Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Supporting a strong, innovative economy that can provide jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all Ontarians.

Open for Business

We're helping to grow the economy and create good jobs. Find the resources you need to do business, work and invest in Ontario.

Jobs and employment

Economic development

Funding for:

Ontario-based social enterprises

Export and investment services

Exporting: Take your business global
Investment Services, a one-stop source for information to increase business growth
International trade and investment offices
Foreign direct investment attraction

Research and innovation

Build a research team, find funding for international research projects, access programs and networks, and more.

Calendar of trade programs and events

Information about incoming buyers missions, exporter education seminars and workshops for Ontario businesses looking to export outside Canada.

What we do

support job creation, innovation and economic growth for all Ontarians
deliver a range of programs, services and tools to help businesses innovate and compete in today’s fast-changing global economy
help make investing in Ontario more attractive for businesses, while protecting the public interest
cut red tape by eliminating unnecessary regulations to make Ontario companies more competitive
support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses so they can connect with new export markets and customers
manage a network of international trade and investment offices in key markets around the world
organize international business missions to increase export and investment opportunities for Ontario’s companies
ensure Ontario’s interests are well-represented in all trade matters and negotiations (including CUSMA, CPTPP and CETA) and drive strategic investment and trade analysis
drive internal trade by working bilaterally with other provinces and territories and by implementing the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)
develop and implement marketing strategies and tactics that favourably position the province’s key economic strengths and promote Ontario as the best place to invest, work, live and succeed
develop strategies for priority industries and sectors in Ontario
build strategic partnerships with leading companies and stakeholders within Ontario’s economy
work with research partners in universities, colleges and hospitals, entrepreneurs and business leaders
foster scientific discovery and commercialization of new technologies and products that can be marketed to the world
harness Ontario’s talented workforce, entrepreneurial spirit and highly developed industry clusters
promote economic immigration programs to attract skilled international talent