Record funding for Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres will help entrepreneurs across the province easily find and access business services, funding and advice
September 22, 2026
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
WINDSOR — The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect small businesses and workers in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty by investing a record $49 million over the next three years in the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC), a province-wide business support services network. Formerly known as Small Business Enterprise Centres, the new OSBAC brand will create a stronger and more consistent identity for the existing province-wide network, helping entrepreneurs easily find and access services such as one-on-one consultations, information on government programs and services and funding resources at more than 50 locations across Ontario.
“Now more than ever, Ontario small businesses need timely advice, trusted services and practical supports to help them navigate change and succeed,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “As we work to protect Ontario’s economy, our record $49 million investment and the new OSBAC brand will make it easier for business owners to find and access the tools and advice that can help them pivot, grow and create jobs.”
Historically, each of the centres across the province operated under a variety of names, logos and branding, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to recognize them as part of a coordinated province-wide network of supports. Backed by the largest-ever provincial investment into programming, the new OSBAC brand will create a recognizable identity, making it easier for entrepreneurs to find and navigate services available locally, including provincial programs such as Summer Company, Starter Company Plus and Succession Ontario.
While the brand is changing, the services and supports available through the current network remain the same. Through more than 50 locations across Ontario, entrepreneurs will continue to access business advice, training, mentorship, provincial programs and funding to help them start, buy, sell, grow or adapt a business. In 2025-26 alone, the network answered over 182,000 inquiries, delivered nearly 40,000 consultations, launched, supported and expanded more than 16,000 businesses, helping to create over 16,600 jobs.
By strengthening awareness of available business supports and provincial programs, Ontario is helping entrepreneurs find the tools they need to grow, create jobs and build stronger, more resilient local economies.
“Through the Government of Ontario’s record investment in the province-wide business support network and the launch of the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre brand, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will find it easier to connect with trusted advice, programs and funding opportunities,” said Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director of Invest WindsorEssex’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre. “We’re proud to continue helping Windsor-Essex businesses start, grow and adapt, while benefiting from a stronger, more visible identity that highlights the resources available across Ontario.
Making provincially funded services and programs easier for small businesses to identify and access supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario and strengthen the economy as businesses navigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty. This includes cutting the small business corporate income tax rate from 3.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent, which will support more than 375,000 small businesses, saving them up to $5,000 annually and delivering $1.1 billion in additional tax relief over three years.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of the economy, with nearly 500,000 businesses representing 98 per cent of all employer businesses in the province and employing roughly 2.5 million people.
- Ontario is providing $49 million over three years to help the OSBAC network meet growing program demand, expand advisory services and support new initiatives.
- The Summer Company program helps students aged 15 to 29 gain entrepreneurial experience by providing training, mentorship and funding of up to $3,000 to start and run their own summer businesses.
- The Starter Company Plus program helps entrepreneurs aged 18 and older start, grow or buy an existing business through mentoring, training and access to up to $5,000 in funding.
- In February 2026, Ontario announced an investment of nearly $2 million to establish Succession Ontario. Succession Ontario is a province-wide initiative that provides tools, training and resources to help business owners plan ownership transitions, keep viable businesses operating in their communities and protect jobs.
Quotes
“Local entrepreneurs are the driving force behind strong communities and a strong economy, which is why I am proud of our government’s record $49 million investment in Ontario’s network of Small Business Advisory Centres. 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, Windsor-Tecumseh
“Small businesses, microbusinesses and sole proprietors are a vital part of the Windsor-Essex economy and represent approximately 85 per cent of our membership. They create jobs, drive innovation and contribute to the vibrancy of our communities. 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. We thank the Government of Ontario for its continued investment in the programs and partnerships that help local entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed, strengthening both our local businesses and regional economy.”
– Ryan Donally
President and Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce
“Small businesses are the heart of a strong downtown and having accessible, locally delivered support can make a real difference as businesses navigate new challenges and find opportunities for growth. We recognize the value of creating a more consistent identity for these services across the province and are optimistic that the new Ontario Small Business Advisory Centre brand will make it easier for Windsor businesses to find and access the support available to them.”
– Chris MacLeod
Board Chair, Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Area
“When we established Marenco Architects after relocating back to our hometown of Windsor, we brought years of experience as architects. Building and growing our own business, however, required a very different set of skills. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre provided us with valuable advice, mentorship, funding and opportunities to connect with the local business community. That support has helped us invest in our practice, strengthen our business planning and grow the firm in a more intentional and resilient way. We’ve seen firsthand the value that accessible, local support can have for a small business and we’re pleased to see those resources continue to be strengthened for entrepreneurs across Ontario.”
– Kathryn and Will Marenco
Owners, Marenco Architects Inc.