Grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that encourage innovation, collaboration, cluster development, job creation and private sector investment in eastern Ontario.

Eligibility criteria

Business projects : To be eligible, businesses need to: - Have at least 3 years of operations/financial statements - Employ at least 10 people (or 5 if you are in rural Ontario) - Commit to creating at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees) - Invest at least $500,000 in their project (or $200,000 if you are in rural Ontario) - Be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in eastern Ontario Community economic development projects : To be eligible, projects need to: - Be led by municipalities, economic development organizations or sector organizations - Focus on economic and business development and job creation in the community or region by investing in infrastructure or implementing strategies to advance regional economic development priorities - Lead to measurable outcomes including private sector investment, growth and job creation - Invest more than $100,000 - Have private sector support - Be used for activities that are new to the organization

Who is eligible

Businesses with at least 3 years of operations/financial statements, employing at least 10 people (or 5 if in rural Ontario), committing to creating at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees), investing at least $500,000 in their project (or $200,000 if in rural Ontario), and being located in, or planning to locate in, a community in eastern Ontario can apply for this grant.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund. They include:

Ongoing operations including maintenance and capital replacement
Refinancing of existing business operations
Acquisitions and buyouts
Restructuring or relocating to other jurisdictions within Ontario
Primary production
Retail
Construction (e.g., residential development)
Personal services
Consulting
Electricity generation
Waste management/recycling
Information and communication services
Academic research
Stand-alone restaurants and hotels (unless transformative and considered a regional priority)

Eligible expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund grant. Eligible expenses include:

Investments in project costs
Job creation activities
Infrastructure development
Skills development and training
Innovation initiatives

Eligible projects & activities

Yes, there are eligible projects for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund grant:

Business projects that focus on growing businesses, improving productivity, investing in innovation and skills development, pursuing new markets, generating positive regional economic impact, and creating sustainable jobs.
Community economic development projects led by municipalities, economic development organizations, or sector organizations that focus on job creation, private sector investment, growth, and implementing strategies for regional economic development priorities.

Eligible geographic areas

There are eligible geographic areas for this grant.

Frontenac
Haliburton
Hastings
Kawartha Lakes
Lanark
Leeds and Grenville
Lennox and Addington
Muskoka
Northumberland
Ottawa
Peterborough
Prescott and Russell
Prince Edward
Renfrew
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry

Evaluation & selection criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

Successful projects need to align with the fund’s goals of investment attraction and job creation.
Successful projects need to provide economic benefits, such as creating jobs, contributing to the region, or developing the sector.
Successful projects need to be achievable, requiring applicants to have the necessary financing, project management structure, and experience to implement the project.

How to apply

Step 1: Complete the online self-assessment tool.
This step involves assessing your project's fit with the program requirements and objectives.
Step 2: Contact a regional advisor for help with your application.
You can seek guidance and support from a regional advisor in preparing your application.
Step 3: Register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
Register on TPON, the online application system for grant funding in Ontario.
Ensure you have the necessary information and official documents ready for registration.
Step 4: Work with your regional advisor to complete the application form and submit it on TPON with the required supplemental information.
Collaborate with the advisor to finalize your application and ensure all necessary details are provided.
Follow the guidelines and requirements for submitting the application form.

Additional information

Complementary Services and Supports are available when you submit a complete application to the Eastern Ontario Development Fund or Southwestern Ontario Development Fund through the Regional Development Program. These services are available for the duration of your project regardless of the funding outcome. Services will be coordinated by working with partner ministries until they are delivered, closed-out or finalized.

Documents and links