Eastern Regional Development Program

Applications Now Open for the Eastern Development Fund

Ontario is accepting new applications for the Regional Development Program’s Eastern Development Fund. Applications will be accepted from April 11th, 2024, until May 30th, 2024.

The Regional Development Program takes a coordinated approach to supporting business growth in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. The program provides support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses investing in new equipment and training to expand operations in these regions. It also provides support to municipalities and economic development organizations investing in projects to help attract regional investments.

The Regional Development Program offers financial and advisory assistance to businesses, municipalities, and economic development organizations via its Eastern Ontario Development Fund. This includes providing guidance access to a variety of supportive services and resources.

To date, Ontario has provided over $150 million to support over 110 projects through the program, leveraging over $1.6 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,000 jobs

Eligible applicants may receive financial support and advisory services to help navigate government programs, such as guidance on compliance approvals and assistance with skills and talent development.

Business Project Eligibility Requirements

  • Have at least three years of operations/financial statements;
  • Employ at least 10 people (or five if located in rural Ontario);
  • Commit to creating at least five new jobs (or a 30 per cent increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees);
  • Invest at least $500,000 in a project (or $200,000 if located in rural Ontario); and,
  • Be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in Eastern or Southwestern Ontario.

Find out if you qualify and apply today:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/regional-development-program