Grassroots Growth Initiative
Get up to 50% cost-share for agri-food projects up to $100,000, but you must pay all costs upfront and secure approval before spending. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; you can apply anytime.
How we verify funding records →
“Eligible provincial agri-food producer organizations may request up to 50% of eligible project costs for projects up to $100,000 in cost-share funding.”
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come BEFORE you spend; costs incurred before the agreement is signed are at your own risk and will not be reimbursed.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are an Ontario-based corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, or unincorporated association.
- Your project boosts public engagement, youth leadership, safety, or trust in the agri-food or rural sectors.
- You have the cash flow to cover 100% of eligible costs upfront before claiming reimbursement.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a for-profit business seeking sole benefit or covering normal operating costs like rent, utilities, or standard salaries.
- You have already incurred costs before getting written approval from OMAFRA, as pre-agreement costs are ineligible.
- You owe money to the Province of Ontario or are an employee or agent of the Province.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $5,000 back.
Variable; for targeted local marketing by producer organizations, up to 50% of eligible costs up to $100,000. Other projects may receive the full amount requested, a reduced amount, or none, depending on budget availability.
What may be supported
- Projects increasing public engagement or support for agriculture/local food.
- Projects building youth leadership capacity or involvement.
- Projects enhancing safety or risk management practices in agri-food.
- Projects strengthening public trust or knowledge about agri-food systems.
- Targeted local marketing projects by provincial agri-food producer organizations.
What's excluded or restricted
- costs associated with retaining a consultant to advise on or fill out an application
- costs to provide additional information under the GGI, legal costs to review/negotiate the successful applicant’s agreement with the province, costs of reports to the province as required under the agreement
- costs to lobby any level of government
- costs of any good or service obtained from a person who is not arm’s length to the applicant
- the value of any goods or services received through donations or in-kind
- costs for which the applicant is eligible to receive a credit, rebate or refund
- costs incurred prior to the project effective date or after the project completion date
- direct wages for existing staff or any other staff who are not dedicated to the activities required to complete the project
- operating costs normally associated with carrying out the applicant’s business
- costs normally associated with expanding or establishing a business/organization
- costs associated with bringing an applicant’s operation into compliance or maintaining compliance with requirements of law
- costs to acquire permits and approvals
- goods or services provided by federal or provincial government departments or agencies
- costs of training and skills development that fulfill any academic requirements towards completion of a diploma or degree under a program
- costs of participating in mentoring and coaching training programs, unless otherwise noted
- costs of sponsorship of conferences and learning events or initiatives, unless otherwise noted
- travel and meal costs unless previously approved by OMAFRA
- costs to purchase or lease land, buildings and facilities
- costs to purchase a vehicle
- financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees and charges
- gifts, incentives and honorariums
- cost of creating communications products that are not pre-approved by OMAFRA
- costs incurred for other projects including those under the GGI
How applying works
Effort: involvedRequires a detailed project design, rationale, work plan with activity timelines, and a detailed activity-based budget. You must also register via Transfer Payment Ontario and sign a legal agreement.
- 01Email ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca to request application instructions.
- 02Prepare a detailed project design, rationale, organizational capacity statement, work plan (timelines), and activity-based budget.
- 03Submit the application via email as instructed.
- 04If successful, register business information through the Province’s Transfer Payment Ontario.
- 05Sign the agreement with the Province of Ontario and ensure all conditions are fulfilled before spending.
- 06Incur eligible costs, track them carefully, and submit reports for reimbursement based on project progress.
Who to ask: 1-877-424-1300 or ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Documents commonly required
- Detailed project design and rationale.
- Work plan with activity timelines.
- Detailed activity-based budget.
- Proof of financial capacity to cash flow the project.
- Disclosure of other funding sources requested or received.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds a project website to showcase your agri-food initiative and strengthen public trust in your local food systems.
- BBN creates targeted digital marketing and social media content to drive public engagement and support for your community goals.
- BBN designs youth leadership digital tools and online resources to build capacity and involvement for the next generation.
- BBN develops digital safety guides and risk management resources to enhance practices and protect your agri-food operations.
- BBN guides you through the application process and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- You pay first: You must cover all eligible costs out of pocket and get reimbursed later based on progress and reporting.
- Strict eligibility: Normal operating costs, compliance costs, and pre-approved lobbying are excluded; only direct project costs count.
- Budget uncertainty: Funding is not guaranteed; you may receive a reduced amount or no funding even if you qualify.
- Taxable income: The grant portion is generally taxable income; confirm with your accountant.
What are your odds?
Not a contest if you qualify and follow rules, but the budget is limited and can run out; apply early and ensure your project aligns strictly with GGI objectives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim costs I already spent?
No. Costs incurred before the project is approved by OMAFRA and the agreement is signed are ineligible and at your own risk.
Is the grant money taxable?
Generally, yes. The reimbursed grant portion is considered taxable income. Ask your accountant for specific advice.
What costs are excluded?
Normal operating costs, compliance costs, lobbying, pre-agreement costs, and costs for goods/services from non-arm's length parties are excluded.
How do I apply?
Email ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca for instructions. You must submit a detailed project design, rationale, work plan, and budget.
Related BBN services
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
Business Websites
Fast, search-ready websites your customers can actually use. Built, hosted and maintained by one accountable team.
Photography, Video & Drone Media
Food, product, storefront and aerial media that makes everything else work harder: site, menus, ads, signage.
Local SEO & Google Business Profile
Show up when nearby customers search: accurate profiles, real local content and reviews handled honestly.
What you can combine it with
You cannot stack funding from multiple applicants for the same project, and projects already receiving 100% funding from other sources are excluded.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.