Small rural businesses in Ontario may be eligible for funding to help strengthen their operations and support local economic growth.
The Rural Ontario Development Program’s Business Development Stream provides cost-share funding for projects that improve competitiveness, build business capacity, attract and retain investment, and create or maintain jobs.
Eligible businesses can receive funding covering 35 percent of project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.
To qualify, businesses must have between one and 20 employees, be operating when they apply, and pay agricultural, commercial or industrial property taxes either directly or through rent or a lease.
The application deadline is October 1st, 2026, but businesses are encouraged to apply early. Funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information is available through the Rural Ontario Development Program, or by emailing RODprogram@ontario.ca.
(By: Tim Baltz)
