Overview

The Regional Development Program takes a coordinated approach to supporting business growth in eastern and southwestern Ontario. The program supports eligible small- and medium-sized businesses investing in new equipment and training to expand operations in these regions, and also provides support to municipalities and economic development organizations investing in economic development projects. Eligible applicants may receive financial support and advisory services to help navigate other government programs, such as guidance on compliance approvals, assistance with skills and talent.

How it works

The Regional Development Program maintains the Eastern Ontario and Southwestern Ontario Development Funds which support businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations located in eastern and southwestern Ontario.

Eligible businesses and organizations applying to these funds may also get access to a broad range of complementary services and supports.

Eastern Ontario Development Fund

This fund provides financial support to businesses, municipalities, and economic development organizations for economic, development in eastern Ontario.

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

This fund provides financial support to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario.

Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream

The Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream provides financial support to advanced manufacturing companies across Ontario by way of investments in capital equipment, technology adoption and skills development that will accelerate recovery in Ontario and place our companies in competitive global positions.

This support will not only create more jobs and help companies bring manufacturing back to Ontario but will also allow Ontarians to return to work in better skilled jobs. Overall, this will build Ontario’s economy of the future and secure good jobs for workers and communities.

Sudden economic downturn

If your municipality is dealing with a sudden economic downturn like a major plant closure, we may be able to provide support to help your community implement a response strategy. This includes municipalities all across Ontario. Contact us to discuss your proposed project.

Please note that the proposed project should not be eligible for funding under other provincial programs.

Contact us

For general inquiries and questions, please contact us at rdp@ontario.ca.