Community Economic Development

ECN Small Business Grant:

Introduction

In providing business grants to new and existing small businesses’ the Ermineskin Economic Development Department strives to assist and prepare our people to be independent and self-sufficient on and off reserve, through business and employment opportunities development.

The following requirements and procedures need to be met to access Ermineskin Economic Development small business grants.

 

New Small business grants maximum contribution up to $5,000.00

Existing Small business grants maximum contribution up to $2,500.00

 

Requirements

  • Must be an Ermineskin Band Member 18 +
  • Provide a detailed Business plan with a proposal for new business
  • Provide a detailed Executive Summary with a proposal for existing business
  • Must be actively involved in the running of the business
  • Provide a detailed financial projection of at least 1 year
  • Must provide a signed B.C.R. stating your intention to open a business and allowing it.

 

Conflict of interest rules apply for Economic Development Committee Members (See EEDD Policy)

Any Documentation, pictures or products submitted to the EEDD for grants procedure may be used for promotional purposes by the EEDD, at any time.

 

Guidelines and Procedure:

  1. Submit a typed proposal and executive summary for review of Ermineskin Economic Development Department Committee.
  2. Provide detailed documentation regarding usage of requested funds. (i.e. Quotes, invoices, receipts
  3. After reviewed by EEDD Committee, if approved, you attend the next available Chief and Council meeting to obtain required BCR. Submit a copy of the said BCR to the EEDD.
  4. Now you will be required to sign a contract with the EEDD detailing the details of your grant
  5. All grant monies must be spent within sixty (60) days of release to you. Also within the same time frame all documentation regarding spending will have to be listed and submitted to the EEDD. This documentation will be all receipts obtained after spending the grant. Failure to do so will be regarded as breach of contract and will result with you paying back all grant monies.

Small Business Application Form / Guidelines

Services Provided by ECN Economic Development:

  • Economic Development is separate from NGCI in that its focus is Community Based.
  • The Grants Program is operated from this department and courses are being developed for not only grant writing but for after an applicant is successful.
  • The Business Link is part of the grant writing workshops and are free to utilize.
  • CESO is an organization of retired business individuals who can be hired to work with those in small businesses to work on Cash Flow and Managerial related areas.
  • Economic Development oversees the Panee AgriPlex, Auto Centre, Greenhouses and Bear Park.
  • The Auto Centre will be the focus of some new planning and may become a storage facility for Band Vehicles.
  • The Panee AgriPlex is once again hosting events, most recently Cattle Penning on January 25th and we will also be hosting Barrel Racing Jackpots in February (1st Jackpot took place on the 16th) and March. A Cattle Penning Clinic will take place in April as well. Boarders are in the Panee once again.
  • A new plan is being developed for the Greenhouses with a focus on creating a unique reclamation opportunity.The Greenhouses will be the focus of additional planning in terms of utilizing different technologies (aquaponics, generators that tap into our gas deposits, possible solar power)
  • Discussion is ongoing about whether to focus on just reclamation or expand into production
  • Bear Park will be looked at for potential for summer vendors (flea markets)
  • Bear Park is available for booking demonstration ideas by any interested party. (rates and damage deposits are determined by event depending on number of attendees and what activities are planned at the site)