Closed
Source verified July 8, 2026
Regional Development Program
Funding for business growth in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports business growth and regional development in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. It provides funding for equipment, training, productivity, innovation, market expansion, and job creation, with support of up to 15% of eligible project costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 5,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 10-100 employees
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Investment in new equipment and technology
- Training to improve productivity and competitiveness
- Expansion of existing operations
- Launch of new products, services, or markets
- New operations in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Cash flow forecast
- Articles of incorporation
- Corporate family tree
- Three years of financial statements
- Letters of support, if available
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated for-profit businesses in Ontario
- Businesses in Eastern Ontario
- Businesses in Southwestern Ontario
- Municipalities for community economic development projects
- Not-for-profit organizations for economic development projects
Who is not eligible
- Sole proprietorships
- Charities
- Start-ups
- Retail businesses
- Businesses mainly involved in primary production, such as mining, agriculture, and forestry, consulting, or standalone restaurants and hotels
Eligible expenses
- Equipment and machinery
- Construction and facility improvements tied to the project
- Non-recurring labour for installation or setup
- Training and talent development costs
- Specialized third-party expertise and project-related permits or fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing operating and maintenance costs
- Refinancing, acquisitions, and buyouts
- Relocation to another region of Ontario
- Travel, hospitality, marketing, sales, and distribution expenses
- Consulting fees to prepare the application
Eligible geographic areas
- Eastern Ontario
- Southwestern Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with program objectives
- Economic benefits for the region
- Feasibility and management capacity
- Job creation, skills development, innovation, and productivity gains
- Impact on revenue growth and new markets
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the online self-assessment
- Use the business project eligibility self-assessment tool.
- Review whether the project appears to fit the program.
- Step 2: Contact a regional advisor
- Discuss the project and get help preparing the application.
- Step 3: Register in Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
- Create or update the organization profile in TPON.
- Make sure business information is accurate and ready for submission.
- Step 4: Prepare the application package
- Complete the application form in TPON.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Validate the form before submission.
- Step 5: Submit through TPON
- Upload the completed form and supporting documents in TPON.
- Submit during the intake period before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the intake deadline and only complete submissions are assessed.
- Applicants are notified of the funding decision within about 60 business days after the deadline.
- Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement with Ontario.
- Funding is released only after conditions are met, including proof of financing and insurance.
- Annual reporting and financial statements may be required, and funding can be clawed back if targets are not met.
Additional information
- Applicants are encouraged to discuss the project with a regional advisor before applying.
- The program is discretionary and competitive; eligibility does not guarantee funding.
- Approved projects must enter into a funding agreement with Ontario.
- Public announcements and public access to the funding agreement may apply, with sensitive information redacted.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Development Program Program
What is the Regional Development Program?
This program supports business growth and regional development in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. It provides funding for equipment, training, productivity, innovation, market expansion, and job creation, with support of up to 15% of eligible project costs.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Development Program Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Regional Development Program program?
To be eligible for the Regional Development Program program, you must:
Incorporated for-profit business in Ontario
At least 3 years of operations
Project in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario
What expenses are eligible under Regional Development Program?
Investment in new equipment and technology
Training to improve productivity and competitiveness
Expansion of existing operations
Launch of new products, services, or markets
New operations in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Development Program?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at rdp@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-800-267-6592.
Where is the Regional Development Program available?
The Regional Development Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Regional Development Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Development Program is a Grant and Funding