Ontario’s Regional Development Program helps support business growth in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario

The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade is accepting new applications for the Regional Development Program’s Eastern and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. Applications will be accepted from July 2^nd until September 17^th, 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.

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. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

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.

To date, Ontario has supported more than 120 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1.7 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,200 jobs. Small and medium-sized businesses can receive grants to invest in new equipment and training to expand operations in these regions.

Businesses and organizations can expect to hear back on the status of their RDP application within a guaranteed 60 business day period.