Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron’s Economic Development Department has opened its 2024 Supporting Local Economic Development (SLED) funding program. This program funds projects up to a maximum of $10,000 that address the strategic priorities from Huron County Economic Development’s 2022/25 plan. The SLED program is delivered annually to local municipalities and registered non-profits.
Eligible projects must take place in Huron County and focus on one of the priorities from the THRIVE 2022-2025 Economic Development Strategic Plan:
- Re-engagement, education/skills development, attraction and/or retention of workforce;
- Impacts business districts, key industry sectors and/or investment attraction readiness;
- Advances community development, tourism sector development and/or the promotion of local food;
- Projects focused on youth and/or newcomers building a stronger sense of community.
Vicki Lass, Director of Huron County Economic Development, says the SLED fund began in 2016. “It was established to help fund some of the economic development work that our partner municipalities and not-for-profit organizations do that benefit our local communities,” Lass explained.
The list of eligible organizations could include BIAs, Chambers of Commerce, arts organizations, sector organizations, and municipal partners. Applications will be assessed on a merit basis and evaluated by a panel of local economic development professionals.
The deadline to submit is April 12, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. All applicants will be notified the week of April 22, 2024 regarding the success of their application.
Full program details, including application form, can be found at www.huroncounty.ca/economic-development/our-services/incentives-programs/sled/