Have you identified any plans for projects that create jobs and boost economic growth?
Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides cost-share funding to support activities that create strong rural communities in Ontario. The program opens doors to rural economic development through:
- Funding assistance that addresses barriers to economic development, better position rural communities to create and retain jobs, attract investment, and enhance economic growth
- Funding to build community capacity and support for economic development in Ontario’s rural communities
- Investments in rural communities to help diversify and grow local economies – making economic growth more inclusive and relevant so rural Ontario can continue to share in the province’s economic prosperity
Program Streams
Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream
Up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $150,000. Eligible projects should:
- Remove barriers to business and job growth
- Attract investment Attract and/or retain a skilled workforce
- Strengthen sector and regional partnerships
- Diversify regional economies in rural Ontario
The majority of costs for projects in this stream will be non-capital. Projects must include implementation-oriented activities beyond strategic plan development (for example, economic development, feasibility, marketing, research or evaluation.)
Strategic Economic Infrastructure Stream
Up to 30% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $250,000. Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:
- Rehabilitation of cultural, heritage, or tourism attractions
- Redevelopment of vacant or under-used properties
- Main street minor capital improvements