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Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program)
Funding for rural business and agri-tourism growth
Last Update: May 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
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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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Retail trade
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
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.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Economic Development Program – Rural Economy & Agri-Tourism (CIP Financial Incentive Program). 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 – 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