Funding for rural small Ontario businesses

The third intake of the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program is now open and Sarnia businesses and organizations could be eligible for cost-share funding to support economic growth projects.

What the ROD program funds:

• Economic diversification & competitiveness projects
• Workforce attraction, retention & development initiatives
• Community infrastructure enhancements
• Business development strategies & plans
• Capacity-building events & activities

The Business Development Stream is open to small brick-and-mortar businesses with 1-20 employees for the following project types:

• Market development
• Enhancing cyber security
• Succession Planning
• Accessibility improvements

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Businesses can receive 35% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $100,000.

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Applications must be received by 5 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

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More Information

• Visit Rural Ontario Development Program | ontario.ca.‍
• Register for a free information session: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

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Interested in applying? Not sure if your project qualifies? Contact us to assess program fit and explore how the ROD Program can support your economic development goals.