The Rural Economic Development (RED) program was put on hold in 2011 because of “fiscal circumstances” said Rural Affairs Minister Jeffrey Leal, but is being renewed as part of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s initiative to invest in rural Ontario. – Laura Armstrong, Ottawa Citizen
The RED Program has up to $4.5 million funding per year for three years to help rural communities remove barriers to community development and promote economic growth to support sustainable rural economies and regions, while developing capacity, tools and flexibility they need to become stronger, more prosperous communities.
Eligible Applicants must demonstrate how the project will benefit rural Ontario and have the experience and knowledge to complete the project. Eligible applicants include: municipalities, community or not-for-profit organizations, industry and economic development associations, regional organizations, businesses, corporations, First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and other broader public sector organizations.
The RED Program has two streams:
1. Planning Stream: Rural, regional and community projects that help rural communities and regions build a foundation for economic growth and investment.
2. Implementation Stream: Strengthening rural and regional economic competitiveness to support the implementation of projects that have been identified through some form of evidence-based planning processes and to contribute to economic competitiveness.
Eligible Projects:
Planning Stream: Rural, Regional and Community
1. Economic Development Plans/Strategies
2. Research and/or Analysis to Support Planning and Priority-Setting
Implementation Stream: Strengthening Rural and Regional Economic Competitiveness
1. Business/Sector Development and Diversification
2. Regional Marketing, Promotional and/or Branding Activities
3. Human Capital and Skills Development, Attraction and Retention
Funding:
RED projects are cost-shared, with the provincial government investing up to 50 per cent of the project’s eligible cost, or up to 90 per cent in limited circumstances. There is no cap on the amount of funding per approved eligible project under the RED Program. However, the total funds available under the Program are limited to up to $4.5 million per year. Funding may be awarded at the full amount requested, or at a reduced amount, based on the funds available or an assessment of the project.
Application and Review Period for 2013: Program start (now) to October 31, 2013; November 1 to December 31, 2013.
Contact Onager Solutions today for more information and check out our One-Page summary on the program!
Onager One Pager – RED Program
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