Looking to support your rural community’s growth? The Rural Economic Development (RED) Program is here to help. This initiative provides cost-share funding to tackle economic challenges and create opportunities in Ontario’s rural areas.
How does the Rural Economic Development Program work?
The Rural Economic Development Program helps rural communities:
- Address economic challenges: Overcome barriers to development and workforce shortages.
- Build community capacity: Create strategies that attract investment and support growth.
- Diversify local economies: Promote inclusive growth so all communities share in economic prosperity.
Eligibility
To apply for RED funding, you must be:
- A municipality.
- A not-for-profit organization.
- An Ontario Indigenous community or organization.
- A Local Services Board.
What is the funding amount?
The RED Program has two streams of funding:
1. Economic diversification and competitiveness stream:
- Covers up to 50% of eligible costs.
- Maximum funding: $150,000.
2. Strategic economic infrastructure stream:
- Covers up to 30% of eligible costs.
- Maximum funding: $250,000.
What projects does it support?
Economic diversification and competitiveness stream:
- Business support: Mentorship programs, succession planning.
- Community initiatives: Downtown revitalization, workforce attraction strategies.
- Digital innovation: Training, streamlining approvals, and technology adoption.
- Collaborative marketing: Regional promotional campaigns and sector networking.
Strategic economic infrastructure stream:
- Community assets: Renovating cultural, tourism, or heritage sites.
- Redevelopment: Transforming underutilized buildings for economic use, such as youth centers or innovation hubs.
- Public improvements: Streetscaping, wayfinding signage, and public Wi-Fi.
When is funding available?
While the program is currently closed, new guidelines and applications will open in late winter 2025. Keep an eye out for updates to prepare your submission!
What is the selection process?
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Project alignment with the RED Program goals.
- Partnerships and collaboration efforts.
- Plans to reduce economic barriers and foster long-term sustainability.
- A clear work plan, budget, and financial commitment.
Decisions are typically communicated within 3 months of the intake period closing.
Looking for accessible vehicle solutions?
The Rural Economic Development Program could be the perfect opportunity to bring accessible transportation to your community. If you’re considering this funding to invest in wheelchair-accessible or mobile medical vans, we’re here to help.
Our innovative vehicles can support projects that align with RED program goals, such as workforce development, community health initiatives, or mobile service hubs.
Interested? Talk to an expert today to explore how accessible vehicle solutions can fit into your funding plans. Click the button below to get started!
