Economic Development Initiative

Overview of the Economic Development Initiative program:

The Economic Development Initiative provides support to projects that strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships, and diversification of economic activities in official language minority communities. Eligible not-for-profit organizations can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $500,000 per year in project funding. Contributions towards eligible project costs are shared between FedDev Ontario and the applicant as follows: FedDev Ontario - a maximum of 70% Applicant - a minimum of 30%Footnote1 Total government assistance (federal, provincial, and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of total eligible costs. Projects that propose to further distribute funding to eligible small- and medium-sized enterprises are subject to additional funding parameters.

Benefits of the Economic Development Initiative program:

• What types of projects are eligible?
• Economic Development and Diversification: Projects that respond to the needs of Francophone communities, including implementing region-specific growth strategies. Priority may be given to projects related to women, youth, clean technology, the social economy (early childhood, integration of newcomers, etc.), and tourism.
• Business and Economic Development: Projects that respond to the needs and foster the economic growth of industry sectors (e.g., manufacturing, information technology). This includes activities that increase business management capacity, reskill or train workers or adopt digital technologies.
• Strategic Community Economic Planning: Projects that enhance the economic base and competitiveness of Francophone communities and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Eligibility criteria of the Economic Development Initiative program:

• Eligible applicants are incorporated Francophone or bilingual not-for-profit organizations located in southern Ontario that provide programs or services in French to Francophone communities, including:
• Community and economic development organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations and associations
• Post-secondary institutions that offer full-time programs in French