Closed
Project funding and costs
Funding for rural Ontario business growth projects
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario
Overview
This program supports rural Ontario projects that strengthen economic development and business growth. It funds eligible activities such as marketing, cyber security, succession planning, accessibility improvements, training, and community infrastructure enhancements, with up to $10,000 available for business development projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 35% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-20 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Market development projects
- Cyber security improvement projects
- Succession planning projects
- Accessibility improvement projects
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Mandatory supporting documents
- Project work plan and budget
- Quotes or estimates for larger cost items
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses in rural Ontario
- Active operating businesses
- Businesses with one to 20 employees
- Businesses pursuing market development, cyber security, succession planning, or accessibility improvements
Who is not eligible
- Self-employed applicants with no employees
- Businesses with more than 20 employees
- Multi-location businesses
- Applicants that received other provincial funding for the same project
- Applicants previously funded in an earlier intake
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees, new hires, and training costs linked to the project
- Software, equipment, and technology costs for the project
- Marketing, promotion, and event-related costs
- Minor capital and accessibility-related costs
- Ontario travel costs for eligible project activities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Existing staff wages, general operating costs, and office overhead
- Software renewals, website hosting, and domain renewals
- Land, buildings, major capital, vehicles, and equipment not related to accessibility
- Lobbying, fundraising, alcohol, gifts, and giveaway items
- In-kind contributions and refundable taxes or rebates
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened after the intake closes.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by the Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel.
- The Minister of Rural Affairs makes the final funding decision.
- Successful applicants receive a letter of approval and must sign a Contribution Agreement.
- Claims are submitted through an online portal after approval, and a final report is required to close the project.
Additional information
- Applications are assessed competitively after the intake closes.
- Approved funding is paid on a reimbursement basis.
- A 10% holdback applies until the final report is approved.
- An initial 20% payment may be available in some cases.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Project funding and costs Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Project funding and costs. 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 Project funding and costs?
This program supports rural Ontario projects that strengthen economic development and business growth. It funds eligible activities such as marketing, cyber security, succession planning, accessibility improvements, training, and community infrastructure enhancements, with up to $10,000 available for business development projects.
How much funding can be received?
Project funding and costs Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Project funding and costs program?
To be eligible for the Project funding and costs program, you must:
Active business in rural Ontario
1 to 20 paid employees
Single business location
What expenses are eligible under Project funding and costs?
Market development projects
Cyber security improvement projects
Succession planning projects
Accessibility improvement projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Project funding and costs?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON) by email at RODprogram@ontario.ca or by phone at 1 877 424-1300.
Where is the Project funding and costs available?
The Project funding and costs program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Project funding and costs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Project funding and costs is a Grant and Funding