Government of Canada supports new AI Business Catalyst program
News release
SMEs to adopt AI with help from new Toronto Region Board of Trade program
June 26, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario
To ensure Canada remains a global leader in innovation, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs and leaders that are accelerating AI adoption and spurring economic growth.
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament for Spadina–Harbourfront, announced an investment of $2.4 million for the Toronto Region Board of Trade to launch its new AI Business Catalyst (AIBC) program.
The Toronto Region Board of Trade connects businesses to programs, partners, and talent to help them succeed. Through this program, 75 businesses and 460 participants across a variety of industries will have access to the tools they need to adopt AI solutions. These new technologies will enhance productivity, drive innovation and help businesses compete globally.
Through strategic investments to support responsible AI adoption, Canada is strengthening its AI ecosystem and enhancing productivity across the country.
Quotes
“Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a stronger, more productive economy – one that creates higher-paying jobs and ensures that Canada leads in the economy of tomorrow. This investment in the Toronto Region Board of Trade is about connecting Canadian businesses with the resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, and keeping Canada competitive, secure, and resilient.”
– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Today’s investment will help accelerate AI adoption among businesses, drive economic growth, and strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in artificial intelligence.”
–Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament for Spadina–Harbourfront
“The Toronto region is a global leader in AI research and development, providing a competitive advantage for Canadian businesses to lower costs, strengthen competitiveness and position themselves for international markets. With the AI Business Catalyst, our World Trade Centre Toronto is bringing together business leaders, AI experts, and ecosystem partners to create an accessible pathway to advanced technology adoption and stronger growth for Ontario SMBs. Our thanks to the Government of Canada for its support of this program, enabling more businesses to lead in the new economy.”
– Giles Gherson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Region Board of Trade
Quick facts
-
Toronto is a leader in AI in Canada. The city is home to over 450 AI companies and has created over 60,000 jobs in the last five years.
-
Founded in 1845, the Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest chambers of commerce in North America, representing more than 11,500 members of Toronto's business community.
-
The World Trade Centre Toronto (WTC-T) is the trade services and scale-up arm of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. Its goal is to deliver best-in-class programs to help businesses build plans to accelerate their trade, growth and competitiveness.
-
Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering $200 million through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative over five years. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $60 million.
-
Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in over 110 projects related to artificial intelligence in southern Ontario.
Associated links
Contacts
Cindy Caturao
Press Secretary
Office of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
cindy.caturao@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
Stay Connected
Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook
Subscribe to FedDev Ontario's Southern Ontario Spotlight newsletter, featuring economic development news and updates from across the region.
Page details
- Date modified: