City launches AI-powered search engine to help local businesses access funding opportunities

In response to ongoing global trade challenges and economic uncertainty, the City of Oshawa has partnered with Fundica, a leading AI-powered funding search engine, to help local businesses more easily identify and access financial support.

The new tool, now available through the City’s website, empowers Oshawa-based businesses to search for relevant government and private sector funding opportunities tailored to their needs.

This initiative was shaped by recent input received through Oshawa Economic Development’s Business Retention and Expansion Program and conversations with local business owners, who met with the City’s Economic Development team, Mayor Dan Carter and Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair of the Economic Development Services Committee. Businesses highlighted the need for a simple, centralized tool to navigate funding opportunities, especially amid the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and global market shifts.

In addition to launching the Fundica tool, the City continues to meet with local businesses to better understand how tariffs and other market conditions are impacting their operations. Businesses are encouraged to request a site visit by completing the online form and to explore additional resources on the City’s Tariffs webpage.

This initiative aligns with the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering a resilient, innovative economy. Oshawa joins other forward-thinking municipalities in leveraging digital tools to empower their business communities.

For more business-related information, visit the City's website or contact the City’s Economic Development team at [email protected].

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Quotes:

“We heard loud and clear from our local businesses that navigating the funding landscape can be overwhelming, especially in the face of global economic challenges,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “This partnership with Fundica is about helping Oshawa’s entrepreneurs, employers and innovators access the support they need to grow and succeed.”

“Oshawa continues to lead the way in fostering a dynamic and resilient business environment. In launching this new search engine, we are equipping our local job creators with the tools they need to navigate funding opportunities with confidence,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair of the Economic and Development Services Committee. “This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting businesses, driving investment, and ensuring Oshawa remains a city of choice for innovation and economic growth.”