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SLED Program (Supporting Local Economic Development)

What is the SLED Program?       

The 2024 SLED (Supporting Local Economic Development) program funds projects that address the strategic priorities from Huron County Economic Development’s 2022/25 plan including: workforce re-engagement, education/skills development, attraction and retention projects; business district and specific sector support programs; community economic development projects, tourism initiatives; youth and newcomer programs that support encouraging a sense of belonging.

The program is delivered annually, to Municipalities and registered non-profits. Applications will be assessed on a merit basis and evaluated by a panel of local economic development professionals.

Grants of up to $10,000.00 can be applied for. Projects are assessed by a panel of three judges made up of 2 Economic Development Board members and a Community Futures Huron Board member.  Upon approval 50% of the funding will be awarded to get projects started.  The final 50% will be awarded upon the submission and approval of the final project report.  A focus on local spending is encouraged wherever possible.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Applications to the SLED program must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a Municipality or a registered not-for-profit organization in Huron County;
  2. Cannot be a religious or political organization;
  3. The money has to be used in a way that has a clear and obvious economic impact;
  4. The direct economic impact of the project can be measured;
  5. The project includes collaborative partnerships;
  6. The applicant provides financial resources and support to the project;
  7. Provide recognition for the program funders of The County of Huron & Community Futures Huron.
  8. Applications supported by evidence based needs, such as a community plan, strategic plan or economic development strategy, and demonstrate support of a broader community goal will be given preference.
  9. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2024.

Please note:

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Preference will be given to new projects not previously funded by SLED, but repeat projects will still be considered. Upon successful application, failure to provide completed project will result in non-payment.

Objectives

 The project focuses on Huron County and achieves one of the priorities from THRIVE 2022-2025 Economic Development Strategic Plan:

  1. Re-engagement, education/skills development, attraction and/or retention of workforce;
  2. Impacts business districts, key industry sectors and/or investment attraction readiness;
  3. Advances community development, tourism sector development and/or the promotion of local food;
  4. Projects focused on youth and/or newcomers building a stronger sense of community.
Application Process
  1. The 2024 SLED application form is available here.
  2. Coaching is available for all applicants.  We are happy to discuss your projects with you and provide guidance throughout the application process.  Please feel free to reach out to Rick Sickinger rsickinger@huroncounty.ca or Vicki Lass vlass@huroncounty.ca for assistance.
  3. The applicant(s) will submit the final application to economicdevelopment@huroncounty.ca with subject line: “Applicant Name 2024 SLED Program”. Deadline to submit is April 12th, 2024, 4:30 PM.
  4. The panel of judges will consist of two Economic Development Board members and one Community Futures Huron Board member. All applicants will be notified the week of April 22nd, 2024.

50% of SLED funding will be dispersed upon project approval and the remaining 50% will be dispersed upon approval of your final report.

2023 Recipients

 

Seaforth BIA

Awarded $4,000

Project Impacts

  • Lights for mural &plants for a butterfly garden. 
  • This initiative impacts the community and tourism sector development of Seaforth.

Bayfield Lion’s Club

Awarded $9,000

Project Impacts

  • “Two cow Barn” to display a Penhale Landau carriage bringing another piece of history to the heritage downtown of Bayfield. Landau hand crafted some of the world’s finest carriages in Bayfield bringing organizations such as Disney, Heinz, Weston Hotel and the Rose Bowl Parade to town.
  • This initiative impacts the community and tourism sectors.

Cultural Collective SH

Awarded $6,000

Project Impacts

  • The community exchange program, a project focused on bringing together and engaging marginalized communities, youth, and newcomers of Huron County in arts and cultural programs.
  • This initiative impacts community development and focuses on youth and/or newcomers building a stronger sense of community

Eat Local Huron

Awarded $7,500

Project Impacts

  • Host farm crawls that will engage and connect patrons to local farmers.
  • This initiative impacts key sectors – agriculture and advances community development and agri-tourism sector development.

Exeter & District Heritage fund

Awarded $2,000

Project Impacts

  • The town of Exeter is celebrating its 150th anniversary bringing the community together for a 4-day event.
  • This initiative impacts business districts and key sectors while advancing the tourism sector

Exeter & District Heritage fund

Awarded $2,000

Project Impacts

  • Impacts business districts and/or key sectors;
  • Advances placemaking, community and/or tourism development.

Gateway

Awarded $9,000

Project Impacts

  • To support the SHARP program that will provide training and skills to re-engage, educate, attract and retain healthcare professionals in our rural areas.
  • This initiative impacts a key sector – healthcare and focuses on youth engagement and workforce development.

Goderich Celtic Festival

Awarded $5,000

Project Impacts

  • To feature “Loreena McKennit” international recording artist at the 31st annual Celtic Festival.
  • This initiative impacts business districts (Downtown Goderich) and advances community development and tourism sector development.

Goderich Little Theatre

Awarded $3,000

Project Impacts

  • Festival of One Act Plays – First Time for Everything.
  • This initiative impacts business districts and advances the tourism sector and community development.

Goderich Tourism

Awarded $7,000

Project Impacts

  • The 3-day salt fest that will impact key business sectors and develop the community and tourism sector.

Huron East

Awarded $6,700

Project Impacts

  • A guidebook and audio component for existing walking tours advances community and tourism sector development.

Huron Waves

Awarded $8,660

Project Impacts

  • The GAIA display comes to Exeter, this “out of this world” display and concerts advance community and tourism sectors development

Kingsbridge

Awarded $4,640

Project Impacts

  • To host a two-day event in conjunction with the Tase of Huron that will impact key business sectors – agri-food and the arts in addition to advancing the tourism sector and supporting community development.

North Huron

Awarded $7,500

Project Impacts

  • Wingham Art Markets is a project focused on displaying local artists and their art.
  • The project will focus on engaging youth, newcomers, and community members to build a stronger community.

Pioneer Park 1

Awarded $5,000

Project Impacts

  • Summer of 2023 entertainment & programming that advances community and tourism development.

Zurich Bean Festival

Awarded $7,500

Project Impacts

  • A roof replacement of the Bean Kitchen.
  • This initiative will impact community development and tourism sector as well as highlighting the agriculture sector.

 

 

For more information please contact:

Rick Sickinger
Program Advisor
rsickinger@huroncounty.ca
519-441-7145

Application Submissions
economicdevelopment@huroncounty.ca

SLED APPLICATION