In this funding stream, we focus on supporting smaller/rural communities to build economic development capacity and support regional partnerships in economic development throughout the Southern Interior. We hope to serve as a catalyst for new economic development initiatives, and we know that sometimes a community needs a first-in funder to seed projects and encourage other funders. Our goal is to:
- Enhance the capacity of southern interior communities to fulfill their economic development aspirations and knowledge.
- Support local and regional economic development projects within the Southern Interior.
- Facilitate strategic partnerships and encourage collaboration between communities and economic development agencies.
Our Funding Intakes will generally be of three main types:
SMALL SCALE PROJECTS (up to $25K)
Priority given to communities and First Nations with < 7,500 residents.
LARGE SCALE PROJECTS (up to $75K)
Priority given to communities with
< 25,000 residents.
COLLABORATIVE/REGIONAL PROJECTS
To encourage collaboration between local governments and First Nations, as well as cross-regional initiatives.
- Small Scale project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $25,000 to a maximum of 100% of the project budget.
- Large Scale project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $75,000 to a maximum of 50% of the project budget.
- Collaborative project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $75,000 to a maximum of 60% of the project budget.
Eligible Applicants for funding include:
- Local governments (municipalities and regional districts) and their associated economic development organizations
- Indigenous communities and their associated economic development organizations
- Non-Profit Business Support organizations serving the region, such as:
- Other Economic Development organizations
- Industry Associations
- Accelerators and Cooperative Groups
Depending on the Intake, projects eligible for funding may include:
- Economic development planning, feasibility assessments, research, grant writing support to access funding sources which leverage ETSI-BC funding by a factor of 10
- Business retention and expansion initiatives
- Business engagement initiatives
- Developing Business diversification and investment-ready strategies
- Key Industry sector analysis/development
- Community economic revitalization
- Collaborative regional planning and/or business/investment attraction projects
- Cost-sharing of economic development interns to help implement new projects
From time to time, ETSI-BC will support other Economic Development initiatives. Click HERE to see examples of other supported activities.
Supporting Information:
- Review and download the application guide here.
- Info Session Presentation: CLICK HERE
Connect with Our Experts:
- Paul Wiest (Columbia-Kootenay): CLICK HERE
- Renata King (Thompson-Okanagan): CLICK HERE
