Innisfil Economic Development

Thinking about a business loan, but not sure where to start?

Join us at our October workshop, Small Business Financing: How to Choose the Right Business Loan and Prepare for Funding, a practical workshop for entrepreneurs exploring financing options in Ontario. Learn how to choose the right funding path, understand what lenders look for, and prepare a stronger application.

📅 Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
🕛 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 DMZ Innisfil (8000 Yonge St, Stroud)

Register to attend: innisfil.ca/FinancingWorkshop

Registration is required. Tickets are free and open to businesses within Innisfil or the County of Simcoe.

The DMZ Innisfil All Access workshop series is hosted through the Innisfil Economic Development Office. Visit innisfil.ca/DMZ to learn more about the program.

Join EDCO and FedDev Ontario for an upcoming Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) Information Session on September 23 at 1:00 PM.

Learn how this Government of Canada program can help businesses and organizations navigate global trade pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets, and build long-term resilience.

The session will cover:
✅ Program eligibility
✅ Available funding opportunities
✅ The application process
✅ Live Q&A with FedDev Ontario representatives

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how your organization can access support and funding to respond to today's evolving economic landscape.

🔗 Register today: 030989d0-fe63-4fff-9515-4c66d8fea018@8e0a1e13-b3b6-4785-8793-efab65d5dcfb" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/030989d0-fe63-4fff-9515-4c66d8fea018@8e0a1e13-b3b6-4785-8793-efab65d5dcfb

Thinking of applying to the Rural Ontario Development Program? Here are five tips to help you succeed:

1. Read the program guidelines to make sure to choose the correct funding stream as each stream has different eligibility and funding limits.

2. Be prepared to demonstrate how your project supports the program outcomes such as jobs attract or retained, investment attracted or retained, or businesses attracted, retained or expanded.

3. Have a clear plan, budget, and timeline for the project.

4. For Community Development stream build partnerships and collaborations for your project.

5. Book a one-on-one coaching session with a regional advisor.

Be sure to submit your application to [email protected] before the deadline on October 1, 2026 at 5pm.

Business Development stream application guidelines: https://www.ontario.ca/document/rural-ontario-development-program-rod-guidelines-business-development?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fministry-of-rural-affairs-mra-en%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F721375235

Community Development stream application guidelines: https://www.ontario.ca/document/rural-ontario-development-program-rod-guidelines-community-development?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fministry-of-rural-affairs-mra-en%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F721375235

Expanded RTRI support is now available.

With an additional $1.5 billion investment, the Government of Canada has strengthened the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), bringing the national measure to $3.45 billion. Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), RTRI helps businesses adapt to changing market conditions, strengthen competitiveness, diversify into new markets, optimize supply chains, and build greater trade resilience.

In southern Ontario, the RTRI is delivered by FedDev Ontario.

Key enhancement:
✅ Eligible businesses can access up to $3 million in combined non-repayable funding, consisting of:
• up to $2 million in liquidity assistance to help manage tariff-related pressures
• up to $1 million for a non-repayable pivot project to strengthen competitiveness and reduce exposure to future trade disruptions

RTRI continues to support businesses through activities such as:
• Adopting new technologies through digitization & automation
• Expanding exports and diversifying markets
• Strengthening and optimizing supply chains
• Reshoring production and R&D activities
• Accessing specialized talent and expertise

FedDev Ontario is here to help businesses respond to trade disruptions, adapt to changing market conditions, and build greater resilience.

📌 Learn more about how the RTRI can support your business: https://ow.ly/C5YA50ZKHK5

New to Innisfil? Come get to know your community and make yourself at home! 🏡

Stop by the Library's Lakeshore Branch (967 Innisfil Beach Road) on Thursday, September 17 from 6 to 7:30 pm for Welcome to Innisfil: Municipal Open House for Newcomers.

✔️ Meet your neighbours
✔️ Enjoy classic Canadian treats
✔️ Learn more about your Town and Library
✔️ Connect with local organizations

More details at innisfil.ca/WOW.

This event is offered in partnership with the Innisfil Idealab & Library as part of the County of Simcoe's .

Looking to grow, improve, or strengthen your business?

The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program Business Development stream is now open and may help eligible Innisfil businesses move projects forward.

Businesses can receive 35% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000, through this application-based program. Projects may support business growth, help address barriers to economic development, attract or retain investment, and support jobs in rural communities.

Applications are assessed based on program guidelines, and funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants and projects.

Learn more and apply by 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 1, 2026: https://www.ontario.ca/document/rural-ontario-development-program-rod-guidelines-business-development

Questions? Contact the Innisfil Economic Development team at 705-436-3710 or [email protected].

The Rural Ontario Development Program is accepting new funding applications! ⚠️

If you represent a municipality, Indigenous community, small business or not-for-profit, here’s an early reminder that applications for funding through the ROD Program are due by October 1, 2026.

Top tip: include supplemental documentation with your application, such as:

▶️ Quotes or estimates

▶️ Letters of support from partners, feasibility studies, plans, reports or relevant research

Read the complete application guidelines for ROD’s Community Development stream:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/rural-ontario-development-program?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhfacebook&utm_content=app.dashsocial.com%2Fministry-of-rural-affairs-mra-en%2Flibrary%2Fmedia%2F714417979

Join us for Legal Foundations for Startups & Small Businesses, a practical workshop designed to help founders and small business owners understand key legal considerations as they launch, operate, and grow.

Topics will include corporate maintenance, intellectual property, employment, contracts, and practical takeaways to help you protect your business and move forward with confidence.

📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕛 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
📍 DMZ Innisfil (8000 Yonge St, Stroud)
🎟️ Free event, registration required

Visit innisfil.ca/LegalWorkshop to register today!

Tickets are free and open to businesses within Innisfil or the County of Simcoe.

The DMZ Innisfil All Access workshop series is hosted through the Innisfil Economic Development Office. Visit innisfil.ca/DMZ to learn more about the program.

Legal Foundations for Startups & Small Businesses Join us at this DMZ Innisfil workshop to understand the legal basics that can help protect your business, your ideas, and your growth.