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 $15K)
Priority given to communities with < 5,000 residents.
LARGE SCALE PROJECTS (up to $50K)
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 $15,000 to a maximum of 100% of the project budget. Large Scale project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $50,000 to a maximum of 50% of the project budget. Collaborative project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $50,000 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.
To help you prepare for your proposals, click here to read the Application Guide.
Register now for one the ETSI-BC Spring Funding Intake Info Sessions:
March 28 at 1pm (PST) > Register here.
March 29 at 10am (PST) > Register here.
