The Rural Economic Development (RED) program provides funding to help create jobs and boost growth in rural communities. On September 18th, the Ontario government announced that it is providing nearly $1 M in cost-share funding via a special intake of RED.

The goal of the special intake is to help diversify economies as the province reopens. The intake is open from Sept. 21 – Oct.9, 2020.

The maximum provincial cost-share for eligible costs is 70%, to a maximum of $75,000 per project. All costs must be incurred on or before March 31, 2021, and projects will not be extended beyond this date.

This funding is being provided through new targeted intake of the Rural Economic Development Program (RED).

Who is eligible for funding?

This targeted RED intake is for not-for-profit regional organizations or upper-tier municipalities with economic development projects that support multiple counties/regions/districts/Indigenous communities or the province.

Projects must:

• benefit rural Ontario
• have outcomes that align with at least one of the following RED priorities:
  • jobs created or retained
  • businesses attracted, retained or expanded
  • investment attracted or retained
  • enhanced strategic economic infrastructure
  • regional partnerships that drive growth
• have expected outcomes and impacts beyond one county, region, district, or indigenous community
• be identified in an existing economic plan or strategy

For more information and to access a copy of the program guidelines visit Rural Economic Development (RED) program website.