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Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) - Ontario - Canada
Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026

Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program)

Funding for rural business and agri-tourism growth
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply

Municipalities

See full eligibility

Overview

This program supports rural economic development, business growth, and agri-tourism initiatives. It offers up to $15,000 for building permit and planning fees, and up to $15,000 for construction costs.
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At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 150,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 1-20 employees
Audience
  • All groups

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Establishment or expansion of agri-tourism, on-farm diversified, rural commercial, industrial, or commercial recreational uses.
  • Development or redevelopment of non-residential uses in the rural area.
  • New construction, renovation, or redevelopment of buildings tied to eligible uses.
  • Permanent improvements to building facades, signage, equipment, structures, and landscaping.

Official resources

Program guide

strathroy caradoc cip financial incentive program rural economic development program

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Municipalities
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Indigenous communities or organizations
  • Local service boards
  • Small businesses with 1 to 20 employees

Eligible expenses

  • Building permit and planning fees.
  • Construction costs for eligible works.
  • Permanent equipment and structures directly tied to the use.
  • Site and building improvements, including facades, signage, landscaping, and beautification.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Improvements to dwellings or parts of dwellings used for a home-based business, unless otherwise approved by the municipality.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Rural areas of Ontario

Selection criteria

  • Permanent physical improvement of eligible properties and buildings is preferred.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review the program guidelines
    • Read the development business or community guidelines.
    • Check the eligibility, funding streams, and application requirements.
  • Step 2: Download the application
    • Obtain the application form for the appropriate intake period.
  • Step 3: Submit the application by email
    • Send the completed application to RODprogram@ontario.ca before the deadline.

Processing and Agreement

  • Eligible applications are assessed against the criteria in the program guidelines.
  • Applicants are usually notified of funding decisions within three months after the application deadline.
  • The review timeline may vary.

Additional information

  • The program provides cost-shared funding.
  • Applicants are directed to review the program guidelines before applying.
  • Applications are accepted during fixed intake periods.

Contacts

Other components of this program

Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) Program

What is the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program)?

This program supports rural economic development, business growth, and agri-tourism initiatives. It offers up to $15,000 for building permit and planning fees, and up to $15,000 for construction costs.

How much funding can be received?

Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) program?

To be eligible for the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) program, you must: Eligible organization or small business Project in rural Ontario Eligible rural business use

What expenses are eligible under Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program)?

Establishment or expansion of agri-tourism, on-farm diversified, rural commercial, industrial, or commercial recreational uses. Development or redevelopment of non-residential uses in the rural area. New construction, renovation, or redevelopment of buildings tied to eligible uses. Permanent improvements to building facades, signage, equipment, structures, and landscaping.

Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program)?

You can contact Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc by email at RODprogram@ontario.ca or by phone at 1 877 424-1300.

Where is the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) available?

The Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) is a Grant and Funding