Southern Ontario Development Program

The Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP) was established as a core program of FedDev Ontario. It will build upon the assets and strengths of communities to create an environment where businesses can thrive, and maximize Southern Ontario’s potential to succeed in the knowledge-based economy.

Funding under this program will go towards projects that can stimulate local economies and enhance the growth and competitiveness of local businesses and communities. Approximately $100 million has been allocated to the SODP in 2009-10, including the following:

• Nearly $63 million through a general intake process;
• up to $20 million through an intake for the food and beverage processing sector;
• $15.75 million for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters’ (CME) SMART Program to fund an estimated 300 projects that will help small- and medium-sized manufacturers increase their productivity and competitiveness in the global economy; and
• $1.6 million for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Export Market Access Program to help southern Ontario businesses that would like to increase their sales internationally.