Ease AIMost AI agencies won't publish their pricing. Half the agencies I reviewed in August 2026 show nothing at all on their websites.
That leaves you guessing whether you need $5,000 or $50,000, and whether a monthly retainer is required or optional.
Here's what AI automation actually costs in Ontario, drawn from published figures, and when you should walk away from a retainer altogether.
What Ontario AI agencies charge for a build
Five agencies publish pricing. Here's what they show:
| Agency | Build range (CAD) | Timeframe | Monthly support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease AI | $3,500–$35,000 | 2–12 weeks | $500–$2,000 (optional) |
| ChatGPT.ca | $3,500–$25,000 | Not published | Not published |
| Kaxo | $5,000–$25,000 | 2–12 weeks | Not published |
| Builts AI | $8,000–$30,000 | Not published | $500–$2,500 |
The range reflects scope. A single chatbot or workflow sits at the low end. A multi-department programme with custom applications sits at the top.
Our published pricing breaks it down this way:
- Single build (one chatbot or one workflow): $3,500–$8,000, delivered in two to three weeks
- Multi-workflow build: $8,000–$20,000, four to six weeks
- Programme (multi-department): $20,000–$35,000, eight to twelve weeks
Monthly support is optional and runs month-to-month. You're not locked in.
When a retainer makes sense
A monthly retainer is worth paying when you need at least two of the following on an ongoing basis:
- Regular workflow updates as your processes change
- New integrations as you add or replace software
- Performance monitoring and optimisation
- Training for new staff members
If your business processes are stable and your team can manage the system after handover, you don't need a retainer. The work should stand alone.
I've built systems that clients run themselves for months without touching base. That's the goal. The chatbot answers questions. The workflow routes leads. You check the logs once a week.
A retainer becomes useful when you're in growth mode or your operations are genuinely dynamic. A manufacturer adding a second shift and a new ERP integration needs support. A retailer running the same point-of-sale system in the same way does not.
When to walk away from a retainer
If an agency requires a minimum retainer commitment before they'll start a build, ask why.
Some agencies structure their entire offering around recurring revenue. That model works for them, but it may not match what you need.
You should be able to buy the build, own the build, and decide later whether ongoing support is worth the cost.
If the pitch includes phrases like "continuous optimisation," ask what that means in practice. Optimisation of what? How often? What happens if you cancel after three months?
The honest answer is usually that nothing breaks. The system keeps running. You just won't have someone on call to add features or troubleshoot edge cases.
That's a perfectly reasonable trade-off for many small businesses. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
What government funding actually covers
Ontario businesses can offset project costs through several programmes. These are grants, not loans, and they reduce your out-of-pocket spend significantly.
DMAP (Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan) provides up to $15,000 at 50% match for Ontario for-profit businesses with one to 499 full-time employees. It explicitly funds hiring an external consultant to produce a digital adoption plan. The Ontario Centre of Innovation added $5 million to the programme on 20 May 2026. First-come, first-served.
RMPG (Retail Modernization Project Grant) provides up to $5,000 at 50% match for direct-to-consumer retailers with a physical storefront, one to fifty employees, at least one year operating and over $100,000 in revenue. You cannot combine this with DMAP.
TDP (Technology Demonstration Program) provides up to $50,000 at 50% match and requires a completed DMAP and at least $750,000 in revenue. The Ontario Centre of Innovation's page shows a deadline of 10 August 2026, which has passed, yet the stream still appears open. Confirm directly with OCI before you plan around this one.
Ontario Job Grant provides up to $10,000 per trainee, or up to $15,000 in some cases, for training. Employers under one hundred staff may pay as little as one sixth of the cost. This funds training, not software. Year-round intake for employers training twenty-five or fewer participants. Fixed budget means eligibility does not guarantee funding.
I've written a full breakdown of Ontario AI grants if you want the detail.
One critical note: these programmes are for Ontario businesses. If you're reading this from outside Ontario, this section does not apply to you.
What funding does not cover
SR&ED is often mentioned in the context of AI projects. The enhanced refundable expenditure limit was raised from $3 million to $6 million, phase-out thresholds moved from $10–$50 million to $15–$75 million, and capital expenditures were reinstated, including development-related software and cloud infrastructure. This applies to taxation years beginning on or after 16 December 2024.
But SR&ED funds experimental development with genuine technological uncertainty. Routine implementation of an existing platform does not qualify. If you're having a chatbot built using a standard framework, you're not doing experimental development. Don't count on this one.
BDC LIFT was announced on 24 April 2026 with $500 million in total financing, offering $25,000 to $5 million with principal deferrable up to two years. These are loans, not grants. BDC has not published an interest rate. Factor that into your planning.
What a realistic budget looks like
A small business in Burlington with fifteen staff wants a chatbot to handle product questions and a workflow to route enquiry forms to the right department. That's two builds.
Without funding, budget $7,000 to $16,000 for the project. Add $500 to $1,000 per month if you want ongoing support, though you may not need it.
With DMAP, you'd pay half. A $12,000 project becomes $6,000 out of pocket. RMPG cuts a $10,000 project to $5,000 if you're a retailer.
The ROI calculator on our site walks you through the math if you want to model your own scenario.
How to compare agencies
Ask three questions:
- What is the total project cost, excluding monthly fees? If they won't give you a range, walk away.
- Is monthly support optional or required? If it's required, ask what breaks if you stop paying.
- Who owns the work? You should own the code, the integrations and the accounts. If the agency retains control, you're renting, not buying.
We publish answers to all three. Not every agency does.
Where to start
If you're trying to decide between a one-off build and a retainer arrangement, the decision comes down to how often your processes change.
Stable operations suit a project fee. Dynamic operations suit a retainer.
If you're not sure which you are, start with the build. You can always add support later.
Our pricing page shows exactly what each type of project costs, or you can reach me directly at info@easeaiworks.com to talk through what makes sense for your business.