Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream
ON, Canada
Cost-share funding for rural economic development
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ministry of Agriculture
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive up to $150,000 to cover a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs that remove barriers to business and job growth, support investment attraction, strengthen sector and regional partnerships, and diversify regional economies in rural Ontario.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Rural Economic Development program under the Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream offers structured funding to support rural communities in Ontario. The modalities ensure shared financial responsibility between the grant provider and recipients to maximize economic impact.
- Cost-share funding up to 50% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum contribution of $150,000.
- Payments based on eligible project costs as detailed in the application.
- Potential for reduced funding amounts or percentages, respecting stream-specific limits.
- Requirement to enter a contribution agreement with the Province of Ontario.
- All costs for projects must be non-capital in nature.
- No increase in the maximum eligible costs once established.
- The project duration cannot be extended without prior written approval from OMAFRA.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream under the RED program supports projects that aim to enhance economic growth and job creation in rural Ontario. The eligible activities focus on business development, community revitalization, worker attraction, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Projects supporting entrepreneurship and business succession like mentorship programs and succession planning assistance.
- Business retention and expansion activities such as business data collection and implementing action plans to support local companies.
- Downtown revitalization initiatives involving customer traffic growth and business attraction through marketing efforts.
- Technology adoption projects that facilitate digital training and improve business digital capabilities.
- Strategies targeting the attraction and retention of workers, including marketing campaigns and workforce policy improvements.
- Collaborative marketing efforts promoting tourism or investment across regional communities.
- Sector and value chain development projects that foster collaboration and specialized training across different economic sectors.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 75,000
Rehabilitate a local heritage site to boost cultural tourism and community engagement
$ 37,500
Create a collaborative marketing campaign to boost tourism in the region
$ 60,000
Establish a technology adoption initiative for local manufacturers to increase productivity
$ 50,000
Launch a downtown revitalization project to repurpose vacant buildings into coworking spaces
$ 75,000
Redevelop an underutilized building into an arts and culture community center
$ 50,000
Develop a training program to attract and retain skilled workers in the tech sector
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires applicants to meet specific organizational criteria.
- The applicant must be a municipality.
- The applicant must be a not-for-profit entity.
- The applicant must be an Ontario Indigenous community or organization.
- The applicant must be a Local Services Board.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible to apply for the Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream of the Rural Economic Development program, applicants must be one of the following:- A municipality in Ontario- A not-for-profit entity- An Indigenous community or organization in Ontario- A Local Services Board in Ontario. These entities must aim to engage in projects that position rural communities to attract and retain jobs, foster investment, and enhance economic growth through eligible non-capital project types.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- For-profit businesses
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream covers a range of non-capital expenses that align with the goal of supporting rural economic development projects.
- Coaching and mentorship services for business succession and start-up projects.
- Costs related to familiarization tours to connect business buyers with retiring owners.
- Activities associated with the collection of business and market data.
- Development and implementation of action plans for business retention and expansion.
- Marketing activities to attract new businesses to downtown areas.
- Digital training and support services aimed at improving digital capabilities.
- Coordination services for business approvals like licensing and permits.
- Implementation of workforce attraction marketing campaigns.
- Costs for career days/events designed to attract workers.
- Network development activities for service providers and businesses.
- Sector or value chain development activities, such as buyer-seller forums and specialized business training.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available for entities operating within specific geographical areas in Ontario, Canada. Eligibility is limited to rural communities in Ontario to ensure the alignment with the Rural Economic Development program’s goals.
- Rural communities in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects under the Rural Economic Development program’s Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream are based on specific criteria to ensure projects contribute to the economic growth and development of rural Ontario.
- Basic eligibility criteria, including the requirement that projects take place in and benefit rural Ontario.
- Alignment with the RED program’s outcomes.
- Collaboration and partnerships involved in the project.
- Efforts to reduce economic barriers.
- Potential regional, sector, or value chain impacts.
- Comprehensiveness of the project work plan.
- Project budget, focusing on reasonable and eligible project costs.
- Financial commitment from the applicants.
- Sustainability of the project beyond the timelines.
- Project oversight and management capabilities.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Read the RED program guidelines to understand eligibility, program funding, and application requirements.
- Ensure your organization and project meet all the specified criteria.
- Step 2: Develop Project Proposal
- Identify the appropriate program stream for your project: Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream or Strategic Economic Infrastructure Stream.
- Prepare a proposal detailing objectives, anticipated outcomes, and the economic impact on rural Ontario.
- Identify necessary partnerships or collaborations to strengthen your application.
- Step 3: Prepare Documentation
- Compile required documentation, including project budget, timelines, and any existing strategic or business plans.
- Collect supporting materials such as letters of support from partners or stakeholders.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Submit the application through the designated platform or mailing address as specified in the program guidelines.
- Ensure all sections of the application form are complete and accurate before submission.
- Step 5: Receive Confirmation
- Await confirmation from the RED program on receipt of your application.
- Retain confirmation details for your records, which might include an application reference number.
- Step 6: Communication and Follow-up
- Monitor communication from the RED program for any further requirements or updates regarding your application status.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The RED program is currently closed and is not accepting applications.
- Applicants must enter into a contribution agreement with the Province of Ontario if selected.
- Funding may be provided at a reduced amount or percentage than requested.
- The project’s maximum eligible costs cannot be increased, and the timeframe cannot be extended without written approval.
- The lead applicant is notified of funding decisions usually within 3 months from the intake closure.
Apply to this program
Boosting Ontario's Rural Economic Development
The Rural Economic Development program is vital for empowering rural communities across Ontario. Offering essential funding support, this program is designed to create jobs, enhance local economies, and address specific regional challenges.
Diving Into the Rural Economic Development Program
The Rural Economic Development (RED) program plays an indispensable role in fostering growth and sustainability within Ontario's rural communities. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities present in these areas, the program specifically targets economic diversification and job creation to ensure that rural communities can thrive alongside their urban counterparts. By providing financial backing, the RED program empowers municipalities, not-for-profits, Indigenous communities, and Local Services Boards to launch projects that would otherwise remain out of reach. The focus is on overcoming barriers to economic growth and labor market challenges while bolstering community infrastructure.
The RED program is structured into two main streams: Economic Diversification and Competitiveness, and Strategic Economic Infrastructure. Each stream addresses different aspects of rural economic needs and offers tailored financial support accordingly. The Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream is aimed at non-capital projects that stimulate entrepreneurship, attract investment, and facilitate workforce development. It funds initiatives focused on business retention and expansion, downtown revitalization, technological adoption, and sector development, amongst others. By allocating up to 50% funding for eligible project costs, the program helps communities to implement proactive solutions that address their unique economic challenges.
Strategic Economic Infrastructure funding is focused on minor capital projects. By rehabilitating cultural, heritage, or tourism attractions, communities can leverage existing assets to spur economic growth. Projects might include revitalizing historical sites, developing public amenities like recreational trails, or transforming underutilized spaces into dynamic hubs for innovation and business incubation. The funding covers up to 30% of eligible project costs, enabling communities to enhance their physical infrastructure strategically.
One of the program’s significant strengths is its ability to foster collaboration among regional stakeholders by aligning projects with broader provincial objectives. This synergy helps to ensure that investments are impactful at both local and regional levels. Projects must demonstrate regional collaboration, partnership in execution, and a clear alignment with RED program objectives. Moreover, due diligence in financial commitments and sustainability beyond the project's timeframe is required, ensuring that the benefits delivered by a project persist well into the future.
While the RED program is currently not accepting new applications, its ongoing legacy demonstrates the power of strategic financial intervention in rural economic development. Through past iterations, many communities have witnessed transformative changes by modernizing their economic frameworks and enhancing their appeal as viable locations for investments. The requirement for a stringent review process further emphasizes the program's commitment to funding truly transformative projects that have the highest potential for success and community impact.
By strategically supporting rural Ontario, the RED program not only bridges the economic gap between urban and rural regions but also contributes significantly to the overall prosperity of the province. It serves as a model of how targeted funding programs can effectively address localized challenges, laying the groundwork for sustainable, inclusive growth environments in rural settings. The RED program stands as a testament to the strength and potential inherent within Ontario's rural landscapes, providing a beacon of opportunity and innovation."
