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
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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Ontario Development Program – Funding for Rural Businesses. 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 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 (ON) 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