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Source verified May 1, 2026
Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects
Support for business growth in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario
Offered by
Latest source updateLast Update: May 9, 2026Latest change: The guidelines now include project eligibility criteria and funding agreement terms, expanding the visible guidance beyond the job-creation appendix.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 9, 2026
Latest change: The guidelines now include project eligibility criteria and funding agreement terms, expanding the visible guidance beyond the job-creation appendix.
Regional Development Program guidelines updated
The visible guidance now adds a new Project eligibility and criteria section, including eligible and ineligible project types and sector exclusions. It also adds Appendix C with funding agreement terms, covering disbursement conditions, payment timing, clawbacks, and loan forgiveness reductions. The job-creation appendix remains in place, but the overall content now gives a broader picture of what projects may qualify and what funding conditions apply.
Funding available
$ 200,000 - $ 1,500,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports business and community projects in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. It offers up to 15% financing for eligible investments, including business growth, productivity, innovation, skills development, new markets, and job creation.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 10 employees minimum
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business expansion projects in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario
- New operations in eligible Ontario regions
- Investment in equipment, technology, training, and innovation
- Introduction of new products, services, or markets
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Cash flow forecast
- Articles of incorporation or letters patent
- Corporate family tree
- Financial statements for the last three fiscal years
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses in Eastern Ontario
- Businesses in Southwestern Ontario
- Municipalities
- Economic development organizations
- Sector organizations
Who is not eligible
- Businesses focused on retail, consulting, personal services, electricity generation, waste management, recycling, or information and communication services.
- Standalone restaurants and hotels.
- Projects involving refinancing, acquisitions, or relocation within Ontario.
- Primary production activities and university research.
Eligible expenses
- Construction, upgrades, and site servicing for project facilities
- Equipment and machinery needed for the project
- Project-related labour, specialized expertise, and training costs
- Project materials, permits, inspections, and related fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing operating or production costs
- Land, building purchases, and landscaping
- Vehicles, off-site equipment, travel, hospitality, and meal expenses
- Consultant fees for preparing the funding application
- Refinancing, acquisitions, restructurings, and relocations within Ontario
Eligible geographic areas
- Eastern Ontario
- Southwestern Ontario
- Frontenac, Haliburton, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and Addington, Muskoka, Northumberland, Ottawa, Peterborough, Prescott and Russell, Prince Edward, Renfrew, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
- Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Elgin, Essex, Grey, Haldimand, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Niagara, Norfolk, Oxford, Perth, Simcoe, Waterloo, Wellington
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the fund’s goals for investment attraction and job creation.
- Economic benefits for the region or sector.
- Project feasibility, including financing, management structure, and experience.
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the online self-assessment
- Use the online eligibility self-assessment tool for the relevant program stream.
- Step 2: Contact a regional advisor
- Get help with preparing your application.
- Step 3: Register in Transfer Payment Ontario
- Create your account in the provincial online grant system before applying.
- Step 4: Complete and submit the application in TPON
- Work with your advisor to complete and submit the application form and required additional information.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the intake deadline.
- Applicants are notified of the decision within about 60 business days.
- Approval and payment depend on the program’s review process and conditions.
Additional information
- Applicants must speak with a regional advisor before applying.
- Applications are submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
- The program is discretionary and funding is not guaranteed.
- Approved projects may be subject to public reporting and announcements.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects Program
What is the Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects?
This program supports business and community projects in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. It offers up to 15% financing for eligible investments, including business growth, productivity, innovation, skills development, new markets, and job creation.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects program?
To be eligible for the Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects program, you must:
Three years of operations or financials
Minimum staffing and job creation
Project in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario
What expenses are eligible under Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects?
Business expansion projects in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario
New operations in eligible Ontario regions
Investment in equipment, technology, training, and innovation
Introduction of new products, services, or markets
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at rdp@ontario.ca or by phone at 416-314-8880.
Where is the Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects available?
The Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects is a Other Support