Closed
Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream
Funding for rural economic growth projects
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 250,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- 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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $250,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 50%
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Start a business
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
- Renovate or expand facilities
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
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
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Availability timeline
2025
Periods: 1
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
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
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application
- Fill out the RED Program application form.
- Complete the co-applicant form, if applicable.
- Step 2: Gather supporting documents
- Prepare the required and optional supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit by email
- Email the completed application and documents to RED@ontario.ca.
- Step 4: Receive confirmation
- Wait for the confirmation email with your application number.
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
Selection criteria
- Alignment with RED program outcomes
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Reduction of economic barriers
- Regional, sector, or value chain impact
- Project work plan, budget, financial commitment, sustainability, and oversight
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.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream Program
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?
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
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream?
You can contact Government of Ontario 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