Community Economic Development and Diversification


Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact FedDev Ontario prior to submitting an application for funding through the website.

Applicant toolkit

Rural innovation and growth

FedDev Ontario is dedicating $100 million, from its three funding streams, for projects in rural southern Ontario.

Driving innovation and growth:

  • To continue driving innovation and growth in the region, FedDev Ontario has been provided over $1 billion in new funding.

FedDev Ontario is looking for:

  • Businesses or not-for-profit organizations in small communities who are working to develop, diversify and transform their local economies.
  • Rural partners to help address the unique economic conditions in small towns and rural communities.

Applications can be submitted for:

  • Non-repayable contributions from $250,000 up to $5 million per project for not-for-profit organizations.
  • No interest, repayable contributions from $250,000 up to $5 million per project for incorporated businesses, including Indigenous businesses.

Funding is available to:

  • Enhance business attraction, investment, retention and employment opportunities in southern Ontario communities.
  • Develop and expand collaborative efforts that strengthen regional competitiveness.
  • Support regional businesses, hubs and communities with the goal of economic diversification, integration and transformation.

Examples of projects include:

  • Creating financing opportunities to reduce risk and enable businesses to make investments in innovative technologies.
  • Integrating local businesses into national or global supply chains.

Next steps:

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