Huron County Planning and Development

Huron Economic Development Partnership

Huron Economic Development Partnership

Community Funding Program

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:

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:

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

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

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

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) Supporting Information

www.investinhuron.cawww.shopinhuron.ca

www.ontarioswestcoast.cawww.huronmanufacturing.ca

www.omafra.gov.on.ca

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

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

Community Betterment:

How will the project benefit the community as a whole?

Achievability:

Can the goals be accomplished in a reasonable timeframe?

Uniqueness:

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

Return on Investment:

Do the anticipated results warrant the cost?

Local Support:

Is there support from the community to sustain the project?

Partnerships:

Can the project forge lasting and productive partnerships?

Funding Priorities

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;

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 BarillBusiness Development Coordinator

Economic Development Services dbarill@huroncounty.ca

519.524.8394 ext.2761.888.524.8394 ext 276

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

Application Process1.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.

Seven Questions to be answered :

1. Description of Your Organization2. List other partners involved in the project3 Project Outline4. Anticipated Impacts5. Project Budget/Action Plan6 Breakdown of your Contribution 7 Request for Support