FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Assistance for Francophone projects in southern Ontario
FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)
Program status
Open
Overview of the FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit program
Access funding to support projects encouraging economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and to increase support for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Francophone communities of Southern Ontario.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides financial support aimed at bolstering economic growth and development in Francophone communities through a structured funding contribution model. The financing modalities emphasize collaboration and sustainable project funding.
- FedDev Ontario contributes up to 70% of eligible project costs.
- Recipients are required to cover a minimum of 30% of eligible project costs, which can include in-kind contributions.
- Total government assistance, including all federal, provincial, and municipal funds, is capped at 100% of eligible project costs.
- Non-repayable contributions are provided, with up to $500,000 available per year per project.
- Projects aiming to redistribute funds to small- and medium-sized enterprises must adhere to additional funding parameters.
Eligible projects & activities
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) aims to boost economic growth, business development, and innovation within Francophone communities in Southern Ontario. Eligible projects focus on economic diversification, digital transformation, and strategic planning to help these communities thrive.
- Economic development and diversification, including region-specific growth strategies.
- Projects prioritizing areas such as women, youth, clean technology, the social economy, and tourism.
- Business and economic development initiatives that enhance the economic growth of industry sectors like manufacturing and information technology.
- Activities aimed at increasing business management capacity, reskilling or training workers, and adopting digital technologies.
- Strategic community economic planning to enhance the economic base of Francophone communities and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 18,000
Launching an online marketplace for Francophone artisans
$ 20,000
Implementing an AI-driven agricultural platform for Francophone farmers
$ 16,000
Creating a digital strategy for a Francophone cultural center
$ 15,000
Establishing a Francophone startup incubator
$ 20,000
Developing a bilingual app for business networking's Francophone community
Eligibility criteria of the FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and location.
- The applicant must be an incorporated Francophone or bilingual not-for-profit organization.
- The organization must be located in southern Ontario.
- The organization must provide programs or services in French to Francophone communities.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the grant are incorporated Francophone or bilingual not-for-profit organizations located in southern Ontario that provide programs or services in French to Francophone communities. These include:1. Community and economic development organizations.2. Not-for-profit organizations and associations.3. Post-secondary institutions that offer full-time programs in French.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports projects that enhance economic diversification and innovation within Francophone communities in Southern Ontario. Eligible activities focus on business development, strategic planning, and community-driven initiatives.
- Economic Development and Diversification projects addressing the unique needs of Francophone communities, emphasizing growth strategies related to women, youth, clean technology, and tourism.
- Projects fostering Business and Economic Development by enhancing business management, retraining workers, or adopting digital technologies to boost sector growth.
- Strategic Community Economic Planning initiatives aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and economic foundations of Francophone small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to not-for-profit organizations located in southern Ontario, supporting projects within Francophone communities. Eligible locations are designated to promote economic growth and innovation in these communities.
- Organizations based in Southern Ontario, Canada.
How to apply to the FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit program
1
Initial Inquiry
- Contact one of the bilingual officers by email at edi-ide@feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505 to express your interest in applying.
- Request detailed information on eligibility and obtain the application form.
2
Prepare Application
- Complete the application form provided by FedDev Ontario.
- Prepare a detailed project proposal highlighting how the project will contribute to economic diversification, business development, innovation, or increased support for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Francophone communities.
- Compile necessary supporting documents like project budget, timelines, and any partnerships or collaborations.
- Ensure the project meets the incremental activity requirements beyond current operations.
3
Submit Application
Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to FedDev Ontario as instructed by the bilingual officer.
4
Await Confirmation and Follow Up
- Await confirmation of receipt of your application from FedDev Ontario.
- Follow up if necessary to confirm your application is complete and under review.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Contribution from FedDev Ontario can cover up to 70% of eligible project costs, with the remaining 30% to be covered by the applicant, possibly using cash and in-kind contributions.
- A project may include funding redistribution to eligible small- and medium-sized enterprises, subject to additional conditions.
- Total government assistance must not exceed 100% of eligible costs.
Contact Government of Canada
edi-ide@feddevontario.gc.ca
1-866-893-5505
Apply to this program
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