Closed
Rural Innovation Fund (RIF)
Supports rural Northwestern Ontario communities adopting innovative solutions
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) provides up to $10,000 to businesses, not-for-profits, and communities in Northwestern Ontario (with populations under 3,000) to implement innovative solutions addressing local gaps. Eligible activities include projects related to housing, food security, energy sustainability, information technology, industry and entrepreneurial capacity, and feasibility studies.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Housing
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects addressing gaps in community housing.
- Initiatives to enhance food security within the community.
- Development of energy sustainability solutions.
- Implementation of information technology improvements.
- Activities aimed at increasing industry or entrepreneurial capacity, including feasibility studies.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses located in rural and Indigenous communities in Northwestern Ontario (population less than 3,000)
- Not-for-profit organizations based in eligible communities
- Community organizations from eligible small, rural, and remote communities
- Entrepreneurs operating within the specified regions
Eligible expenses
- Expenses related to addressing housing gaps.
- Costs associated with improving food security.
- Expenditures for enhancing energy sustainability.
- Information technology-related expenses.
- Industry capacity development costs.
- Entrepreneurial capacity building expenses.
- Costs for conducting feasibility studies.
Eligible geographic areas
- Communities in Northwestern Ontario with a population of less than 3,000 people.
Additional information
- This program is no longer accepting applications.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Innovation Fund (RIF). 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 Innovation Fund (RIF)?
The Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) provides up to $10,000 to businesses, not-for-profits, and communities in Northwestern Ontario (with populations under 3,000) to implement innovative solutions addressing local gaps. Eligible activities include projects related to housing, food security, energy sustainability, information technology, industry and entrepreneurial capacity, and feasibility studies.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) program?
To be eligible for the Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) program, you must:
Business must be located in Northwestern Ontario
Community population must be less than 3,000 people
What expenses are eligible under Rural Innovation Fund (RIF)?
Projects addressing gaps in community housing.
Initiatives to enhance food security within the community.
Development of energy sustainability solutions.
Implementation of information technology improvements.
Activities aimed at increasing industry or entrepreneurial capacity, including feasibility studies.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Innovation Fund (RIF)?
You can contact Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) by email at chathura@nwoinnovation.ca or by phone at 1-807-768-6682.
Where is the Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) available?
The Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) is a Grant and Funding