To permit time for processing and preparation, reviews will be: within thirty (30) business days of each Deadline Date.

 

Procedures and Guidelines

 

Please read all material you have received before completing the application. All applications must meet the requirements listed in the policy, procedures and guidelines. To ensure that you meet these necessary requirements we encourage you to contact the Economic Development Officer (EDO) with any questions concerning the program.

 

 

Policy

 

Acadia First Nation (AFN) is committed to providing equitable grants program access to registered Acadia Band members residing on or off reserve.

 

Goal

 

The goal of the AFN Economic Development Grants Program is to provide access to financial support for worthwhile ventures that will enhance the economic growth of Acadia Band Communities.

 

Eligibility

 

Eligible individuals are registered Acadia Band members provided they:

 

·   Possess adequate knowledge of or background in the type of business proposed.

·   Show seriousness of intent to achieve the goal, as outlined in his/her proposal.

·   Possess the ability to devote sufficient time and effort toward achieving his/her goal.

·   Control not less than 51% of the established or proposed business.

·   

Please Note: Proposals containing inadequate or vague information will be deemed ineligible for review. All incomplete and late proposals will be deferred to the next review date.

 

        

Economic Development Grants Review Committee

The Economic Development Grants Review Committee shall consist of the Chief, Council, Band Manager and Economic Development Officer (EDO) of Acadia First Nation.

In the event that a complete committee cannot be assembled within thirty (30) days of the deadline date, the review committee shall:

-         convene at the earliest possible date, and

-         do so within ten (10) business days of the original assigned date

 

Review Procedures

·   The Chief of Acadia First Nation shall chair all Review Committee procedures.

·   The EDO shall present each proposal for review and discussion to the committee.

·   During discussion, all committee members may offer comments and/or recommendations concerning each proposal.

·   A vote will be taken based upon:

-    Content, merit and/or viability of the proposed business application.

-    Applicants ability to effectively provide the product and/or service offered.

-    Existing competition in a given area due to the duplication of services offered.

-    Existing competition in a given area due to market saturation of the same or similar product.

-    Amount of available funds in the Grants Program at the time of review.

 

 

 

 

Voting Guidelines

·   Only the Acadia First Nation Chief , Council and Band Manager may cast a vote in the review of a proposal.

·   The EDO shall not cast a vote in the review proceedings.

·   In the event of a tie, the chair shall cast the deciding vote pertaining to a grant proposal.

·   Any voting member of the committee can and must be removed from the proceedings should a conflict of interest arise ( as outlined in the Acadia Band by-laws ).

Some proposals may be denied funding or receive partial funding subject to the voting guidelines as detailed above.

Funding Criteria

The following conditions are applicable to individuals applying for assistance within the AFN Economic Development Grants Program:

·   Any prior funding received within the program shall be considered in the review process.

·   Applicants may be required to provide additional information upon request of the Review Committee or EDO.

·   Applications for an economic development grant; the maximum allowable funding in this program is $5000.00

·   Applications for a economic development craft grant; the maximum allowable funding is $ 500.00 per application

·   If reapplying within the grants program and have received prior financial assistance maximum allowable funding is and must not exceed $5000.00 in total per applicant.

·   All Economic Development Grant funding is concurrent and any financial assistance received by an applicant is considered as part of the review proceedings.

Conditions of Funding

Upon approval of receiving financial assistance within the AFN Economic Development Grants Program the following conditions shall apply:

·   Grant funds must be used for the activity as described in the business proposal.

·   Failure to complete either the progress report or final report will result in exclusion from any similar programs that may be offered in the future.

·   You may be required to apply for business registration within thirty (30) days of receiving funding and provide a copy of certification as part of the progress report.

 

Please Note:   Information regarding business registration is available upon request from the economic development officer.

 

Notification

Applicants will be notified of the review decisions by letter, usually within one (1) month of the deadline date.