Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now (they last closed February 26, 2026). Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
● Still available
4 other programs are open, with financing up to $150,000
- Starter Company PlusOntario's Small Business Enterprise Centres offer up to $5,000 plus training to people starting,…Grant · OntarioUp to $5,000
- BDC Financing: Start-upGet up to $150,000 in BDC financing to buy equipment, pay franchise fees, or launch marketing for your…Loan · Canada-wideUp to $150,000
- Digital Modernization and Adoption PlanGet 50% back, up to $15,000, on an expert-built digital adoption plan for your B2B product company.Grant · OntarioUp to $15,000
- Technology Equipment Loan (BDC)BDC's technology equipment loan is for businesses with at least 12 months of revenue that need…Loan · Canada-wide
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Rural Ontario Development Program
This matching grant pays back up to 35% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10,000, for rural business projects. You pay upfront and wait to be paid back. The last intake closed on February 26, 2026, so watch for the next intake before you plan. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
“This stream offers up to 35% cost-share, to a maximum of $10,000.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come before you spend; money spent before the grant is approved usually does not count.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You run a small brick-and-mortar business in rural Ontario or Northern Ontario.
- You have 1 to 20 employees and can cover the full project cost upfront.
- Your project tackles economic barriers, retains staff, or improves infrastructure.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located in a large urban center with over 100,000 people and high density, unless you are in Northern Ontario.
- You have more than 20 employees or operate as a large corporation.
- You cannot pay the full project cost upfront, since this grant reimburses you after the work is done.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $3,500 back.
Up to 35% of eligible costs, capped at $10,000 for the Business Development stream.
What may be supported
- Projects that address barriers to economic development.
- Projects that build capacity to attract, retain, and expand businesses.
- Projects that better position rural businesses to attract or retain investment.
- Projects that support jobs being attracted and retained in rural businesses.
- Infrastructure improvements that support business operations.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a detailed application, submit it by email before the deadline, and wait up to 3 months for a decision before spending.
- 01Read the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program guidelines for the Business Development stream.
- 02Download the application form from the official Ministry of Rural Affairs website.
- 03Prepare your project details, ensuring they address economic development barriers or workforce retention.
- 04Submit the completed application by email to RODprogram@ontario.ca before the intake deadline.
- 05Wait for the assessment decision, which is notified within 3 months after the intake closes.
- 06Only start spending on eligible costs after you receive approval.
Who to ask: Email: RODprogram@ontario.ca; Phone: 1-877-424-1300
Documents commonly required
- Completed application form.
- Proof of business eligibility (employee count, location).
- Project details and budget breakdown.
- Supporting documents as specified in the guidelines (confirm on the official page).
What to know before you count on it
- You pay the full cost first and claim your share back later, so you need the cash flow up front.
- The program runs in fixed intake windows, and this intake is currently closed, so watch for the next intake dates before you plan.
- Funding is budget-limited and first-come, first-served within the intake; if the pool runs out, you wait for the next round.
- The reimbursed grant portion is generally taxable income; ask your accountant.
What are your odds?
The program is closed right now. When a new intake opens, apply early, because funding is first-come, first-served and can run out. Submit before the deadline and do not start work before approval.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next deadline?
The most recent intake closed on February 26, 2026, and applications are not open right now. Check the official program page for the next intake dates before you plan your project.
Do I get paid before I start the work?
No. This is a cost-share reimbursement model. You pay the full cost first, then claim your share back after approval and completion.
Is my business in an eligible rural area?
Eligible areas include census subdivisions with under 100,000 population, density under 100 people/km², Northern Ontario, or rural postal codes within urban municipalities. Confirm on the official page.
Is the grant money taxable?
Generally, yes. The reimbursed grant portion is considered taxable income. Ask your accountant.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Ask the program office whether other provincial or federal grants can be combined with this one.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.