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Rural Economic Development (RED) Program

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Frequently Asked Questions

General
Q1. What is the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program?
Q2. What will this program do for rural Ontario?
Q3. Where can I get more information about the program?

Applications Under Review
Q4. What is the status of my application?
Q5. Has the Project Review Panel reviewed my application?

Approved Projects
Q6. When will I receive funding for my approved project?
Q7. Because of the delay in the review of my application I had to incur expenses before my project was approved. Will the province reimburse these expenses?

Applications Not Approved
Q8. Why was my application not approved for funding?
Q9. Can I appeal the decision that has been made?

Program Refocus
Q10. Has the RED program changed since 2003?

Funding
Q11. If I have a great idea for a business in rural Ontario, can I apply to the Rural Economic Development program for funding?
Q12. Is there a limit to the amount of funding an applicant can request?  How much will the government contribute?
Q13. Do most applicants to the program receive funding?

Application Process
Q14. How long will it take, on average, to process an application?
Q15. Is the program still accepting applications?
Q16. Is there staff available to help applicants in rural Ontario?
Q17. What is the role of the Project Review Panel?

General

Q1. What is the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program?

A1.The Rural Economic Development program is an initiative that helps rural communities remove barriers to community development and economic growth.  The RED program is a key part of the government's rural plan, which provides a co-ordinated framework across government for delivering the policies and programs that rural communities need most.
 
The RED program is just one of a number of community and economic development tools and initiatives that are part of the government's plan for strengthening rural communities.

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Q2. What will this program do for rural Ontario?

A2. Through the RED program, the Ontario government and its rural partners are building stronger communities that work better for the people who live in them.  The program contributes to:
Revitalized communities
  • Improved access to health-care services
  • Improved access to skills development and enhancement opportunities
  • New community development tools
  • Sustainable rural economies
  • New and enhanced community partnerships and teamwork

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Q3. Where can I get more information about the program?

A3. Application forms are available in Ontario Government Information Centres.  Information and applications are also available at www.omafra.gov.on.ca or by calling the Rural Community Development Branch at 1-888-588-4111.

Applications Under Review

Q4. What is the status of my application?  

A4. The application that you and your partners have submitted is currently in the application review process.  As you may be aware, all applications are reviewed by an advisory panel that makes funding recommendations to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The Minister makes the final funding decision for each project. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis through a competitive process. Applicants are contacted as decisions are reached.

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Q5. Has the Project Review Panel reviewed my application?   

A5. This information is not available. The timing of the panel's consideration of specific applications is only one factor in the timing of final funding decisions. Funding decisions regarding specific applications are be made as expeditiously as possible. 

Approved Projects

Q6. When will I receive funding for my approved project?

A6. The terms and conditions of your funding agreement for this project are available to you from Rural Community Development Branch staff at 1-888-588-4111.

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Q7. Because of the delay in the review of my application I had to incur expenses before my project was approved. Will the province reimburse these expenses?

A7. Expenses that are incurred prior to approval of the project remain ineligible for funding.


Applications Not Approved

Q8. Why was my application not approved for funding?

A8. Funding decisions are based on the merits of each individual proposal in comparison with other proposals. Ministry staff may be able to provide some constructive feedback regarding some of the weaknesses that were identified in the application. Please call your project analyst at
1-888-588-4111 for further information.   

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Q9. Can I appeal the decision that has been made?

A9. There is not a formal process for appeals.  You may opt to reapply for funding after discussing some of the weaknesses that were identified in the application with ministry staff.  Please call your project analyst at
1-888-588-4111.  

Program Refocus

Q10. Has the RED program changed since 2003?

A10. The program has been refocused to support the McGuinty government's commitment to build strong rural communities.  As part of this commitment, a number of priority areas have been identified for support, including improving access to health-care services, improving access to skills enhancement opportunities, and encouraging community revitalization.
 

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Funding

Q11. If I have a great idea for a business in rural Ontario, can I apply to the Rural Economic Development program for funding?

A11. Individuals or individual businesses are not eligible for funding under RED.  We recognize that rural areas depend on the efforts of a range of players working together to develop the local economy.  Applicants to RED must form partnerships or alliances among individual, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and any other groups.

Q12. Is there a limit to the amount of funding an applicant can request?  How much will the government contribute?

A12. Projects are to be cost shared, with a provincial government investment of up to 50 per cent of eligible costs in most cases.  Funding may be available at up to 90 per cent of eligible costs, under special circumstances.  In-kind contributions will not be eligible for cost sharing.

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Q13. Do most applicants to the program receive funding?

A13. The Project Review Panel assesses all applications.  The Panel, in turn makes recommendations to the Honorable Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  It is a competitive process. The Minister makes the final decision regarding funding on a case-by-case basis.


Application Process

Q14. How long will it take, on average, to process an application?

A14. There is a two-stage application process for this program.  The pre-proposal stage should take an average of one week.  The full application and business case stage will take a minimum of six to eight weeks, and includes a detailed review by ministry staff, consideration by the Project Review Panel and review by the Minister for a final decision on the project approval.    

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Q15. Is the program still accepting applications?

A15. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, or until all program funds have been committed.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Q16. Is there staff available to help applicants in rural Ontario?

A16. There are staff members in the ministry's Rural Community Development Branch and in regional offices who can assist applicants.  In addition, staff of other economic development ministries are also available to assist potential applicants.

Q17. What is the role of the Project Review Panel?

A17. The panel members were appointed by the Minister to the Project Review Panel.  The panel's role is to review applications and make recommendations to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  The members were drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience in rural Ontario.

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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-888-588-4111
Fax:1-519-826-4336
Email: red.omafra@ontario.ca