The Government of Ontario has launched the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program, replacing the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program. This modernized initiative offers $20 million in cost-share funding over 2 years to strengthen small communities, businesses, and regional partnerships. This program supports the objectives of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.

Program objectives:

• Address barriers and build capacity for economic development

• Attract, retain, and expand businesses, jobs, and investment

• Strengthen regional partnerships and resilience

• Support workforce development, attraction, and retention

• Transform community assets to drive local growth

Who can apply:

• Municipalities

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Indigenous communities or organizations

• Local services boards

• Small businesses (1–20 employees, brick-and-mortar)

Application deadline: September 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. EDT