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Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support - Canada

Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support

Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Support for businesses affected by COVID-19

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Public administration
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

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.

Activities funded

Examples of admissible projects:
$ 135,000
Improving accessibility at community centers by installing ramps and automatic doors
$ 150,000
Transform a public square into a pedestrian-friendly space with seating and greenery
$ 120,000
Reinventing an urban park with eco-friendly amenities such as solar lighting and rainwater collection systems
$ 175,000
Building a new fully accessible community playground
$ 180,000
Creating a new green park with native plants and a community vegetable garden
$ 250,000
Revitalizing the downtown area by renovating historic buildings and adding public art installations

Eligibility

Eligibility for each specific grant is determined by unique criteria related to the applicant's profile and activities.
  • For the Canada Community Revitalization Fund: Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, other public institutions, and Indigenous communities.
  • For the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative: Applicants must demonstrate an annual revenue exceeding $10 million.
  • For the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative: Businesses operating in the aerospace industry and supporting organizations through supply chains are eligible.
  • For the Regional Air Transportation Initiative: Regional businesses and airports contributing to air transportation are eligible.
  • For the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund: Seafood businesses needing short-term financing to address COVID-19 challenges are eligible.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Contacts

1-866-593-5505
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support. 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 Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support?

Who is eligible for the Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support program?

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Where is the Regional development agencies: COVID-19 support available?

Apply to this program

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