The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a $357.5-million initiative, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, to support Canada’s defence and security needs while strengthening regional economic development.
Through RDII, FedDev Ontario will invest in targeted activities that support businesses and organizations seeking to enter or grow within defence supply chains and increase their industrial and innovation capacity.
Funding per recipient
Businesses can normally request:
- a minimum of $125,000 to $10 million in repayable funding
Not-for-profit organizations can normally request:
- a minimum of $125,000 to $10 million in non-repayable funding
Eligible applicants
Incorporated for-profit businesses:
- located and operating in southern Ontario
- employing at least 5 full-time equivalent employees in the region
- within defence supply chains or looking to integrate into them
Not-for-profit incorporated organizations in southern Ontario that support businesses and/or capability development in the defence sector.
Apply by January 21, 2026, if your proposed project and eligible costs start before March 31, 2026. Applications that show immediate and significant expenditure need during the current fiscal year will be given priority. If your project and proposed activities start on or after April 1, 2026, applications will be accepted until funding is fully committed.
FedDev Ontario is hosting virtual program information sessions on December 12, 15, 17, and 19.