Closed
Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream
Funding for rural economic growth projects
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Closing date : February 21, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $150,000 for rural Ontario projects that support economic diversification and competitiveness. It funds activities such as business growth, workforce attraction, digital adoption, and regional marketing.
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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
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : February 21, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business start-up or succession support
- Business retention and expansion initiatives
- Downtown revitalization projects
- Technology adoption and workforce attraction initiatives
- Minor capital infrastructure projects for community assets
Documents Needed
- Completed RED Program application form
- Co-applicant form, if applicable
- Supplemental documents, if included
- Letters of support from partners, if applicable
- Quotes or estimates supporting the project budget
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Municipalities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Ontario Indigenous communities or organizations
- Local Services Boards
Who is not eligible
- Businesses
- Individuals
- Research institutions or organizations whose main activity is research and development
- Not-for-profit organizations that are not incorporated
Eligible expenses
- New hire wages and employer-related costs for project work
- Professional fees, including legal, engineering, consulting, accounting, and project management
- Project-related technology, software, marketing, promotion, and venue rental
- Training development, speaker fees, materials, and supplies for eligible diversification projects
- Minor capital costs for eligible infrastructure projects, including materials, labour, equipment, and signage
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Business activities such as insurance, taxes, office space, utilities, and regular maintenance
- Food, catering, gifts, fundraising, sponsorships, and giveaway items
- Major capital projects, including new construction, roads, bridges, and broadband infrastructure
- Vehicles, transportation equipment, and agricultural, construction, or mining machinery
- Lobbying activities, debt restructuring, application preparation, and in-kind contributions
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for completeness and basic eligibility after the intake closes.
- Eligible applications are scored against program criteria and outcomes.
- Applications are then reviewed by the Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel.
- The Minister makes the final funding decision.
- Approved applicants must sign a contribution agreement before receiving funds.
Additional information
- The program is closed and not accepting applications.
- Applications are assessed through a competitive process after intake closes.
- Lead applicants may submit quotes and estimates to strengthen the application.
- Applicants must keep project information up to date in Transfer Payment Ontario and Supply Ontario if approved.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream. 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 Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream?
This program provides up to $150,000 for rural Ontario projects that support economic diversification and competitiveness. It funds activities such as business growth, workforce attraction, digital adoption, and regional marketing.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream program?
To be eligible for the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream program, you must:
Municipality, not-for-profit, Indigenous organization, or Local Services Board.
Project must benefit rural Ontario.
Must comply with legal requirements.
What expenses are eligible under Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream?
Business start-up or succession support
Business retention and expansion initiatives
Downtown revitalization projects
Technology adoption and workforce attraction initiatives
Minor capital infrastructure projects for community assets
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON) by email at ruralaffairs@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-877-424-1300.
Where is the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream available?
The Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream is a Grant and Funding