Closed
Source verified July 24, 2026
Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development
Support for rural business development projects
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Latest source updateLast Update: July 23, 2026Latest change: A Rural Ontario Development Program business development guide is now visible, adding application and eligibility details for that stream.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 23, 2026
Latest change: A Rural Ontario Development Program business development guide is now visible, adding application and eligibility details for that stream.
Business Development Guidelines Added
A Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Business Development guidelines page is now visible alongside the Community Development content. The new guide explains that applications are assessed against the guidelines, funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants and projects, and an applicant may have only one successful application under the program. It also adds process and timeline details for this stream, including that a business that has received ROD funding in a prior intake is not eligible for further funding and that projects for the second intake must be completed by February 15, 2027.
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 250,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Currently operating businesses in Rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Rural Ontario Development Program supports currently operating businesses in Rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees through 35% cost-share funding up to $10,000 for business growth. Eligible projects include market development, enhancing cyber security, and accessibility improvements, with funding for professional fees, technology costs, and marketing and promotion-related costs.
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Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 35% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Market development projects.
- Enhancing cyber security projects.
- Succession planning projects.
- Accessibility improvements projects.
Documents Needed
- A completed ROD Program application.
- Quotes or estimates for costs of goods and services valued over $2,500 to support the Project budget.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Currently operating businesses in Rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses with less than 1 employee or greater than 20 employees on their payroll.
- Businesses with multiple locations, where only a single location is eligible.
- Applicants that have received other provincial funding for the same Project.
- Applicants that have received ROD Program funding in a prior intake.
Eligible expenses
- New hires who work 100% on Project-related activities, including wages and mandatory employer-related costs, and related laptops, computers, software, travel in Ontario, portable internet services, cell phones, cellular network services, and professional development costs.
- Project-related professional fees, including legal, architectural, engineering, environmental, surveys, project management, audio visual, marketing and promotions, consulting, and accounting fees.
- Technology costs for project-related computer, communications, and audio or video equipment, and project-related software.
- Events, marketing and promotion costs, including design, branding and production of materials excluding giveaway items, media, promotions or advertising, distribution costs, venue rental fees, and one-time tradeshow entrance or exhibit fees.
- Minor capital costs for accessibility improvements, training registration fees related to cyber-security, succession planning or market development, travel, meal and hotel costs within Ontario for new market development activities, and honorariums for Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Employee expenses not related to new hires, including direct wage subsidies for existing staff on Project-related activities, administrative fees charged by the Applicant, taxable honoraria or per diems, membership costs, and travel and meals for consultants and existing staff.
- Administrative costs, including financing and financing charges, debt restructuring, loan interest payments, bank fees, and preparing an application, claim submission or reporting requirements for any program.
- Recurring software licenses or fees; vehicles, transportation equipment, material handling equipment, and agricultural, construction or mining equipment.
- Events, hospitality and promotion costs such as catering, food and refreshments, alcohol, gifts, awards, prizes or incentives, fundraising, sponsorships, private sector events, events that have already occurred, and giveaway items.
- Major capital costs; normal business practice costs; activities that influence or lobby any level of government; permits and approvals; contingencies; deposits; refunds or rebates; projects with the sole purpose of becoming compliant with current Requirements of Law, including accessibility laws; and projects seeking to ready a property for immediate or imminent sale.
Selection criteria
- Applications are scored, in order of importance, on ROD Program outcomes, project description, partnerships and community support, project need, performance measures, project work plan and budget, sustainability, and financial commitment.
- Indigenous community or Indigenous non-profit organization projects receive additional consideration for partnerships and community support and financial commitment.
- Projects requesting up to $25,000 in provincial funding are not evaluated on performance measures and sustainability.
How to apply
- Download, save and complete the application form.
- Email RODprogram@ontario.ca with a completed ROD Program application and quotes or estimates for costs of goods and services valued over $2,500 to support the Project budget; if attachments are greater than 10 MB, send multiple emails and ensure the subject line remains consistent.
Processing and Agreement
- If the Applicant is successful, the Applicant receives a letter of approval and must sign a Contribution Agreement before receiving any Funds.
- Claims for approved Projects are submitted through an online portal, and all submitted costs must be eligible, incurred, and paid in full.
- A proof of payment must identify who paid, who received the payment, the goods or services provided, and the date of payment.
- The Applicant’s information must be up to date with Transfer Payment Ontario and Supply Ontario.
- To close the Project, the Applicant must submit a final report by the deadline in the Contribution Agreement, and 10% of Project reimbursement is held back until the final report is received and accepted by the Province and all other requirements have been met.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed after the intake period closes.
- The program uses a contribution agreement with the Province of Ontario.
- Applicants may be asked to discuss flexibility with program staff, especially Indigenous businesses.
- The Province may publish project and funding information if an application is found eligible.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development Program
What is the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development?
The Rural Ontario Development Program supports currently operating businesses in Rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees through 35% cost-share funding up to $10,000 for business growth. Eligible projects include market development, enhancing cyber security, and accessibility improvements, with funding for professional fees, technology costs, and marketing and promotion-related costs.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development program?
To be eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development program, you must:
Currently operating business with 1 to 20 employees on its current payroll and for the duration of the Project, excluding the owner(s) of the business.
Physically located in Rural Ontario.
Open for business and compliant with legal and tax requirements.
What expenses are eligible under Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development?
Market development projects.
Enhancing cyber security projects.
Succession planning projects.
Accessibility improvements projects.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development?
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 (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development available?
The Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development is a Grant and Funding