PETERBOROUGH — Today, Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that up to 80 projects are receiving funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program. The province is investing over $4.3 million in cost-share funding through this intake of the program to help diversify local economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in local communities. Of this amount, Peterborough’s Innovation Cluster will receive up to $73,750 in funding. “Our government knows that rural Ontario is an essential part of this province and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring rural Ontario continues to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.” This funding will enable the Innovation Cluster of Peterborough and the Kawarthas to launch a new program that will support innovative and technology-driven entrepreneurs in the community. Project activities eligible for funding include: The project will positively impact rural Ontario by supporting entrepreneurship in the region, strengthening the skills of community members, preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs, and strengthening partnerships among the economic development community. The Agri-food industry has been a key innovator in so many technologies that we take for granted in our everyday lives,” said Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith. “Today’s announcement is another example of Minister Thompsons recognition that good things grow in Ontario when we nurture those local entrepreneurs and give them the tools they need to collaborate and innovate.” MPP Smith added. The RED program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province. QUICK FACTS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Rural Economic Development Program __________________________________________________________________________ MEDIA CONTACTS Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office Sam McCormick@ontario.ca Connie Osborne, Communications Branch
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