REGI Funding: How to Apply for Indigenous Businesses, Southern Ontario, and Non-Profits

If you’re an Indigenous business, economic development corporation, or not-for-profit in southern Ontario, REGI funding can help you grow, modernize, or deliver economic development projects. The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and supports projects that strengthen participation in the regional economy. For most streams, funding ranges from $125,000 up to $10 million per project, depending on eligibility and project scope. The application process is detailed and competitive.

What Is REGI Funding and Who It’s For

REGI is a federal program designed to support innovation, productivity, and growth in southern Ontario. There are different REGI streams, each with its own rules. This article focuses on REGI funding for Indigenous businesses and organizations, while also explaining how it compares to the business and not-for-profit streams.

REGI — Funding for Indigenous Businesses and Organizations

This stream supports projects that increase the participation of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in the southern Ontario economy.

Eligible applicants include:

Indigenous-owned businesses and entrepreneurs
Indigenous economic development corporations (IEDCs)
Indigenous not-for-profit organizations or associations
Applicants must be located in southern Ontario (within FedDev Ontario’s 37 eligible census divisions)

What the funding supports:

Business growth and market expansion
Building management, marketing, and operational capacity
Accessing expertise and attracting skilled workers
Economic development initiatives led by Indigenous organizations

FedDev Ontario assesses funding amounts and repayment terms for each project and applicant type.

How This Differs From Other REGI Streams

Understanding the difference between REGI streams helps you apply to the right one.

REGI — Funding for Businesses

For for-profit businesses in southern Ontario
$125,000 to $10 million in no-interest, repayable contributions
Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
Maximum stacking of government funding is 75%

REGI — Funding for Organizations That Support Businesses (Not-for-Profits)

For non-profit organizations that help SMEs grow
$125,000 to $10 million
Generally non-repayable contributions
Covers up to 50% of eligible costs
Government stacking allowed up to 100%

Choosing the wrong stream is a common reason applications are delayed or declined.

Eligible Costs Under REGI

Eligible expenses depend on your project, but commonly include:

Labour directly tied to the project
Professional and technical expertise
Non-capital costs such as software or market research
Capital expenditures related to project delivery

See also: What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?

How to Apply for REGI Funding

REGI does not have a simple online intake form. Applications are reviewed by FedDev Ontario officers and require early engagement.

Typical application steps:

Confirm eligibility
Make sure your organization type, location, and project align with the correct REGI stream.
Define a strong project
Projects must show clear economic benefits, such as job creation, productivity gains, or stronger Indigenous participation in the economy.
Prepare a detailed budget
REGI covers up to 50% of eligible costs. You must show how the remaining costs will be funded.
Contact FedDev Ontario
Most applicants start by discussing their project with a FedDev Ontario representative before submitting full documentation.
Submit a full proposal
This includes financials, timelines, outcomes, and organizational capacity details.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter REGI and similar programs by location and applicant type in seconds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying under the wrong REGI stream
Indigenous organizations often qualify for a dedicated stream with different expectations.
Assuming REGI is always a grant
Some REGI funding is repayable. Always confirm repayment terms before applying.
Weak economic impact explanation
FedDev Ontario looks for measurable outcomes, not general community benefits.
Ignoring stacking limits
Exceeding allowable government funding percentages can make your project ineligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is REGI funding a grant or a loan?
REGI funding is typically a no-interest repayable contribution for businesses, while not-for-profits often receive non-repayable funding. Terms depend on the stream and project.

Q: How much REGI funding can Indigenous organizations receive?
There is no single fixed amount. Funding is project-based and assessed individually, with most projects receiving between $125,000 and $10 million.

Q: Can REGI funding be stacked with other programs?
Yes. For business projects, total government assistance usually cannot exceed 75%. For not-for-profits, stacking may reach up to 100%.

Q: Do startups qualify for REGI funding?
Early-stage businesses may qualify if they show strong growth potential, innovation, and management capacity. Very early concepts without traction are less competitive.

Q: How long does the REGI approval process take?
Timelines vary. Larger or more complex projects can take several months due to due diligence and negotiations.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and contribution programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.

Next Steps

REGI funding can provide significant support, but success depends on choosing the right stream and presenting a clear, well-costed project. If you’re comparing options, it also helps to review programs like Indigenous startup loans and regional economic development funding. GrantHub helps you identify which REGI stream — and which alternatives — best fit your organization before you invest time in an application.

REGI Funding: How to Apply for Indigenous Businesses, Southern Ontario, and Non-Profits