
Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Financing for Indigenous businesses and organizations in Southern Ontario
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : November 1, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Access funding to increase production capacity, develop new products, services, solutions, or provide support and services for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.
Activities funded
The Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous supports a variety of projects designed to boost economic development and capacity building among Indigenous communities in southern Ontario. The eligible activities focus on enhancing production, developing new products, and fostering business and community growth.
- Increase production capacity, purchase and install equipment.
- Develop new products, services, or solutions.
- Access services or expertise necessary to complete projects.
- Participate in trade shows, business functions, or other market development activities.
- Strengthen business, management, and marketing capacity.
- Attract and develop workers.
- Invest in businesses in your region and provide financial support to advance community interests.
- Provide services for Indigenous businesses, such as access to capital, networking, and mentoring opportunities.
- Enable First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples’ participation in new or growing sectors.
- Offer services to support a skilled workforce among Indigenous businesses.
- Increase technical and managerial capacity of Indigenous businesses.
- Develop new tools, technology, products, services, or systems for Indigenous economic development.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 140,000
Develop an online platform for Indigenous artisans to sell their products worldwide
$ 68,000
Participate in international trade shows to market eco-friendly Indigenous apparel
$ 80,000
Develop a mentorship program for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the tech industry
$ 36,000
Increase technical capacity by adopting new software for an Indigenous-owned marketing firm
$ 60,000
Purchase equipment to increase the production of organic honey by an Indigenous cooperative
$ 200,000
Purchase and install advanced machinery to increase production capacity for a local furniture manufacturer
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's identity and proposed activities.
- The applicant must be an Indigenous business or entrepreneur, Indigenous economic development corporation, or Indigenous not-for-profit organization or association.
- The applicant must operate within the FedDev Ontario catchment area, specifically in southern Ontario covering any of the 37 recognized Statistics Canada census divisions.
Who is eligible?
Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, economic development corporations (IEDCs), and not-for-profit organizations or associations in southern Ontario.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports initiatives aimed at fostering economic development and increasing Indigenous participation in the economy of southern Ontario. Eligible projects are focused on capacity building, enhancing services, and investing in infrastructure for Indigenous businesses and organizations.
- Increase production capacity, purchase and install equipment for Indigenous businesses or IEDCs.
- Develop new products, services or solutions for the market.
- Access necessary services or expertise to complete projects.
- Participate in trade shows, business functions or other market development activities.
- Strengthen business, management and marketing capacities.
- Attract and develop a skilled workforce.
- Invest in businesses in the region and provide financial support to advance community interests.
- Provide services such as access to capital, networking, and mentoring for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Promote participation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in new or growing sectors.
- Offer services to support a skilled workforce in Indigenous businesses.
- Increase technical and managerial capacity of Indigenous businesses.
- Develop new tools, technologies, products, services, or systems for economic development.
Eligible geographic areas
Funding is provided to qualifying Indigenous businesses and organizations located within specific areas of southern Ontario. Eligibility is determined based on geographical alignment with FedDev Ontario's mandate.
- Brant
- Bruce
- Chatham-Kent
- Dufferin
- Durham
- Elgin
- Essex
- Frontenac
- Grey
- Haldimand–Norfolk
- Haliburton
- Halton
- Hamilton
- Hastings
- Huron
- Kawartha Lakes
- Lambton
- Lanark
- Leeds and Grenville
- Lennox and Addington
- Middlesex
- Niagara
- Northumberland
- Ottawa
- Oxford
- Peel
- Perth
- Peterborough
- Prescott and Russell
- Prince Edward and Lambton
- Renfrew
- Simcoe
- Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
- Toronto
- Waterloo
- Wellington
- York
Selection criteria
- Projects must be in southern Ontario - Projects must benefit Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, economic development corporations (IEDCs), or not-for-profit organizations or associations - Projects must align with the funding objectives outlined in the grant information - Projects must demonstrate a clear plan on how the funding will be used to achieve the desired outcomes - Projects must show potential for economic development and positive impact on Indigenous communities - Projects must meet the full eligibility requirements outlined by FedDev Ontario for Indigenous businesses and organizations
How to apply
1
Initial Contact
- Reach out to the dedicated team at FedDev Ontario via email at .
- Discuss your project idea and objectives related to economic development.
2
Consultation
- Engage in a conversation with FedDev Ontario officers to understand the available programs and services.
- Clarify eligibility requirements and potential funding opportunities for your project.
3
Develop Proposal
- Based on guidance received, prepare a detailed project proposal explaining the scope and goals.
- Gather any necessary documentation as suggested during your consultation.
4
Submit Proposal
Submit your detailed project proposal to the FedDev Ontario team via the contact email provided.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- FedDev Ontario proudly acknowledges its head office is on land traditionally occupied by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral Peoples, highlighting the importance of Indigenous stewardship over the land.
- Beyond individual projects, FedDev Ontario is actively involved in supporting Indigenous economic ecosystems through collaborative efforts like the Aboriginal Impact Capital and partnerships with national Indigenous organizations.
- FedDev Ontario supports initiatives that prioritize and foster the success of Indigenous women's businesses through targeted funding programs.
Documents and links
Contacts
indigenous-autochtones@feddevontario.gc.ca
1-877-553-5507
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous. 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 Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous?
Who is eligible for the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous?
Where is the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous available?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous program?

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