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FedDev Ontario - Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII)

FedDev Ontario

Up to $10M

Businesses can normally request a minimum of $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million in repayable (interest-free) contribution funding; FedDev Ontario up to 75% of eligible costs, applicant and other sources at least 25%. Not-for-profit organizations can normally request $125,000 to $10 million in non-repayable funding.

RDII is a $379.2-million initiative delivered by Canada's regional development agencies; FedDev Ontario invests in southern Ontario businesses and not-for-profits seeking to enter or grow within defence supply chains and build industrial and innovation capacity. Projects run April 2025 to March 2029. Intake is currently paused.

Open the official page ↗
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How to apply

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Who qualifies

Businesses: for-profit, incorporated and registered in Canada or Ontario for at least 3 years, located and operating in southern Ontario, with at least 5 FTE employees in southern Ontario, addressing a defence supply chain opportunity (including dual-use or pivots to defence) in priority sectors such as AI/cybersecurity/quantum, space, sensors, aerospace/shipbuilding, land and armoured vehicles, uncrewed systems, training and simulation, munitions and personnel protection, critical minerals. Not-for-profits: incorporated organizations in southern Ontario that support businesses and/or defence capability development.

Small businessCorporationNon-profit

Good to know

  • Funding: Business repayment normally begins 1 year after project completion. In-kind contributions do not count as matching funds. Total government assistance may be up to 100% of eligible costs. Projects cannot start before April 1, 2025 and must finish by March 31, 2029. Cost share shown is for businesses.
  • Cost share: 75% of eligible costs

Evidence from the official page

  • amount“Businesses can normally request a minimum of $125,000 up to a maximum of $10 million in repayable contribution funding.” source ↗
  • amount“FedDev Ontario – up to a maximum of 75%” source ↗
  • status“Intake for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative is currently paused” source ↗
  • eligibility“Employ a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent employees in southern Ontario” source ↗
  • eligibility“Be incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario for at least the past 3 years” source ↗

Verified 2026-10-09 · High confidence. Always confirm on the official page before applying.