Presentation made to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM 2010

2. Strategic alliances between individuals, businesses, farmers, processors, community organizations, including not-for-profit, and/or municipalities

4. Healthier and more physically active Ontarians, including community sports and recreation, recreation for people with disabilities, coaching programs, health promotion, mental health programs, shelters, food banks and clean environment initiatives.

5. Enhanced employment and economic potential for workers and their families, including community economic development, energy conservation, job skills for new Canadians, and job skills for individuals with disabilities.

6. More effective volunteers and more people engaged in their communities, including volunteer training, recruitment and retention programs, community leadership development and renewal, celebrating and preserving heritage, mentoring programs, community arts and safe community initiatives. There are 3 types of grants: Operating (for up to five years), Project, and Capital. Although grants have been awarded up to $1 million, the average contribution is less than $125,000 to cover 50% of project expenses. In-kind contributions (e.g. volunteer time) made by the applicant are acceptable. Please note that the fund does not support out of province expenses.<br />The Rural Economic Development Program (RED) offers funding to rural businesses and organizations for projects that will benefit rural Ontario. Grants of up to 50% of eligible costs can be awarded for projects that will help less populated areas (including Guelph, Barrie, Milton and areas surrounding Kitchener-Waterloo) in:<br />Revitalizing communities<br />Improving access to health care services <br />Improving access to skills development and enhancement opportunities<br />Creating new community development tools<br />Sustaining rural economies<br />Improving business opportunities<br />Creating or enhancing community partnerships and teamwork<br />The program has supported initiatives related to research and development, tourism, product development, sales and marketing, plant improvements and expansion, as well as employee hiring, training and development. Real estate purchases are not eligible for funding. Usually a strategic alliance of two or more businesses and organizations must co-apply for assistance, but food processors can apply independently. Telephone 1-888-588-4111<br />The Sector Initiatives Fund (SIF) is intended to help Ontario sector groups and organizations to develop training courses, standards, and materials for their employees and employers. A '”sectorquot;
may be: <br />An industry-based sector, such as all companies within a specific Standard Industrial Classification. <br />A value-chain-based sector, such as suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers in a value chain<br />A skill-based sector, such as a number of diverse companies (e.g. processors, manufacturers, services) seeking to acquire specific skills (e.g. exporting, interpersonal, communication, etc.). <br />The maximum amount of funding is $100,000 and will usually cover 50% of out of pocket expenses. Program funding has been secured for the development, piloting of supervisory, and management training courses as well as for trade skill development. Telephone 1-416-327-6493<br />