Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) – Ontario Protecting Workers and Jobs in Rural Communities

• have 1 to 20 employees on its current payroll and for the duration of the Project

• are physically located in Rural Ontario (as defined below)

• pay agricultural, commercial, or industrial property taxes—either directly or through rent/lease agreements (this does not apply to Indigenous businesses)

• operate on a property that is not zoned solely for residential use under the municipality’s Official Plan and zoning by-law (Indigenous businesses are exempt)

• are operating at the time of application

• meet all legal requirements and, at the time of application and for the project’s duration, have no outstanding government fees, levies, or taxes—or have arranged and maintained an acceptable payment plan.

Eligible projects

Applicants are required to identify the Project type they are applying for. There are 4 Project types and multiple Project types can be identified:

1. Market diversification or product diversification

Projects that support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their competitiveness (e.g. market analysis, a marketing plan for a new product and/or a new or expanded existing market; development of new marketing collateral etc.).

2. Enhancing cyber security

Projects that support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their cyber security (e.g. implementation of activities to increase cyber security measures within a business; cyber security analysis).

3. Succession planning

Projects that support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their readiness for business succession (e.g. succession plan for business).

4. Accessibility

Projects that support small Rural Ontario businesses to increase their accessibility (e.g. improve accessibility infrastructure (ramps, door opener, etc.).