You're using an outdated browser. This website will not display correctly and some features will not work.
Learn more about the browsers we support for a faster and safer online experience.

Regional Development Program Community Economic Development Stream eligibility self-screener

Please submit your answers to the eligibility questions below. This will help you determine whether you qualify for the program.

If you are eligible, you will be provided with contact information for the Business Advisory Services Team to discuss your project. They will provide you with a link to Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) where you can submit a full application. Please refer to the program guidelines for additional program criteria and information.

If you are not eligible you will be presented with information outlining the steps to access other services and supports.

Please note that this is a competitive program. Funding is only provided to the strongest applications.

1. Is your organization one of the eligible entities listed below? (Note: Charities are not eligible under this program.) *
  • Municipality
  • Indigenous community
  • Incorporated non-governmental organization (with economic development mandate)
  • Industry/Sector Association (for example, formally constituted body bringing together multiple organizations with common interest such as manufacturing)
  • Consortium of Businesses lead by at least 1 not-for-profit organization
2. Do you have a project that will be located in an eligible region in southwestern or eastern Ontario? *

Please see the program guidelines for information on eligible geographic regions.

3. Does your organization or one of the consortia partners have a have a minimum of 3 years of operations supported by 3 years of externally reviewed financial statements? Applicants will be required to supply financial statements *
4. Is your project an eligible project, see definitions of eligible and ineligible projects in the notes below? *

Eligible projects:

  • a municipality investing in infrastructure in order to secure a private sector investment
  • a consortium to promote technological adoptions, develop a supply chain to accommodate a new foreign direct investment (FDI), implement an economic development strategy or priorities identified in planning processes for the region (for example, regional/provincial strategic plans)

Ineligible projects:

  • ongoing operations including maintenance and capital replacement
  • refinancing of existing business operations
  • acquisitions and buyouts
  • restructurings, or relocations to other jurisdictions within Ontario
  • primary production
  • retail
  • construction (for example, residential development)
  • personal services
  • consulting
  • electricity generation
  • waste management
  • recycling
  • information and communication services
  • academic research
  • stand-alone restaurants and hotels (unless transformative and considered a regional priority)
5. Will your organization commit to invest at least $100,000 in the proposed project (over a 2-4 year period)? *

Thank you for your interest in the Regional Development Program but your application does not meet the eligibility requirements.

If you would like to discuss your project and receive advice, analysis and practical recommendations related to your business needs and growth (including other potential funding opportunities and services), please contact:

Western Region

Eastern Region

    Thank you for your interest in the Regional Development Program but your application does not meet the eligibility requirements.

    If you would like to discuss your project and receive advice, analysis and practical recommendations related to your business needs and growth (including other potential funding opportunities and services), please contact:

    Western Region

    Eastern Region

    Thank you for your interest in the Regional Development Program but your application does not meet the eligibility requirements.

    If you would like to discuss your project and receive advice, analysis and practical recommendations related to your business needs and growth (including other potential funding opportunities and services), please contact:

    Western Region

    Eastern Region

    Thank you for your interest in the Regional Development Program but your application does not meet the eligibility requirements.

    If you would like to discuss your project and receive advice, analysis and practical recommendations related to your business needs and growth (including other potential funding opportunities and services), please contact:

    Western Region

    Eastern Region

    Thank you for your interest in the Regional Development Program but your application does not meet the eligibility requirements.

    If you would like to discuss your project and receive advice, analysis and practical recommendations related to your business needs and growth (including other potential funding opportunities and services), please contact:

    Western Region

    Eastern Region

    You may be eligible for funding consideration under the Regional Development Program

    Please reach out to an Ontario Regional Advisor to discuss your project. The Advisor can help provide advice on your application and guide you through the application steps.

    Contact us

    Western Region

    Eastern Region