The Ontario government is committing $49 million over the next three years to strengthen and rebrand its province-wide small business support network as the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC).
What the funding will do
The investment is intended to create a single, recognisable identity across more than 50 physical sites that offer entrepreneurs one-on-one advice, information on government programs and access to funding resources. Officials say the rebrand aims to make it easier for owners to locate and use supports already provided by the existing network of Small Business Enterprise Centres.
“Now more than ever, Ontario small businesses need timely advice, trusted services and practical supports to help them navigate change and succeed,”
The comment was made by Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, in announcing the investment.
Recent activity and outcomes
The government highlighted the network’s recent workload and results for 2025-26 as evidence of demand and impact. In that year the network:
- handled over 182,000 inquiries;
- delivered nearly 40,000 consultations;
- helped to launch, support or expand more than 16,000 businesses, which contributed to the creation of over 16,600 jobs.
Context within provincial policy
Officials framed the OSBAC investment as part of a broader strategy to shield the provincial economy from headwinds such as U.S. tariffs. The package of measures from Queen’s Park has also included a cut in the small business corporate income tax rate from 3.2% to 2.2%, which the government says saves about 375,000 small firms up to $5,000 each year.
Local partners and reception
Local small-business intermediaries welcomed the announcement as a way to simplify access to supports. Sabrina DeMarco, executive director of Invest WindsorEssex’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, said the rebrand and funding will make it easier for business owners and prospective entrepreneurs to connect with advice, programs and funding opportunities.
| Metric (2025-26) | Value |
|---|---|
| Inquiries answered | 182,000+ |
| Consultations delivered | ~40,000 |
| Businesses launched/supported/expanded | 16,000+ |
| Jobs created | 16,600+ |
What this means for households and businesses
For small-business owners, the injection of funds and simplified branding is intended to reduce friction when seeking advice or accessing programs — potentially lowering time and research costs for firms exploring expansion, financing or compliance options. For households, supporting small businesses can help sustain local employment and services in communities across Ontario, particularly where small firms are major employers.
How quickly the rebranded centres expand service capacity, and whether the network can maintain or improve consultation-to-outcome rates, will determine the long-term value of the investment for businesses and the provincial job market.
