If your business is located in rural Ontario and is planning to grow, modernize or create jobs, now is the time to apply for funding through the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD).

Eligible applicants may receive up to 35% of eligible project costs in grant funding.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify, businesses must:

  • Have 1–20 employees for the duration of the project
  • Be physically located in rural Ontario
  • Pay agricultural, commercial, or industrial property taxes (or through rent/lease; Indigenous businesses exempt)
  • Operate from a property not zoned solely residential (Indigenous businesses exempt)
  • Be operational at the time of application
  • Have no outstanding taxes or fees (or an acceptable payment plan in place).

Eligible Projects

Businesses can apply for one or more of the following project types:

  1. Market or Product Diversification
    e.g. marketing plans, new product launches, expanding into new markets
  2. Cybersecurity Enhancements
    e.g. cybersecurity audits, implementation of security measures
  3. Succession Planning
    e.g. preparing a formal business succession plan
  4. Accessibility Improvements
    e.g. adding ramps, door openers, or other accessibility upgrades

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen and future-proof your business. Applications for the first intake will close on September 24, 2025 at 5 p.m.