South West Community Adjustment Fund

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As a partner in the delivery of the South West Community Adjustment Fund (SWCAF), the Norfolk District Business Development Corporation (NDBDC) has grants available for organizations that operate in Norfolk County. The SWCAF has been created to support projects that enhance the community capacity for economic development within Norfolk County.

The NDBDC is currently accepting applications for all five elements. Please note that each element is time sensitive and has an application deadline. Because of the high demand that we expect for all elements, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. However, before applying for any of the elements, please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.

NOTE: On the first deadline date of November 27, 2009, as a result of NDBDC receiving applications for Grants that far exceeded the funds available, all of the available funds have been allocated to applications for each of the five elements and thus no further applications can be accepted. NDBDC has also been informed by Industry Canada that the second year of this Fund (to have commenced on April 1, 2010) will not be proceeding.

Applicants that received approval for Projects, in alphabetical order, were: 

1. Skills Development – Training Employees

Skills Development funding is intended:

• to assist and encourage the training of employees,
• to enhance the skill set of employees,
• to provide transferable skills to employees, and
• to contribute to the overall strength of the work force capabilities of Norfolk County.

Organizations are eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 per employee and each organization can be eligible for a maximum of $25,000 in funding. Businesses and private enterprise can receive up to 50% of their training costs. Non profit Organizations can apply for up to 100% of their training costs to a maximum of $25,000.

2. Hiring Interns

Internship funding is intended to provide recent post-secondary graduates or recent graduates of training programs with valuable skills from full time work experience with the objective of attaining  longer term employment in Norfolk County.

Organizations can receive up to $2,500 per month for each intern for a maximum of 12 months:

• private businesses can receive up to 50% of the salary of an intern
• non profit organizations can receive up to 100% of the salary of an intern.

Interns are expected to have recently completed some form of training and will use the internship experience to assist them to gain access into their chosen field. Interns can be any age, but must fit the established criteria.

3. Business Development

Business Development funding is available for business expansion projects such as:

• web site development,
• business planning, and
• market research.

Your business may be eligible for up to $5,000 in funding. Businesses can receive up to 50% of the cost of the project and non profit organizations can apply for up to 100% of the cost. Both amounts are subject to the maximum grant per organization of $25,000.

4. Local Initiatives Projects

Local Initiative Project funding is available to support initiatives that create economic development and diversification within Norfolk County. All projects must be incremental and partnerships are encouraged.

The maximum grant under the Local Initiatives is $10,000. Applicants must be non profit organizations.

5. Community Capacity Projects

Community Capacity projects are intended to enhance the community capacity for economic development and diversification within Norfolk County. Funding is intended to strengthen communities by supporting projects that:

• are incremental,
• address local needs and priorities, and
• result in long-term benefits including job creation, economic diversification, and enhanced business competitiveness.

Projects must demonstrate significant direct or indirect impact on the enhancement of local business and/or Norfolk County as a whole. Applicants must demonstrate support from partners in the private sector, community organizations, municipalities, and/or the provincial government.

Community Capacity Projects can be funded for an amount ranging from $10,000 to a maximum of $150,000 and are restricted to non profit organizations such as municipalities.

To see if your idea might fit the criteria call the Program Coordinator, Albert Madill at 519-428-2323, Ext. 109.