August 22, 2026
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Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, minister of rural affairs has announced a new round of applications is now open for the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program. Applications will be accepted now until Oct. 1.
The ROD program replaces the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, and supports the objectives of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario's Rural Economic Development Strategy.
To qualify for the program, your organization must be a municipality, a not-for-profit organization, an Indigenous community or organization, a local services board, or a small business with one to 20 employees. The program provides cost-share funding for projects that help rural communities:
Address barriers and build capacity for economic development
Attract, retain and expand businesses
Attract and retain investment and jobs
Strengthen regional partnerships and economic resilience
Address workforce development challenges
Transform community assets to drive economic development
PROGRAM STREAMS
Rural communities
Municipalities, Indigenous communities, local services boards and not-for-profit organizations in rural Ontario can apply through the following streams:
Economic diversification, competitiveness and capacity building: projects that support communities to build economic development capacity and implement strategies that increase competitiveness to retain businesses, attract investment and enhance growth.
Strategies and plans: projects will develop strategies or plans that will enhance the ability of communities to be prepared for, and engage in, economic development activities. This stream offers up to 50-per-cent cost-share, up to $50,000.
Economic diversification and competitiveness: projects will support the implementation of an existing economic development plan or strategy. This stream offers up to 50-per-cent cost-share, up to $150,000.
Capacity building events: projects that support organizations in building community capacity to deliver economic development activities. This stream offers up to 35-per-cent cost-share, up to $10,000.
Workforce development, attraction and retention: This stream funds projects that support communities to implement strategies and/or to undertake initiatives for attracting and retaining workers. This stream offers up to 50-per-cent cost-share, up to $150,000.
Community infrastructure enhancements: This stream funds projects that update or transform community assets that have been identified as important to the community's economy. This stream offers up to 35-per-cent cost-share, with large projects eligible from $25,000 to $250,000 and for small projects eligible up to $25,000.
Rural businesses
Small brick-and-mortar businesses in rural Ontario with one to 20 employees can apply through the Business Development Stream, which offers up to 35-per-cent cost-share, to a maximum of $10,000.
WEBINARS
The rural affairs ministry will be hosting a series of informational webinars on both programs. Ministry staff will walk through program eligibility, the application process, and answer questions.
Community Development Stream - Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register Here
Business Development Stream - Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register Here
BOOK A COACHING SESSION
Applicants can book a free, one-on-one coaching session with a regional advisor.
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