
Open
Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario
Support for Francophone economic growth in southern Ontario
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides non-repayable funding for Francophone communities in southern Ontario. It supports economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships, and services that strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Economic development and diversification projects for Francophone communities.
- Business and economic development projects, including management capacity, worker training, and digital technology adoption.
- Strategic community economic planning projects that strengthen community competitiveness.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated Francophone not-for-profit organizations
- Incorporated bilingual not-for-profit organizations
- Community and economic development organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations and associations
- Post-secondary institutions offering full-time programs in French
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
Additional information
- The program is part of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028.
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
- Applicants can contact a bilingual officer to receive an application form.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario. 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 Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario?
This program provides non-repayable funding for Francophone communities in southern Ontario. It supports economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships, and services that strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises.
How much funding can be received?
Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario program?
To be eligible for the Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario program, you must:
Incorporated Francophone or bilingual not-for-profit organization
Located in southern Ontario
Provides services in French to Francophone communities
What expenses are eligible under Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario?
Economic development and diversification projects for Francophone communities.
Business and economic development projects, including management capacity, worker training, and digital technology adoption.
Strategic community economic planning projects that strengthen community competitiveness.
Who can I contact for more information about the Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario?
You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) by email at edi-ide@feddevontario.gc.ca.
Where is the Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario available?
The Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario is a Grant and Funding