Closed
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.
Official resources
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
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