Application Review Process

**The second Economic Development Initiative intake ending on September 16, 2009 is now closed. Projects in southern Ontario have been assessed and approved projects will be announced over the coming weeks. A public announcement on any future intake for applications under EDI will be made once details are finalized.

Applications were reviewed based on their own merit and in relation to other proposals received, as well as according to EDI program objectives:

EDI Targets

• youth;
• small- and medium-sized enterprises;
• job creation; and,
• integration of Francophone immigrants in business and economic development.

EDI Objectives

• capacities built;
• enterprises developed; and,
• communities strengthened.

The application also needs to demonstrate:

• the organization’s capacity to undertake and manage the incremental project;
• a realistic budget forecast; and,
• achievable expected outcomes.

To ensure fairness and accountability, all applications will be assessed using the following criteria:

• involvement of multiple partners;
• participation and support of the Francophone community;
• responds to a priority and need of the Francophone community as identified in a local, regional or provincial strategic and/or community plan;
• anticipated results will generate clear and measurable long-term economic benefits for the Ontario Francophone community;
• geographic diversity of application;
• innovative and provides a model that could be used elsewhere; and,
• leverages other significant financial resources.

All project activities must be completed by the approved project end dates.