Closed
Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses
Funding for rural business growth in Ontario
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 35% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-20 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Market development projects
- Cybersecurity improvement projects
- Succession planning projects
- Accessibility improvement projects
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
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses
- Currently operating businesses
- Brick-and-mortar businesses
Who is not eligible
- Self-employed businesses with fewer than 1 employee
- Businesses with more than 20 employees
- Businesses with multiple locations
- Businesses that received prior ROD funding
- Businesses receiving other provincial funding for the same project
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
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
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.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for completeness and eligibility
- Eligible applications are reviewed by the advisory panel
- The Minister makes the final funding decision
- Successful applicants receive a letter of approval and must sign a Contribution Agreement
- Claims are submitted through an online portal after approval
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
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.
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?
Market development projects
Cybersecurity improvement projects
Succession planning projects
Accessibility improvement projects
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.
Is the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses is a Grant and Funding