DOC/EDA Planning Grants

OVERVIEW: The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides support for the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, short-term planning efforts, and state plans designed to create and retain higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the nation’s most economically distressed regions. Planning activities supported by these grants must be part of a continuous process involving the active participation of private sector representatives, public officials, and private citizens. In addition, they must include: (a) analysis of local economies; (b) identification of economic development goals; (c) determination of project opportunities; and (d) formulation and implementation of an economic development program that includes systematic efforts to reduce unemployment and increase incomes. Current investment priorities include applications that help develop and enhance regional industry clusters and assist local leaders in understanding and applying the principles of entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Generally, an EDA investment may not exceed 50% of the total cost of a project. Projects may receive an additional amount that shall not exceed 30%, based on the relative needs of the region in which the project will be located, as determined by EDA.

TIMETABLE: Ongoing. See the EDA’s Application Requirements page for details.

APPLICATION PROCESS: See the EDA’s Application Requirements page for details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: There doesn’t seem to be a great deal of information online about this program (if you know where we can find more, please let us know in the comments). For now, all we can recommend is checking the EDA’s website or contact your regional EDA office.

TAGS: funding, planning,