Rural Economic Development program is now open

From the office of MPP Toby Barrett

To The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—The Province’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program is open to municipalities and non-profit organizations as part of the government’s commitment to creating jobs, boosting growth, and encouraging investment in rural communities.

The funding supports activities that create strong rural communities in Ontario and opens doors to rural economic development. Applications for the fourth intake of the RED program opened on Dececember 11, and will be accepted until February 1, 2021. During this intake, two program streams will be available to apply for.

Eligible projects under the Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream will help remove barriers to business and job growth, attract investment, provide skills training and development, and aids in diversifying regional economies. Projects could include revitalizing downtown areas to bring more businesses to the area, help for current businesses to attract customers, employee and youth training, and promotional or marketing campaigns (e.g. to promote investment or tourism).