How much funding can be received?

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

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects designed to drive business productivity and competitiveness through strategic investments in new operations or expansions. Eligible initiatives concentrate on enhancing regional economic impacts and job creation.

Investments in equipment and new technologies to boost business productivity and competitiveness.
Talent and training initiatives to enhance workforce skills and business capabilities.
Introduction of new products or services to expand market reach and business operations.
Investment in new operations within Eastern Ontario to stimulate regional growth.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$400,000

Establishing a tech hub to foster innovation and entrepreneurship

$700,000

Launching a regional training program for digital skills development

$250,000

Expansion of a local organic farm enabling greater production capacity and job creation

$350,000

Implement a tourism strategy to attract visitors to local historical sites

$650,000

Develop a renewable energy project to install wind turbines

$450,000

Establishment of a community arts center to support local artists

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business operations and investments.

The applicant must be a for-profit business registered to carry out business in Ontario.
The company must have at least 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees at the time of the application, or five FTEs if situated in a rural community.
The firm must have a minimum of three years of substantive operating experience, supported by three years of audited financial statements.
The company must commit to creating a minimum number of jobs as specified: at least five new FTEs for companies with more than 15 employees, or a 30% workforce increase for those with fewer than 15 employees.
The applicant must commit to a minimum eligible investment amount of $500,000 or $200,000 for businesses considered small and rural.
The project must start after the application period closes and run for a duration of 3 to 4 years.
The applicant must comply with all applicable laws and not owe any fees, levies, or taxes.
Previous projects funded under the EODF or SWODF must be successfully completed, or at least 50% of an active loan must be repaid if currently in good standing.
Projects in sectors with significant long-term economic potential and higher multiplier effects are eligible.
Applicants must not stack funding from other provincial sources for the same project.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund is open to several types of applicants, specifically targeting those who have a stake in economic development within the designated geographic areas of Eastern Ontario. Eligible applicants include:1. Existing Businesses: - Must be a for-profit entity with legal registration in Ontario. - Must have been operating for at least three years with substantiated financial statements. - Should have at least 10 full-time equivalent employees, or at least 5 if located in a rural area. - Commit to a substantial investment amount (minimum $500,000, or $200,000 in rural areas). - Create at least 5 new jobs, or a 30% workforce increase for smaller companies (under 15 employees). - Must be located, or plan to locate, within the specified areas of Eastern Ontario, which include communities like Frontenac, Haliburton, Ottawa, and others.2. Municipalities: - Can apply under the Community Economic Development Project Program.3. Not-for-profit Organizations: - Must engage in projects that lead to community-wide economic benefits.It's important to note that certain types of businesses are excluded from applying, such as entities involved primarily in retail, primary production, and other specified industries. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate compliance with all relevant legal, tax, and employment standards, and should not actively owe any fees, levies, or taxes to governmental bodies. Additional restrictions may apply, including not stacking with other provincial funding sources.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.

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 (for example, 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).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers project-specific expenses that contribute to business growth, productivity enhancements, or new market access.

Investments in equipment and new technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Costs related to talent acquisition and training to improve workforce skills.
Expenses for expanding existing operations, including introducing new products or services.
Costs to enter new markets to foster business growth.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available for companies located in the specified regions of Eastern Ontario. These areas are prioritized to support regional economic development efforts.

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

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives and regional economic impact.

Extent to which government support improves project outcomes and/or impacts the project’s scope or timelines.
Return on investment to Ontario.
Broad regional economic benefits (e.g., community needs, sector or cluster impacts, strengthen value/supply chain, partnering with research institutions, company is a major employer in the region, etc.).
Job creation outcomes including good jobs, hiring of highly skilled labour, and/or involvement with post-secondary institutions.
Increased innovation (e.g., introduction of new products or processes, creation of new intellectual property).
Increased productivity.
Revenue growth, including entry into new markets.
Assessment of project risks, including management, financial, and market risks.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Eastern Ontario Development Fund:

Step 1: Initial Consultation
Speak with a Regional Advisor about your project to assess fit with the program and prepare your application.
Step 2: Register on TPON
Create an account on the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) website if you haven’t already.
Follow the prompts to register your organization.
Find the program under the “Submit for Funding” section.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Download the application form from TPON and complete each section, starting with Part 1: Eligibility Checklist.
If eligible, proceed to Part 2: Application Form.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Prepare detailed financial statements from the last three fiscal years audited or reviewed by an external accountant.
Create a cash flow document detailing receipts and payments during the project period and loan repayment.
Gather a copy of articles of incorporation and a corporate family tree, if applicable.
Obtain letters of support from project partners and financial institutions, if applicable.
Step 5: Obtain Tax Compliance Verification Number
Generate a Tax Compliance Verification (TCV) number.
Ensure your TCV detail is included in your application.
Step 6: Upload and Submit
Log into TPON and upload the completed application form along with all supporting documents.
Ensure the application is authorized by an individual with authority to bind the company.
Submit the application before the close date of the current application intake period.
Step 7: Confirmation
Receive confirmation of your application submission from TPON.
Keep the confirmation for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The notification of funding decisions is provided within approximately 60 business days after each application deadline.
Before applying, interested parties are required to speak with a regional advisor to discuss their project and determine program fit.
Applicants must register on the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system to access the application form.
Applications must be submitted directly by the prospective recipients and not through any third party or external consultant.
Entities applying should ensure they are compliant with all applicable laws and not owe taxes to the Government of Ontario.
The grant cannot be "stacked" with any other provincial funding programs, with the exception of supports provided through complementary services.
Performance-based grants require adherence to specific obligations, and funding agreements will outline penalties for non-compliance.
The province may publicly report on project status, government support amounts, and results achieved.

grant_single_labels|documents

Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) — Business project grants

Apply to this program

Boost Your Business Development with the Eastern Ontario Development Fund

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund offers support to businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations aiming to drive economic development in Eastern Ontario. This grant focuses on encouraging investments that enhance business growth, improve productivity, and foster regional economic resilience.

In-depth Understanding of the Eastern Ontario Development Fund

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund is a strategic initiative by the Government of Ontario aimed at catalyzing economic growth across key areas in Eastern Ontario. This program stands out as a vital resource for businesses and organizations seeking to make impactful investments in their operations, thereby supporting the broader economic landscape. The main objectives of this fund include fostering innovation, increasing productivity, and expanding into new markets, all while generating substantial economic benefits for the region.

Eligible entities such as established businesses with a minimum of three years of operations, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations can avail themselves of this program. The fund is particularly appealing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in both urban and rural settings within the 15 designated geographic areas in Eastern Ontario. By targeting specific challenges such as skills development, job creation, and market expansion, the fund aims to create a ripple effect of positive economic outcomes beyond the boundaries of an individual business.

One of the remarkable aspects of this program is the variety of support options available, ranging from direct funding to complementary services. For businesses, the fund can cover up to 15% of eligible project costs, offering both loan options and in certain situations, grant opportunities. Loans can be interest-free during the project period, with conditions for partial forgiveness based on achieving job and investment milestones. Meanwhile, strategic grants enable rural companies or those considering a strategic investment in Ontario to receive performance-based funding, highlighting the fund’s emphasis on tangible economic improvements.

Additionally, projects are assessed on their potential regional impact, encouraging initiatives that not only propel a single entity but also bolster the local economy by strengthening supply chains, creating high-quality employment opportunities, and fostering partnerships with local research institutions and community organizations. This collaborative approach aligns with the program’s goal of reinforcing Ontario’s economic fabric.

The stringent eligibility criteria ensure that only the most impactful and innovative projects receive support. This involves committing to significant financial and employment contributions, demonstrating robust financial and operational stability, and maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards. It is noteworthy that businesses are encouraged to engage early with regional advisors to fine-tune their applications, ensuring a higher chance of successful funding.

Beyond financial assistance, recipients benefit from networking opportunities and access to a wealth of resources that include technical expertise and strategic advice. This comprehensive support framework positions businesses not only for immediate success but for sustainable growth and adaptation to future economic challenges.

In conclusion, the Eastern Ontario Development Fund is not merely a financial resource; it is a strategic enabler designed to elevate the economic positioning of Eastern Ontario on both a national and global stage. Through strategic investments and a commitment to long-term regional development, the fund facilitates a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic environment, ensuring prosperity for the businesses and communities it serves.