Funding Opportunities/Programs

Funding and Grant Opportunities

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Community Economic Development and Diversification

Community Economic Development and Diversification

Funding under this stream aims to generate sustainable, inclusive growth and help small and rural communities in southern Ontario to fully participate in, and benefit from economic opportunities. Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact FedDev Ontario prior to submitting an application for funding through the website.

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:

• Get inspired by reading some of our success stories.
• Start the application process by using the Applicant toolkit at the top of this page.

Not the stream for you?

• See what other FedDev Ontario support is available. Review more funding opportunities or visit our business services page.

https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/feddev-ontario/en/funding-southern-ontario-organizations/community-economic-development-and-diversification