Small businesses in Pelham can tap into provincial grants

The Town is encouraging small businesses owners in Pelham to apply for provincial funds of up to $10,000 through the Province’s Rural Ontario Development Program.

Businesses that qualify can receive 35 per cent of costs to a maximum of $10,000 for eligible projects that will help their businesses grow.

The cost-sharing funds are available for projects that:

• Help address barriers to economic development

• Build capacity to attract, retain and expand business.

• Attract and retain investment

• Support jobs being attracted and retained

Businesses with 20 employees or fewer, excluding the owner, are eligible to apply.

“Grants are an excellent way for organizations and businesses to build capacity and strengthen their resilience,” said Leah Letford, the Town’s communications specialist. “It would be wonderful to see local Pelham businesses successful with this current round of funding.”

Similarly, municipalities, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, as well as local service clubs, can apply for funding for projects that:

• Build economic development capacity and implement strategies that increase competitiveness to retain businesses, attract investment and enhance growth.

• Invest in strategies and/or undertake initiatives for attracting and retaining workers.

• Invest in community infrastructure and improving public spaces or existing community assets.

• Invest in projects that support businesses to be financially sustainable and competitive, including cyber security initiatives, accessibility enhancements or expansion to new markets.

All business and community applications will be considered using the appropriate guidelines. Applicants could qualify for grants of up to $10,000 (small businesses) and $250,000 (municipalities).

“The expanded Rural Ontario Development Program includes new measures that continue our government’s historic support for rural communities and residents,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “The opening of applications for the program is especially welcome news for our rural municipalities, small businesses and not-for-profit service organizations in Niagara West. This strategic funding will help support economic growth, workforce capacity and business development right across our region.”

The Town, meanwhile, is currently working on preparing an application, Letford said.

“There are several items that are being considered, and the Town is working with the funding support team to determine which of the projects are a best fit for the streams available.”

Applications for both business and community projects will be accepted until Sept. 24. Also, businesses can get more information about the grant program online by registering for a webinar that will provide details about the program. Webinars are scheduled for today, July 8, as well as Aug. 20 and Sept.10, at 10 a.m. (English) and at 1:30 p.m. (French).

Subsequent intakes will be conducted Jan. 19, 2026-Feb. 26, 2026; Aug. 17, 2026-Oct. 1, 2026, and Jan. 18, 2027-Feb. 26, 2027.

Applicants (business or community) may submit a maximum of one application under the ROD Program; however, an applicant may select multiple project types within the application.

Information on how to apply for funding can be found here. For more information of the program, call 1-877-424-1300 Monday to Friday or email [email protected]. A program guide for businesses and application can also be downloaded from Ontario.ca/RODprogram.

Projects awarded funding in this intake must be completed by March 31, 2026.