Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support
Eligible applicants for the grants vary depending on the specific initiative. However, the general eligibility includes businesses, not-for-profit organizations, public institutions, and Indigenous communities involved in relevant sectors or activities. Below are examples of who can apply for each specific fund:- Canada Community Revitalization Fund: Not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, other public institutions, and Indigenous communities.- Tourism Relief Fund: Tourism operators looking to create or enhance tourism experiences.- Jobs and Growth Fund: Businesses and organizations that can create jobs and help in economic recovery.- Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative: Organizations conducting major festivals with annual revenue exceeding $10 million.- Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative: Businesses in the aerospace industry and supporting organizations in their supply chains.- Regional Air Transportation Initiative: Regional businesses and airports contributing to air transportation.- Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund: Seafood businesses requiring financing for operational adjustments due to COVID-19 challenges.
Overview
If the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting your operations, contact your local Regional Development Agency office to get a review of your situation and guidance on getting funding, support and/or flexible arrangements, on a case-by-case basis.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increase operational productivity
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Canada
- All legal structures
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- All groups
Next Steps
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the grants vary depending on the specific initiative. However, the general eligibility includes businesses, not-for-profit organizations, public institutions, and Indigenous communities involved in relevant sectors or activities. Below are examples of who can apply for each specific fund:- Canada Community Revitalization Fund: Not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, other public institutions, and Indigenous communities.- Tourism Relief Fund: Tourism operators looking to create or enhance tourism experiences.- Jobs and Growth Fund: Businesses and organizations that can create jobs and help in economic recovery.- Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative: Organizations conducting major festivals with annual revenue exceeding $10 million.- Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative: Businesses in the aerospace industry and supporting organizations in their supply chains.- Regional Air Transportation Initiative: Regional businesses and airports contributing to air transportation.- Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund: Seafood businesses requiring financing for operational adjustments due to COVID-19 challenges.Who is not eligible
Some types of companies may not be eligible for the grant. Businesses that do not fall within the specified industries or criteria outlined in the grant guidelines may not qualify for funding.
- Companies operating outside of Canada
- Businesses in sectors not covered by the specific grant program
- Entities that do not meet the revenue or size requirements
- Organizations with non-compliant project proposals
Eligible expenses
The grants provided by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada support a wide array of sectors deeply impacted by COVID-19 to foster recovery and resilience. The eligible projects include initiatives that enhance infrastructure, tourism, job creation, and sector-specific support.
- Revitalization projects for downtown cores and main streets.
- Initiatives to reinvent outdoor spaces and create green infrastructure.
- Projects increasing the accessibility of community spaces.
- Enhancements to tourism experiences and products.
- Jobs and Growth Fund projects supporting green economy transition, inclusiveness in economic recovery, digital adoption, and competitive enhancements.
- Support for major Canadian festivals to survive and adapt post-pandemic.
- Projects greening operations of the aerospace sector and improving supply chain integration.
- Support for regional air transportation connectivity and service maintenance.
- Seafood sector projects that increase storage capacity, adapt plant operations, and respond to changing market needs.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to support businesses impacted by COVID-19 with a focus on regional development. The eligible geographical areas are typically determined by specific needs within various regions of Canada.
- Western Canada
- Northern Ontario
- Southern Ontario
- Quebec
- Atlantic Canada
- Northern Canada
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Projects must aim to revitalize downtown cores, reinvent outdoor spaces, create green infrastructure, or increase the accessibility of community spaces
- Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, public institutions, and Indigenous communities
How to apply
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Identify Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria for the specific fund you are interested in.
- Determine if your organization or project fits the criteria of the applicable fund.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Documentation
- Gather necessary documents such as project proposals, financial statements, and letters of support.
- Draft a detailed project plan outlining objectives, expected outcomes, and how the project meets the fund's goals.
- Step 3: Contact Your Regional Development Agency (RDA)
- Contact the appropriate RDA based on your location for guidance and support through the application process.
- Use the contact numbers provided for your specific regional agency to receive personalized assistance.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Complete the application form provided by your RDA or through their online portal.
- Submit all required documentation and forms before the specified deadline.
- Step 5: Await Feedback
- Wait for confirmation of receipt from the RDA and any further instructions or feedback on your application.
- Prepare for any additional information requests or interviews required by the RDA.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for these grants:
- Funding from these grants may be leveraged with other sources of public funding, provided that specific capping policies or regulations are adhered to.
- Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) offer tailored support and guidance to applicants throughout the application process.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective RDA to receive personalized advice based on their regional economic context and specific needs.
- Projects funded under these initiatives are expected to contribute positively to economic recovery efforts post-COVID-19.
- The funding framework aims to align with current government priorities such as sustainable development, innovation, and inclusivity.