EODP Funding Programs

 

The Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) promotes economic development in rural eastern Ontario leading to a diversified and competitive rural eastern Ontario economy; economic stability, growth, and job creation; and contributing to the successful development of business and prosperous communities.

To date, EODP has led to the investment of more than $65 million through more than 5,500 business and community development projects. It has also resulted in the additional support of more than $300 million from partners such as local businesses, municipalities, and the Government of Ontario, demonstrating its positive impact.

The EODP objective focus on two priority areas: Business Development and Community Innovation

Business Development: supports projects that will lead to the growth of new and existing businesses within rural eastern Ontario communities. This includes initiatives in key areas, such as skills development, youth attraction, innovation and information and communication technology (ICT) adoption.

Community Innovation: enables community-led economic development that enhances and diversifies local economies. Working in partnership with community stakeholders, CI builds the economic and innovative capacity of rural eastern Ontario communities, and develops opportunities for sustainable economic growth and employment.

EODP funding programs offer a range of opportunities for businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The Eastern Ontario Development Program made available through FedDev Ontario, an agency of the federal government

The 2013 EODP funding and special loan programs for business are:

• Community Capacity Building Fund: This program supports economic development projects that address local needs and priorities, resulting in long term benefits including job creation and economic diversification.

• Youth Internship Program : Provides Eastern Ontario post-secondary school graduates (up to the age of 29) with opportunities to develop valuable skills during full-time work experience.

• Non-Youth Internship Program: Provides Eastern Ontario secondary or post-secondary school graduates (over the age of 30) with opportunities to develop valuable skills during full-time work experience.

• Skills Development Program : This program encourages and assists with the training employees, providing and enhancing transferable skills, ultimately contributing to the overall strength of the workforce.

• Business Planning and Market Expansion : To assist with business research, planning and market expansion.

• Innovation, Information & Communication Technology : To assist with the implementation of information and communication technologies to increase their participation in the knowledge based economy.