July 18, 2025

Ontario offers to boost rural businesses with up to $10,000 in funding

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya.

The Rural Ontario Development Program has launched a new Business Development Funding Stream designed to help small rural businesses thrive.

For businesses that have 1 to 20 employees, looking to grow, adapt, or prepare for the future — this is a funding opportunity that may help.

Administrators urge businesses to apply early — funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program provides Cost-Share funding to support activities that create strong rural businesses in Ontario by funding projects that:

• address barriers to economic development
• build capacity to attract, retain and expand businesses
• better position rural businesses to attract or retain investment
• support jobs being attracted and retained in rural businesses

The ROD Program is application-based with all applications assessed based on these guidelines. Projects are recommended based on eligibility criteria. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible Applicants and Projects (please see section 7: Selection process for more information). Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

• Businesses can get 35% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $10,000 in funding for a Project under the ROD Program - Business Development.
• Applicants may submit a maximum of one application under the ROD Program; however, an Applicant may select multiple Project types within the application.
• Projects for the first intake are required to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Applicants should read the program guidelines before completing the application form.

 

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