Collaborative Projects

Overview

EODP Projects that involve and benefit one or more communities are encouraged. Collaborative Projects are expected to result in a greater number of strategic economic development initiatives and improved partnerships to benefit eastern Ontario communities, including the strengthening of linkages between urban and rural areas. The objective of Collaborative Projects are to support initiatives which will stimulate business development and community innovation opportunities by promoting economic development leading to a competitive and diversified regional economy within Eastern Ontario. These projects will involve investments from two or more CFDCs in Eastern Ontario.

A map of Eastern Ontario CDFC locations

Guidelines

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Commercial Enterprises including individuals, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or trusts
Non-profit organizations including municipalities and municipal organizations, corporations and community economic development organizations
Aboriginal organizations

What types of projects and activities may be considered eligible?

Eligible activities will be those that promote broad-based collaborative economic development leading to a competitive and diversified economy, while contributing to the successful development of business/job opportunities and prosperous communities. Initiatives should demonstrate broad support from the region and/or various partners; and other sustainable, measurable economic benefits to the regional economy.

Special consideration will be given to projects that focus on initiatives that stimulate business development and job creation; support community innovation; attract and retain youth; increase opportunities for skills development; and enhance innovation and ICT.

Initiatives considered eligible for contribution would include:

Business Development Projects such as business planning initiatives (business development, expansion, marketing, export and strategic plans); feasibility studies; research & development initiatives, research analysis; internship/job placements; trade show attendance in support of market expansion; skills development, business and trade opportunity development; marketing projects; economic/tourism and/or business development activities; innovation initiatives including commercialization of new technologies, innovation and technology research and development, technology/ICT and knowledge-based economy studies; technology enhancement initiatives (innovative web enhancements, e-commerce, e-learning platforms, intranet/extranet portals, geographic information systems, customized software development and installations that improve efficiencies and productivity); ICT infrastructure projects including telecommunications improvements, broadband and internet access; applications in ICT which may include development of networks, ICT education and awareness, facilitating or hosting conferences and workshops; other incremental activities designed to stimulate business opportunities in the knowledge based economy.

Community Innovation Projects may include but are not limited to: community-based economic development projects; research projects; marketing and promotional activities; tourism events; export and trade initiatives; facilitation or hosting seminars/workshops; small scale construction or projects/physical works; and other activities in support of economic development. Overall the preference is for projects that are innovative; expand export and/or domestic markets; develop economic infrastructure; develop and/or maintain economic development networks; and support tourism marketing and product development.

What costs are eligible? What costs are not?

Eligible Costs will be reasonable, incremental and required to achieve the approved activity. They may include salaries, wages/employee benefits; communications, publicity and promotion; consultant and other professional services; environmental assessments; training; equipment purchases or leases; information technology; telecommunications network services; transportation and administrative expenses. Eligible costs may also include the cost of equipment and buildings, but will not include the cost of land.

Ineligible Costs are those that are deemed unreasonable, not incremental and/or not directly related to the eligible project activities. Costs incurred outside of the eligibility dates as defined in the Northumberland CFDC contribution agreement will not be supported.

What funding can EODP contribute to this project?

Collaborative Projects will normally involve a sharing of costs and leveraged funding amongst many partners.

Funding Contributions will be non-repayable contributions toward direct eligible project costs to a maximum of $100,000 per eligible project recipient and may be up to 50% to eligible Private Sector For-Profit recipients and up to 100% to Not-for-Profit eligible project recipients.

If you are considering a Collaborative Project that would involve Northumberland CFDC and one or more additional CFDCs in Eastern Ontario, please apply using the Business Development or Community Innovation application forms linked below.