Shaping a stronger southern Ontario

As the global economic landscape evolves, strong regional economies are essential for Canada’s success and sustainability. FedDev Ontario is helping Canadians living and working in southern Ontario take advantage of opportunities created by the innovation economy, in communities big and small.

As Canada’s most populous region, southern Ontario is a key contributor to our nation’s economy. It is home to a globally-recognized innovation network:

Southern Ontario is home to a diverse range of communities:

Ontario has many other competitive advantages:

For a more detailed regional snapshot, please see Our role page.

Unlocking the region’s rural economic potential

Every community, large and small, contributes to our region’s success. FedDev Ontario recognizes the vital role that southern Ontario’s smaller and rural communities play in the overall well-being of the region’s economy, however many rural communities are faced with unique challenges that can create barriers to growth, when compared with urban counterparts. These include:

• Reliance on single or more traditional resource and manufacturing industries;
• Retaining talent stemming from an aging population and youth outmigration;
• Attracting foreign direct investment;
• Access to digital to technology and infrastructure.

FedDev Ontario has made significant investments in rural communities including support for businesses across many industries such as manufacturing, agri-food and aerospace.

Noblegen is raising the bar in food innovation

FedDev Ontario's support has allowed Noblegen to achieve our target milestones. Having the opportunity to access a pool of highly qualified individuals has been very important for our success.

Andressa Lacerda, Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder of Noblegen Inc.

ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks creates innovative clean-tech solutions

FedDev Ontario enabled us to develop new technology, including a state-of-the-art testing lab for our hot stamping components.

Gary Black, Director of Manufacturing Technology at ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks

FedDev Ontario helps Chatham manufacturer improve productivity and diversify exports

This investment by FedDev Ontario allows Dajcor Aluminum to accelerate its growth plans to capture present and future business and provide increased employment opportunities in Chatham–Kent.

Mike Kilby, President, Dajcor Aluminum Ltd.

The Agency also works with economic development organizations that understand the unique challenges in these communities. For example, through the region’s Community Futures Development Corporations, FedDev Ontario supports rural entrepreneurs and businesses to implement strategies for dealing with a changing economic environment.

Going forward, the Agency will continue to support southern Ontario’s smaller and rural communities by finding new and innovative opportunities to drive growth, and support the attraction and retention of businesses and talent.

FedDev Ontario is seeking rural projects that will:

• Promote business scale-up and diversification;
• Lead to increased business, talent and investment attraction;
• Foster innovation, technology adoption and digital connectivity;
• Leverage local assets;
• Connect smaller communities to the globally competitive economies.

To apply for this dedicated support and learn more about Agency funding available, visit our Funding opportunities page.

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