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Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses

Funding for rural business growth in Ontario

Offered by

Government of Ontario

Official source: hiltontownship.ca

Source change captured October 11, 2026

Funding available: $ 1,000 - $ 10,000; Up to 35% of project cost
Deadline: February 25, 2027
Location: Ontario, Canada
Who can apply: Currently Operating Business; See full eligibility

Overview

This program offers up to $10,000 in cost-share funding for rural businesses in Ontario. It supports market development, cybersecurity, succession planning, and accessibility improvements.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $10,000
Minimum funding: $1,000
Maximum share of project costs: 35%

Financing goals

Increase performance through digital transformation
Develop strategic partnerships
Increase social or community impact
Attract or retain talent
Increase operational productivity
Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Strengthen organizational capacity
Strengthen cybersecurity
Access new markets
Digitize or modernize organizational tools
Launch or market a product/service
Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location: Ontario
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: 1-20 employees
Audience: Indigenous Peoples
Rural or Northern Residents
Canadians
Startups
Legal structures: All legal structures

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 5

Latest changes

October 11, 2026

Application instructions updated

The How to apply page now tells applicants to download, save and complete the application form without showing the prior download link in Step 1.

The How to apply instructions were revised so Step 1 no longer displays the downloadable application-form link and now only says to download, save and complete the application form. The submission email address and the listed application steps remain on the same page, and no deadline or application window changed in the affected source.

Official source: hiltontownship.ca

October 11, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Currently Operating Business
Small brick and mortar businesses in rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees

Who is not eligible

Businesses that have less than 1 employee (self-employed) or greater than 20 employees on their payroll
Applicants that have received other provincial funding for the same Project
Applicants that have received ROD Program funding in a prior application period

Eligible expenses

Professional fees related to the project
New software and service fees
Marketing, branding, and promotion costs
Minor accessibility-related capital costs
Training and professional development fees

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Loan refinancing, debt restructuring, and fundraising
Lobbying activities or government influence
Major capital costs
Recurring software subscriptions, web hosting, and domain renewals
General operating costs, salaries of existing staff, and in-kind contributions

Eligible geographic areas

Rural Ontario

Activities funded

Market development
Enhancing cyber security
Succession planning
Accessibility improvements

How to apply

Step 1: Download and complete the application form
- Save and fill out the application form.
Step 2: Prepare supporting documents
- Attach the completed application.
- Attach quotes or estimates for eligible costs over $2,500.
- Include any additional supporting documents if needed.
Step 3: Submit by email
- Email the completed application to RODprogram@ontario.ca.
- Use multiple emails if attachments are over 10 MB.
Step 4: Await confirmation and review
- Receive a confirmation email with an application number within five business days.
- Eligible applications are then assessed after the intake closes.

Documents Needed

Completed application form
Supporting quotes or estimates for costs over $2,500
Project work plan and budget
Partner support letters, if applicable
Supporting documents showing project need or viability, if applicable

Selection criteria

Alignment with program outcomes
Clear project description and economic need
Partnerships and community support
Performance measures and viability
Work plan and budget quality

Processing and Agreement

Once an application has been submitted and the application period closes, each application will be assessed
All eligible applications that complete Stage 1 will be reviewed by the Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel
The Applicant will be notified as funding decisions are reached, usually within 3 months from the posted application period closure date
If successful, the Applicant will receive a letter of approval and must sign a Contribution Agreement
Claims for approved Projects are submitted through an online portal, and there is a 10% holdback until the final report is received and approved by the Province

Additional information

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program uses intake periods with set deadlines.
Applicants may discuss Indigenous-specific flexibility with program staff.
Successful applicants must sign a Contribution Agreement.

Contacts

RODprogram@ontario.ca

1-877-424-1300

Official sources

hiltontownship.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses Program

What is the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses?

This program offers up to $10,000 in cost-share funding for rural businesses in Ontario. It supports market development, cybersecurity, succession planning, and accessibility improvements.

How much funding can be received?

Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was February 25, 2027.

Who is eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses program?

To be eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses program, you must: Small operating business Located in rural Ontario Open at application

What expenses are eligible under Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses?

Professional fees related to the project New software and service fees Marketing, branding, and promotion costs Minor accessibility-related capital costs Training and professional development fees

Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses?

You can contact Government of Ontario by email at RODprogram@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-877-424-1300.

Where is the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses available?

The Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses program is available the province of Ontario.

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