Community Economic Development

Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria

The Purpose of the Business Planning Program

The objectives of the Business Planning Program are to support existing and potential businesses, entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations with financial assistance toward the development of sound business, marketing plans and/or product development plans and with the intention of advancing their business initiatives.

The Business Planning Program is intended to assist applicants to:

• Ensure that all aspects of their plan have been considered and properly investigated;
• Ensure that they have a clear understanding of all issues and potential problems;
• Raise their potential in gaining access to the required financing in a timely manner.

Eligible Recipients (must be located and conducting activities in Renfrew County)

• Non-profit organizations;
• Municipalities;
• Municipal organizations;
• Community development organizations;
• Associations;
• Legal commercial entities including individuals, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or trusts;
• Aboriginal organizations

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities can include:

• research;
• development of marketing and business plans;
• development of exporting plans and related activities;
• research and development initatives;
• other activities related to enhance business opportunities. 

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs can include:

• Fees associated with hiring an arms length consultant or other professional;
• Meeting and travel costs;
• Printing costs;
• Other related costs.

Up to $2,500 can be made available to assist with the costs of hiring an arms-length consultant or other professional.  Total assistance will not normally exceed 50% of the total eligible costs, and will be based on demonstrated need.

Funding Criteria

All funds must be expended and business plans completed by February 1, 2011.

Application Process

Your proposal must be submitted to RCCFDC by Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. All applications must follow the format of the application form. Applications submitted after the deadline date are not eligible.

Applicants may discuss a potential application with Dana Jennings, Project Coordinator, Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation at 613.735.3951 ext. 226 prior to completing an application to ensure it fits the criteria and/or to examine other potential opportunities.

Approval Process

Receipt of an application by RCCFDC does not indicate a commitment for funding. All applications are reviewed by the Special Funding Committee of the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation and assessed according to the criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

Evaluation Criteria

The Application Review Committee will use the following criteria to evaluate the applications for funding:

• Are consultants at arms length and experienced, professional and recognized as providing high quality work?
• Does the applicant have a process in place to ensure the chosen consultant meets the criteria mentioned above?
• Can the business demonstrate that they have both the ability and resources to implement their proposal?
• Does the initiative involve research, development and finalization of a business, marketing and or product development plan?
• Has the applicant described how they will be highly involved in the business planning process in order to have a good understanding of the final plan?
• Has the applicant made a compelling case for the need for an outside consultant?