Closed
Source verified July 29, 2026
Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario
Supports defence sector growth in southern Ontario
Latest source updateLast Update: July 29, 2026Latest change: Changed: timeline and deadlines, application process, contact or portal details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 29, 2026
Latest change: Changed: timeline and deadlines, application process, contact or portal details.
Grant changed: timeline and deadlines, application process
We detected changes to timeline and deadlines, application process, contact or portal details, funding terms.
Funding available
$ 125,000 - $ 10,000,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in southern Ontario that are within defence supply chains or looking to integrate into them.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario is a $379.2-million initiative that supports businesses and organizations in southern Ontario to strengthen Canada’s defence and security needs. It funds projects in defence supply chains, including digitization, certifications, and dual-use technologies.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 125,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 5 employees minimum
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Digitization, automation or technology integration investments that enhance productivity and competitiveness.
- Market diagnostics, development and expansion, including commercialization strategies.
- Preparation and acquisition of certifications required to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains for specialized applications.
- Acquisition of equipment, expansion and modernization of facilities, and adaptation, adoption, development or improvement of dual-use technologies with both civilian and military applications.
- Research and development focused on late-stage product development, business ecosystem support, market development and guidance services, and establishment of a research centre or centre of expertise.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in southern Ontario that are within defence supply chains or looking to integrate into them.
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario that support businesses and/or capability development in the defence sector.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses without a physical address where they conduct business activities, including businesses with a PO box, operating out of a co-working space, or operating out of a residence/home.
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
Selection criteria
- Priority may be given to organizations providing services directly to businesses.
- To assist with project prioritization for this fiscal year, applicants should state whether any costs have already been incurred or will be incurred by March 31, 2026.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program timelines and priorities
- Verify that your project start date and eligible costs align with the application timelines (before or after March 31, 2026, as applicable).
- Note that applications demonstrating immediate and significant expenditure needs in the current fiscal year receive priority.
- Step 2: Attend an information session (optional but recommended)
- Register for one of FedDev Ontario’s online information sessions on the Regional Defence Investment Initiative.
- Use the session to ask questions about eligibility, available funding, and the application process.
- Step 3: Choose the correct application stream
- Determine whether you will apply as a business or as a not-for-profit organization.
- Select the corresponding option (apply as a business or apply as an organization) provided by FedDev Ontario for this initiative.
- Step 4: Prepare your project details and funding request
- Define the activities that will help you enter or grow within defence supply chains or increase industrial and innovation capacity.
- Determine the amount of funding you will request, in line with the normal funding ranges for this initiative.
- Step 5: Complete and submit the application to FedDev Ontario
- Access the appropriate application process via the “Apply as a business” or “Apply as an organization” option indicated for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative.
- Provide all required project and organizational information as requested in the application process.
- Submit your application to FedDev Ontario in accordance with the indicated deadlines and instructions.
Processing and Agreement
- You will receive an email notification acknowledging the time and date of your application.
- Any activities and related costs incurred before a formal decision is made are at the applicant’s own risk.
- If approved, you will be expected to sign a contribution agreement within 30 calendar days of being notified.
- Should your project be approved, FedDev Ontario will ask for additional documentation to satisfy terms and conditions set out in a contribution agreement.
- This will include, but is not limited to: insurance coverage, conflict of interest, financial management, project expenditures and performance measurement and reporting.
Additional information
- FedDev Ontario is delivering the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) as part of a national $357.5-million program led by Canada’s regional development agencies.
- FedDev Ontario’s share of RDII exceeds $90 million, with an additional $106 million reallocated from its existing resources, for nearly $200 million dedicated to defence support in southern Ontario.
- Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate immediate and significant spending needs within the current federal fiscal year.
- FedDev Ontario is offering online information sessions where potential applicants can ask questions about the initiative, including the funding and application process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario Program
What is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario?
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario is a $379.2-million initiative that supports businesses and organizations in southern Ontario to strengthen Canada’s defence and security needs. It funds projects in defence supply chains, including digitization, certifications, and dual-use technologies.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario Funds up to $10,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario program?
To be eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario program, you must:
Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in southern Ontario within defence supply chains or looking to integrate into them.
Employ at least 5 full-time equivalent employees in southern Ontario.
Incorporated not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario that support businesses and/or capability development in the defence sector.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario?
Digitization, automation or technology integration investments that enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Market diagnostics, development and expansion, including commercialization strategies.
Preparation and acquisition of certifications required to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains for specialized applications.
Acquisition of equipment, expansion and modernization of facilities, and adaptation, adoption, development or improvement of dual-use technologies with both civilian and military applications.
Research and development focused on late-stage product development, business ecosystem support, market development and guidance services, and establishment of a research centre or centre of expertise.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario?
You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) or by phone at 1-866-593-5505.
Where is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario available?
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Southern Ontario is a Grant and Funding