Closed
Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI)
Support for Ontario agri-business sales opportunities
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 7, 2025
- Closing date : March 1, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $10,000 to help Ontario agriculture, agri-food, and agri-products businesses advance sales opportunities. It supports eligible travel, accommodations, meals, consultant fees, shipping, and commercialization-related intellectual property costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 7, 2025
- Closing date : March 1, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business development activities to secure sales and market opportunities
- Travel and client meetings needed to close business deals
- Commercialization activities for innovative products, processes, or technologies
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Claim form and supporting documentation for reimbursement
- Proof of eligible expenses
- Documentation showing prior business contact
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario-based businesses
- Legal entities in the agriculture sector
- Legal entities in the agri-food sector
- Legal entities in the agri-products sector
Who is not eligible
- Businesses outside Ontario
- Businesses not operating as legal entities
- Applicants without prior business contact for the opportunity
- Applicants who received GRAS funding in the past two years
Eligible expenses
- Travel, accommodation, and meal costs related to business development
- Transportation costs such as airfare, taxis, train travel, car rental, mileage, parking, tolls, and visas
- Hospitality meals, shipping costs, and meal per diems
- Required consultant fees, such as translators or local guides
- Intellectual property registration and licensing fees related to commercialization
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Tradeshow attendance and booth space
- Trade mission registration fees
- Salaries and regular business operating costs
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Personal items, in-room movies, laundry service, and cash-paid costs without proof of payment
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Wellington County
- Waterloo County
- Perth County
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for eligibility and evaluation criteria.
- Applicants are notified of the funding decision within three business days.
- Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement.
- Approved costs are reimbursed after claim submission with required documentation.
Additional information
- Applicants must have had prior contact with the business partner involved.
- Applications are reviewed for both eligibility and alignment with evaluation criteria.
- Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement.
- Funding is reimbursed after expenses are incurred and claimed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI). 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 Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI)?
This program provides up to $10,000 to help Ontario agriculture, agri-food, and agri-products businesses advance sales opportunities. It supports eligible travel, accommodations, meals, consultant fees, shipping, and commercialization-related intellectual property costs.
How much funding can be received?
Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 1, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI) program?
To be eligible for the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI) program, you must:
Ontario-based legal business
Agriculture, agri-food, or agri-products sector
Innovative sales opportunity with prior business contact
What expenses are eligible under Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI)?
Business development activities to secure sales and market opportunities
Travel and client meetings needed to close business deals
Commercialization activities for innovative products, processes, or technologies
Who can I contact for more information about the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI)?
You can contact Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) by email at admin@adaptcouncil.org.
Where is the Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI) available?
The Rapid Response to Business Development Initiative (RRBDI) program is available the province of Ontario.