HEDP Community Funding Program

Huron County Planning and Development

Huron Economic Development Partnership Community Funding Program

Huron Economic Development Partnership

History In 2006, the Warden of Huron County established the first Task Force on Economic Development. The Task Force was comprised of Mayors and municipal staff from across Huron County and had a mandate to assess current conditions in the local economy, look at what was currently working well, and identify new initiatives to maintain the economic health of Huron County. To assist in this effort, the Warden’s Task Force entered into a partnership with the Huron Business Development Corporation and the Rural Economic Development Program of OMAFRA to launch “Huron Economic Development Matters” – a three-year community economic development initiative running from 2007-2010.

Future Using a successful model and proven strategy, the Planning and Development Department has channeled this management team into the Huron Economic Development Partnership.

Working with municipal partners, industry associations and business organizations, to ensure coordination through efficient management and implementation, the Community Funding Program will work toward a more prosperous Huron County.

Notes:

In addition, other factors of importance will be considered for each application, including:

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ••

Applications for support may be submitted on behalf of incorporated community organizations, municipalities, or non-incorporated groups of people with a common interest.

In general, requests for support must satisfy these basic criteria: ••

••

How will the project expand businesses and jobs in the area?

Community Betterment:

How will the project benefit the community as a whole?

Achievability:

Uniqueness:

Proponents must be prepared to invest their own financial or in-kind resources;

30% of the total anticipated cost of the project must be provided by the applicant,either in a monetary contribution or a monterary and in kind contribution. (e.g., volunteer labour; min 10% monetary)

Can the goals be accomplished in a reasonable timeframe?

The project must be closely linked to one or more of the priorities i.e. economic investment and community revitalization;

Is this a duplication of any other activity in the community?

•• Other available sources of project support must be fully utilized; ••

Economic Impact:

Return on Investment: Do the anticipated results warrant the cost?

Supporting Information

www.investinhuron.ca www.shopinhuron.ca www.ontarioswestcoast.ca www.huronmanufacturing.ca www.omafra.gov.on.ca

Local Support: Is there support from the community to sustain the project?

Partnerships: Can the project forge lasting and productive partnerships?

Funding Priorities

Applicants seeking support from Huron County are asked to undertake the following steps:

Application Process

Business Retention & Expansion Initiatives that work with community groups and volunteers to survey local business owners, assess their needs, devise and launch strategies for business expansion and growth;

1.Meet with The Business Development Coordinator to outline the nature of the project and its fit with the goals and funding priorities of Huron Economic Development Partnership (HEDP) 2. Following your review the project staff, download the application form at Investinhuron.ca and submit a written proposal for the Project. The HEDP Management Committee will meet on a monthly basis to review applications for support.

Downtown Revitalization Initiatives that design and implement organizational, marketing, business development and physical streetscape strategies for downtown renewal; Community Development Initiatives that enhance the economic, social & cultural health of the community.

Douglas Barill Business Development Coordinator Economic Development Services dbarill@huroncounty.ca 519.524.8394 ext.276 1.888.524.8394 ext 276

Seven Questions to be answered : 1. Description of Your Organization 2. List other partners involved in the project 3 Project Outline 4. Anticipated Impacts 5. Project Budget/Action Plan 6 Breakdown of your Contribution 7 Request for Support