Norfolk County — The Ontario government is providing Norfolk County with up to $116,050 through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, to develop the Future Ready Norfolk business retention and expansion project.

The Future Ready Norfolk project will enable Norfolk County to revitalize the local economy through engagement with local businesses, to help identify challenges and opportunities for growth and sustainability. The project includes targeted training and educational workshops for businesses on diversity, equity and inclusion, and initiatives to support newcomers with employment and community resources.

“Our government values rural communities throughout the province, and the RED program provides municipalities, small towns, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “This program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”

Businesses will also be engaged in the project through surveys, promotional strategies and training initiatives across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and retail services. In addition, regional partnerships will be utilized to address labour force challenges and strengthen relationships with businesses and non-governmental organizations.

In 2024, the Ontario government invested more than $5.7 million in 85 projects through the latest intake of the RED program. This funding has helped create jobs and boost economic development in rural communities across the province. The program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. Funding provided through the recent intake of the program is supporting projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.