Economic Impact Grant
Applications OPEN Thursday, October 22 2026
and CLOSE at 3pm on Friday, December 18th 2026
The Orillia Area CDC Economic Impact Grant is a redesigned grant program that replaces the previous Community Capacity Building Fund (CCBF) grant. This new program will invest $15,000 in one high-impact project annually, awarded to a for-profit business located within the Orillia Area CDC catchment area, whose project demonstrates strong alignment with regional and federal economic development priorities.
By concentrating available funding on one project rather than dividing it across several smaller initiatives, the CDC can support more transformational projects and generate greater economic impact for both the recipient and the broader community.
The Economic Impact Grant is designed to:
- Support an impactful project that generates measurable economic benefits within the Orillia Area CDC catchment.
- Foster business growth, productivity, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation.
- Facilitate investments that strengthen the local economy, address community needs, and create positive impacts beyond the applicant’s business.
Funding Structure
- Total Award: $15,000
- Initial Payment: 80% ($12,000) upon signing the funding agreement.
- Final Payment: 20% ($3,000) upon submission and approval of a final project report.
- Projects must be completed within the defined project period and meet the reporting requirements outlined in the funding agreement.
Applications will be scored and ranked based on how well the project aligns with the following priorities:
Economic Impact
How will the project generate measurable economic benefits within the Orillia area?
This may include revenue growth, investment leveraged, attraction of new customers or visitors, commercial space activation, business retention or succession, market expansion, or support for key sectors and other local businesses.
Community and Regional Impact
How will the project address a demonstrated need, gap, or opportunity within the community? Examples of addressing community need include projects that improve access to services, fill market gaps, support underserved populations, address workforce or sector-specific challenges, or contribute to community vitality.
Feasibility
Is the project realistic, achievable, and likely to be completed successfully?
Explain how the project is realistic, well planned, and positioned for success. This may include the project’s timeline, the applicant’s ability to deliver the project, the resources available to support implementation, any planning or consultation that has taken place, and the overall likelihood that the project will achieve its intended outcomes.
Investment Impact
How will the grant impact strengthen, accelerate, expand, or improve the proposed project?
Explain how funding will impact the project’s scope, timeline, outcomes, or overall success. This may include the ability to proceed with the project sooner, expand its scale, incorporate additional equipment or technology, create additional employment opportunities, or achieve outcomes that would otherwise not be possible.
Employment Impact
Will the project create, retain, or strengthen employment opportunities within the region? This may include job creation, job retention, workforce development, training, internships, apprenticeships, or increased staff capacity.
Eligible Recipients
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Be a for-profit business located in the City of Orillia, the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara or the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
- Have been operating prior to January 1, 2026, as startup activities are not eligible.
- Participate in a mandatory pre-application meeting with CDC staff to discuss the proposed project and determine its alignment with the goals and priorities of the Economic Impact Grant.
Eligible Expenses
The funds must be spent on expenses that directly relate to the approved project, as outlined in the submitted grant application and approved by the grant committee.
Ineligible Expenses
Grant funds may not be used for regular operating expenses, debt repayment, expenses incurred prior to project approval, personal expenses, or other costs that do not directly support the approved project.
Applicant Investment
Applicants are expected to contribute toward the cost of the project. Contributions may include cash, in-kind resources, financing, or other eligible investments that support the project’s success.
The applicant’s contribution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the size of the business, project scope, overall project budget, and the anticipated outcomes and impacts of the project.
Application Process
Prospective applicants must participate in a mandatory pre-application meeting with CDC staff before receiving access to the application form. Applicants must also read all guidelines to ensure eligibility and fit for this program.
Ongoing Relationship with the CDC
Successful recipients will be expected to actively engage with the CDC throughout the project period to maximize the impact of the investment and build an ongoing relationship.
The grant recipient will be required to:
- Participate in a minimum of two one-on-one coaching meetings with CDC staff throughout the grant period
- Participate in a project spotlight video highlighting the project and its outcomes
- Be recognized as a grant recipient at the annual CDC Lunch and Learn event
- Consider participating in regional networking and business development opportunities facilitated by the CDC and its partners
- Submit a final report outlining project outcomes and impact
Any questions can be directed to Celeste at clalumiere@orilliacdc.com or 705-325-4903 x 103