Closed
Community Economic Development (CED)
Supports non-profit economic initiatives fostering job and business creation
Last Update: March 7, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 50,000
Timeline
- Open Date : December 1, 2025
- Closing date : February 13, 2026
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Community Economic Development (CED) Funding Program awards up to $50,000 per project to support non-profit initiatives that foster resilient job creation and business enterprise development in Ottawa, with a focus on under-represented populations. Eligible activities include launching or expanding projects that facilitate employment, entrepreneurship, and economic integration for targeted groups.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : December 1, 2025
- Closing date : February 13, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ottawa
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects that create resilient job opportunities for underrepresented groups in Ottawa, aiming for sustained employment beyond the funding period.
- Initiatives that support the establishment of new business enterprises, including both for-profit ventures (by eligible non-profit stakeholders) and social enterprises.
- Programs that enhance organizational capacity of non-profits to help targeted populations overcome barriers to employment and entrepreneurship.
- Projects that facilitate the development of professional skills, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurship among youth, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups.
- Collaborative activities that result in the formation of new cooperative businesses or expand existing social enterprises, directly contributing to Ottawa’s local economy.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations supporting economic development in the City of Ottawa
- Organizations working with under-represented populations (e.g., newcomers, youth, indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, residents of low-income neighborhoods, rural residents, older adults)
- Agencies developing social enterprises or supporting entrepreneurship
- Organizations focused on job creation or business enterprise creation for targeted populations
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations or ventures.
- Non-profit organizations sponsoring for-profit organizations.
- Organizations with political affiliation or those participating in political activities.
- Faith-based organizations where programs include promotion or required adherence to a specific faith.
- Organizations whose programs are within the legislated mandate of other governments or City departments.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs directly attributable to the project, with regular staff costs eligible only in proportion to time devoted specifically to the project and with official Board approval of diversion from regular duties.
- Purchase of goods and services required for implementing project activities, ensuring value for money and adherence to ethical procurement.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations serving residents of the City of Ottawa.
Additional information
- Only one application will be accepted per organization, even if more than one organization is involved in service delivery for a project.
- All awarded funding must be fully spent by November 30, 2026, with final reporting due by December 11, 2026.
- Applications may be approved with the condition of providing clarification or additional information upon request.
- Starting project work before executing a funding agreement may render the application ineligible for funding.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Economic Development (CED) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Economic Development (CED). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Community Economic Development (CED)?
The Community Economic Development (CED) Funding Program awards up to $50,000 per project to support non-profit initiatives that foster resilient job creation and business enterprise development in Ottawa, with a focus on under-represented populations. Eligible activities include launching or expanding projects that facilitate employment, entrepreneurship, and economic integration for targeted groups.
How much funding can be received?
Community Economic Development (CED) Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 13, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Community Economic Development (CED) program?
To be eligible for the Community Economic Development (CED) program, you must:
Registered as a non-profit organization for at least 2 years.
Governed by a democratically elected Board of Directors.
In good financial standing with the City of Ottawa.
What expenses are eligible under Community Economic Development (CED)?
Projects that create resilient job opportunities for underrepresented groups in Ottawa, aiming for sustained employment beyond the funding period.
Initiatives that support the establishment of new business enterprises, including both for-profit ventures (by eligible non-profit stakeholders) and social enterprises.
Programs that enhance organizational capacity of non-profits to help targeted populations overcome barriers to employment and entrepreneurship.
Projects that facilitate the development of professional skills, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurship among youth, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups.
Collaborative activities that result in the formation of new cooperative businesses or expand existing social enterprises, directly contributing to Ottawa’s local economy.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Economic Development (CED)?
You can contact City of Ottawa by email at ian.scott@ottawa.ca or by phone at (613)580-2424.
Where is the Community Economic Development (CED) available?
The Community Economic Development (CED) program is available the province of Ontario.
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