15 free-trade agreements covering 51 countries and 1.5B consumers
SR&ED tax credits and government grants fund innovation
Common law & IFRS reduce friction for global founders
Ontario provides strong financial and operational support for entrepreneurs and high-growth companies across AI, deep tech, healthcare, sustainability, life sciences, and advanced technologies, making it an attractive destination for global founders entering new markets.
Ontario provides strong financial and operational support for entrepreneurs and high-growth companies across AI, deep tech, healthcare, sustainability, life sciences, and advanced technologies, making it an attractive destination for global founders entering new markets.
Whether you’re a global founder or a Canadian startup, Ontario is the gateway for high-growth B2B businesses, delivering expanded market access to the world’s most important economies. Home to thousands of businesses across AI, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, cleantech, fintech, enterprise software, automotive, and advanced materials.
Compared to U.S. tech hubs, businesses operating in Ontario benefit from lower operational costs. Innovative organizations qualify for R&D tax credits. Universal healthcare significantly reduces employer healthcare costs compared to the U.S.
Even more companies can now take advantage of lower tax rates for small businesses, further reducing costs. Early-stage capital connections in Canada are being strengthened by the launch of the Canadian Startup Capital Association in Spring 2026. U.S.-based funds are backing startups operating in Canada that demonstrate strong product-market fit, revenue traction, and commercialization.
of working-age adults
have completed post-secondary
education.
Four Ontario universities rank among the world’s best for producing highly employable graduates across tech, management, and engineering.
The Toronto-Waterloo Corridor is one of North America’s largest tech ecosystems, generating more than 90,000 STEM graduates each year and providing startups with access to strong co-op talent and competitive labour costs.
A livable space with the comforts and quality of life to attract talented people. Ontario cities consistently rank among the best places to live and work, it has one of the best public education systems in the world, and publicly-funded healthcare is available to all.
Ontario is a place that works. Where people can get around on public transportation. Raise a family. Where no one is denied quality healthcare when they’re sick – and a hospital visit isn’t accompanied by the threat of bankruptcy.
Its location and size means that there is something for everyone. We have 4 of the 10 largest Canadian cities, namely, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
We also have many towns with rural charm, interspersed with modern infrastructure, booming economies, in picturesque settings. Ontario has an ideal mix of economic opportunity and quality of life. Ontario is a place you can live and breathe.
Ontario operates across local, provincial, and federal levels of government, giving international founders valuable exposure to the regulatory complexity of the North American market. Backed by all levels of government, TBDC helps high-growth businesses navigate expansion with stage and sector-aligned support.
