OTTAWA, Ont. – The province is loosening the rules on a fund designed to help businesses grow in this end of Ontario.

Changes to the Eastern Ontario Development Fund are welcome news to many at a morning news conference held at Invest Ottawa’s offices off of Preston Street.  

“The boundaries of the fund have been expanded to include urban and suburban Ottawa,” Transportation minister Bob Chiarelli announced to a round of applause.

Even though more businesses are now eligible to apply, the fund is still the same size as before the change.

“It means that the best of the applications will rise to the top,” said Mayor Jim Watson, when asked if the change will mean less money for each applicant business.

“I think the very fact we have the largest centre of employment…means that we’ll probably do very well,” Watson said.

With job cuts in the federal civil service, it’s hoped expanding the fund will help businesses in the capital expand, to find room to take in those skilled workers, keeping them in Ottawa.