Closed
Rural Economic Development (RED) program
Supports rural economic development in Ontario
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Closing date : February 23, 2023
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides up to $250,000 in funding to support projects that strengthen rural communities in Ontario. Eligible activities include economic diversification, workforce development, business retention, and strategic economic infrastructure improvements.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : February 23, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Economic diversification and competitiveness projects.
- Workforce development, attraction and retention projects.
- Community infrastructure enhancement projects.
- Business development projects for small brick-and-mortar businesses in rural Ontario.
Documents Needed
- A completed RED Program application.
- A completed co-applicant form, if applicable.
- Supplemental documents such as letters of support, quotes, estimates, or relevant studies.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Municipalities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Ontario Indigenous communities or organizations
- Local Services Boards
Who is not eligible
- Businesses
- Individuals
- Research institutions or organizations whose core activity is research and development
- Unincorporated not-for-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Non-capital project costs under the Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream.
- Minor capital costs under the Strategic Economic Infrastructure Stream.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Major capital costs.
- In-kind contributions.
- Costs incurred outside Ontario or outside the agreement period.
- Projects receiving other provincial funding.
- Applications that are incomplete.
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed after the intake period closes.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by the Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel.
- The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs makes the final funding decision.
- Successful applicants receive a letter of approval and must sign a Contribution Agreement before funds are released.
- Claims for approved projects are submitted through an online portal, and a final report is required to close the project.
Additional information
- The program is now closed and new guidelines and applications for the Rural Ontario Development Program will be available in late winter 2025.
- The timeframe of the project cannot be extended without the written approval of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
- All selected applicants must enter into a contribution agreement with the Province of Ontario.
- All applicants have joint and several liability for any funded project.
- Funding may be provided at the amount or percentage requested, or at a reduced amount or percentage, subject to limits within each stream.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Economic Development (RED) program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Economic Development (RED) program. 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 Rural Economic Development (RED) program?
The Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides up to $250,000 in funding to support projects that strengthen rural communities in Ontario. Eligible activities include economic diversification, workforce development, business retention, and strategic economic infrastructure improvements.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Economic Development (RED) program Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Rural Economic Development (RED) program program?
To be eligible for the Rural Economic Development (RED) program program, you must:
The applicant must be a municipality, not-for-profit organization, Indigenous community or organization, or Local Services Board.
The project must be in rural Ontario.
The applicant must meet legal requirements.
What expenses are eligible under Rural Economic Development (RED) program?
Economic diversification and competitiveness projects.
Workforce development, attraction and retention projects.
Community infrastructure enhancement projects.
Business development projects for small brick-and-mortar businesses in rural Ontario.
Where is the Rural Economic Development (RED) program available?
The Rural Economic Development (RED) program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Rural Economic Development (RED) program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Economic Development (RED) program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program?
Rural Economic Development (RED) program is funded by Government of Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFRA)