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|openingDateJanuary 21, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 21, 2024
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|projects
This grant is available to businesses and communities located in rural areas of Ontario. The targeted geographical locations ensure support reaches communities aiming to overcome rural economic challenges.
- Businesses and municipalities in rural Ontario.
- Not-for-profit entities operating in rural Ontario.
- Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario.
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 is determined by the type of organization applying.
- The applicant must be a municipality.
- The applicant can be a not-for-profit entity.
- The organization may be an Ontario Indigenous community or organization.
- The applicant can also be a Local Services Board.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible to apply to the RED program, you must be:- a municipality- a not-for-profit entity- an Ontario Indigenous community or organization- a Local Services Board
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 RED program provides funding to support a variety of projects and activities aimed at enhancing economic growth and development in rural Ontario. These projects are designed to attract and retain businesses, improve community infrastructure, and support workforce development.
- Projects supporting business start-up or succession, including coaching and mentorship.
- Business retention and expansion initiatives collecting data and implementing plans to aid local businesses.
- Downtown revitalization efforts focused on attracting businesses and increasing customer traffic through marketing.
- Technology adoption projects that enhance digital capabilities and information economy participation.
- Programs for attracting and retaining workers, immigrants, and youth, such as workforce marketing and training.
- Collaborative marketing projects impacting multiple communities, such as tourism and investment campaigns.
- Sector and value chain development strategies focusing on collaboration and network development.
- Rehabilitation projects for cultural, heritage, or tourism attractions.
- Redevelopment of vacant buildings for economic use, like incubators or innovation hubs.
- Streetscaping and landscaping efforts to improve public area design quality.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The RED program covers eligible expenses related to project implementation and success in rural economic development.
- Non-capital costs for entrepreneurship and business succession projects, including coaching, mentorship, and business tours.
- Costs for business retention and expansion activities, such as data collection, writing and implementing action plans.
- Expenses for downtown revitalization efforts, focusing on increasing customer traffic and attracting businesses.
- Expenditures on technology adoption and innovation, like digital training and support services.
- Costs related to the attraction and retention of workers, such as workforce marketing and training programs.
- Collaborative marketing and outreach activities across multiple communities.
- Costs for sector/value chain development, including network development and specialized training.
- Minor capital costs for economic infrastructure improvements, such as rehabilitating historical buildings and redeveloping vacant spaces.
- Streetscaping and landscaping to enhance public areas, including wayfinding signage and beautification projects.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Basic eligibility criteria, included in the project, must take place in and benefit rural Ontario.
- Alignment with the RED program’s outcomes.
- Collaboration and partnerships.
- Reducing economic barriers.
- Regional, sector, or value chain impacts.
- Project work plan.
- Project budget, including reasonable and eligible project costs.
- Financial commitment.
- Sustainability beyond the project timelines.
- Project oversight.
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:
- Selected applicants must sign a contribution agreement with the Province of Ontario.
- All applicants have joint and several liability for any funded project.
- The timeframe of the project cannot be extended without written approval from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
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."
