Deadline Date: May 27, 2026
The Eastern Ontario Development Fund is offering to help businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations undertake projects that drive regional economic growth.
The program focuses on supporting business growth, improving productivity, investing in innovation and skills development, pursuing new markets, generating broad regional economic impact, and creating sustainable jobs.
This fund supports projects that are distinct from regular operations and are designed to deliver measurable benefits such as expansion, innovation, and access to new markets. It is intended to assist organizations in making strategic investments that contribute to long-term economic development across eastern Ontario.
Support is provided through both funding and complementary services. Funding can cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of up to $1.5 million. In certain circumstances, grants are available for smaller businesses in rural areas or for strategic projects involving foreign direct investment or competitive positioning against other jurisdictions.
Eligible applicants include businesses with a minimum operating history, workforce size, and investment commitment, as well as municipalities and sector organizations leading community economic development initiatives. Business projects must demonstrate job creation and significant investment, while community projects must focus on economic development, infrastructure, or strategies that result in measurable outcomes such as private sector investment and job growth.
Projects must represent new activities for the organization and include private sector support where applicable. Certain types of projects are not eligible, including those related to ongoing operations, refinancing, acquisitions, or sectors such as retail, construction, and consulting.
For more information, visit Ontario.
