facade, patio, and accessibility improvements. 68+ BIAs across Ontario with active grant programs.
Starter Company Plus
Deadline: Ongoing (intake periods)
Up to $5,000 grant for new Ontario businesses. Includes mentorship and business training. No repayment required.
FedDev Ontario
Deadline: Ongoing
Federal economic development funding for southern Ontario businesses. Large-scale grants for expansion, innovation, and job creation.
CanExport SMEs
Deadline: May 29, 2026
Up to $50,000 to help Canadian SMEs enter new export markets. Covers trade show costs, market research, and promotional materials.
Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
Deadline: Ongoing
Government-backed loans up to $1.15M for real property, equipment, and improvements. 85% government guarantee reduces lender risk.
Canada-Ontario Job Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
Up to $10,000 per employee for training costs. Government covers 2/3, employer covers 1/3. Ideal for apprenticeship and skills training.
Home Retrofit Savings (Heat Pump Rebates)
Deadline: November 2026
Provincial rebates of $7,500-$15,000 for heat pump installations. HVAC contractors benefit from increased demand.
CIP & BIA Programs in Markham
The Markham Centre Community Improvement Plan provides financial incentives for property improvements within designated growth areas. Typical CIP grants cover:
- Facade and storefront improvements (50-75% coverage)
- Professional signage and awnings
- Accessibility upgrades (AODA compliance)
- Building renovation and restoration
- Landscaping and patio areas
The Markham Village BIA and Unionville BIA offer additional improvement grants to member businesses. Contact your BIA office to check eligibility and current intake periods.
How to Apply for Grants in Markham
The application process varies by program level. Here's a step-by-step guide for Markham business owners:
Determine Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility checker to instantly see which of the 12+ programs match your business.
Start with Municipal Programs
Municipal grants through Markham Centre CIP and the Markham Village and Unionville BIAs are often the easiest to access. Contact your local BIA or Markham's economic development team to confirm your property is within an eligible zone.
Layer Provincial and Federal Programs
After securing municipal funding, apply to provincial programs like Starter Company Plus and federal programs like CSBFP. Most programs allow stacking.
Prepare Your Application Package
Use our application checklist to gather all required documents before you start.
Provincial and Federal Programs Available in Markham
In addition to Markham-specific municipal grants, every Ontario business can access these province-wide and national programs:
For New Businesses (Under 5 Years)
- Starter Company Plus: $5,000 non-repayable grant with mentorship. Open to Ontario residents starting or expanding a business.
- CSBFP Loans: Up to $1.15M in government-backed bank financing for equipment, leasehold improvements, or real property.
For Established Businesses
- CanExport: Up to $50,000 for businesses expanding into international markets. Deadline: May 29, 2026.
- SODF: Up to $1.5M for southern Ontario businesses creating jobs in manufacturing, food processing, or technology.
- Canada-Ontario Job Grant: Covers 2/3 of employee training costs up to $10,000 per trainee.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer 7 questions and see which grants you qualify for in Markham.
Start Eligibility CheckDownload Free Grant Calendar
Monthly deadline grid with program names, amounts, and direct application links. Trade-specific colour coding.
About This Guide
Grant Guide Canada is a free resource maintained by Niagara Stands Out, a business services company based in 248 Port Colborne Drive, Port Colborne, ON L3K 2M5. We research and organize public grant information from federal, provincial, and municipal government sources so Ontario business owners can find funding without hiring a consultant.
How we stay accurate: Our automated monitoring system checks government portals daily for deadline changes, new programs, and status updates. All program details link to official government sources. Last verified: 2026-02-24.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with any government agency. Always verify eligibility and program details directly with the administering organization before applying.
Questions? Contact us: info@niagarastandsout.com | 289-228-7021