Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous

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?

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

- 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

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.