Application for financial assistance:
Before completing your Application, carefully review the Program Guidelines for the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) to verify that your organization and proposed activities fit within the appropriate program criteria and priorities.
Complete an Application for Financial Assistance providing key contact and project information, along with a brief summary of how the proposed project will result in outcomes that support innovation, economic diversification and business growth in Northern Ontario's Francophone communities (the official language minority community) and capitalize on economic opportunities made possible through linguistic duality.
Applicants will receive written or electronic confirmation that their Application has been received. While reviewing the information, FedNor may contact applicants for additional details to complete the application.
The results of the Application review will be communicated to applicants electronically or in writing.
Applications can be completed and submitted electronically, or printed and sent to the nearest FedNor office.
Phase Two Detailed Application under EDI:
Upon initial evaluation, FedNor will provide an electronic or written decision on whether the project should proceed to Phase Two. If selected to proceed, applicants will be invited to submit a Phase Two Detailed Application and provide supporting documentation. This may include a detailed business plan, financial statements, and articles of incorporation. The information required and instructions on how to proceed will be provided to applicants.
Application Review:
Phase Two Detailed Applications will be evaluated on their ability to support the objectives of the EDI program and meet the following criteria:
- Applicant can demonstrate it has an established track record in the delivery of projects;
- Applicant has the expertise and the resources required to complete the proposed project;
- Applicants applying on behalf of a sector or industry represent the key project stakeholders;
- Applicants have established a clear project governance structure and decision-making process;
- The project addresses a need identified by end users and will not duplicate existing efforts or projects;
- Accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure due diligence in administering public funds and the ability to report on performance measures; and
- Identification of a person and position responsible for project delivery and management along with key officers that have signing authority.
Furthermore, the EDI's Phase Two Detailed Applications must clearly demonstrate how the project will have short- to medium-term measurable results to enhance the economic vitality of Northern Ontario's official language minority communities (OLMCs) – the Francophone community – and enhance the region's competitiveness through linguistic duality by supporting projects designed to achieve the following results:
Enterprises developed
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including co-operatives, are able to grow and become more competitive, spurring trade, tourism and investment in new and existing markets, creating new, diversified products and services, commercializing research and development in products and services, creating jobs and increasing the number of innovative, diversified SMEs.
- SMEs have better access to information and services about federal economic development initiatives meant to increase partnerships and opportunities for economic diversification.
Communities developed
- The economic base of OLMCs is diversified as opportunities arise through increased trade, investment and numbers of SMEs.
- The development of new or improved tools and/or services for planning and sharing of best practices.
Reporting Requirements:
Successful applicants will be required to report to FedNor on project expenditures and activities, the results/outcomes of the project, and achievement of performance indicators as identified in contribution agreements.
Note:
- A complete Application for Financial Assistance must first be submitted to determine your proposal's eligibility.
- Electronic or Written confirmation that an application may proceed to a Phase Two Detailed Application (NODP and EDI) should not be interpreted as FedNor's approval of the proposed project or authorization to start with the proposed activities.
- Applicants cannot presume that financial support will be provided toward their project until written approval is obtained through a signed contribution agreement.
If you decide to accept public funding, depending on the nature of your project and the targeted clientele, you may be asked to assume official languages obligations among other obligations outlined in your contribution agreement.
FedNor requires that all projects conform to requirements set out in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA 2012). For details of CEAA 2012 requirements please visit: www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca.
Contact Us:
For more information, please contact your local FedNor Officer or call us toll-free at 1-877-333-6673.