Minister Hardeman announced 16 local projects that will qualify for the $800,000 Rural Economic Development Program.
WOODSTOCK - 16 local projects have been selected for the $800,000 Rural Economic Development Program.
Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman made the announcement today.
"This new targeted funding is just one of the many ways our government is supporting job creation and economic development across the province. We're encouraging local economic growth by supporting projects that help expand businesses and provide skills development and training for employees. These kinds of investments are particularly important as we lay the foundation for our recovery from COVID-19."
The funding supports projects designed to enhance economic development efforts, such as:
- Mentoring, coaching and helping youth in northern Ontario communities with job searches, hiring and starting businesses.
- Providing supports for business attraction, expansion and retention as well as succession planning in order to overcome rural economic development barriers.
- Develop and support industry partnerships.
- To recruit and coach Indigenous women in non-traditional jobs throughout Northeastern Ontario increasing participation in the skilled trades.
- Introducing asset management strategies to 30 economic development officers representing rural, northern, and Indigenous communities in order to better operationalize potential investments and build economic development capacity.
Qualifying projects were eligible for up to 70 per cent of total costs to a maximum of $75,000 in provincial funding.

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