RED Rural Economic Development

Rural communities, businesses and organizations can seek funding support through the RED program. This program is designed to attract investment, create jobs, and boost tourism in Ontario.

What is RED?
RED seeks to nurture rural communities within Ontario by providing cost-sharing funding support. The program is specifically focused on ensuring these communities are equipped with the skills, knowledge and resources to flourish. Through establishing a foundation of skill and nourishing its growth, the hope is that these communities will innovate and further their economic competitiveness. The potential outcomes of RED are results- oriented. These results concentrate on the growth and strengthening of rural Ontario.

Some of these results would include: pinpointing urgent priorities and determine how to measure their economic performance, collaborate, compete and diversify in the name of economic growth, initiate an innovative business or community, expand markets, create and retain jobs.

Who is eligible?
The RED program is broken down into two streams: Community Development and Business Development. The difference between streams becomes more apparent in the application process. The Business Development stream is devoted to companies and innovative businesses looking to develop their activities in rural Ontario. On the other hand, Community Development could include these businesses as well as not-for-profits, individuals, municipalities, local service boards, or First Nations, Inuit or Metis. The program is offered to a wide range of groups under various circumstances, creating progressive opportunities for rural Ontario and the groups who choose to grow there.

Applicants for this program will receive funding if they exhibit how their initiatives will benefit rural Ontario. Applicant’s projects will specifically define a set of activities implemented to achieve a certain outcome.

How can BDO help?
BDO’s Advisory Services Group can help you develop your project and prepare you for the RED program’s application process. BDO is available to assist with activity scoping to determine eligibility, technical and financial application preparation, audit and internal infrastructure support, and documentation controls. As well, we can provide a strategic approach in determining how government grants and incentives fit into your company’s future growth plans.

From January 30, 2017 (12:00 p.m.) to March 31, 2017 (5:00 p.m. Eastern)
From July 31, 2017 (9:00 a.m.) to September 29, 2017 (5:00 p.m. Eastern)