Before you apply
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Only projects that best align with program objectives and expected results will be chosen. To prepare a strong application you should:
- Check eligibility in the Who can apply section
- Understand what can be funded in the Program information section
- Review the complete program materials as described on this website and in the expression of interest help guide to understand the application requirements and process
- Assign a project lead from your organization to be a primary contact that PrairiesCan will engage with for the project
- Gather all the documentation that PrairiesCan is requesting for the application
Should you have any questions regarding or during the application process, please contact a PrairiesCan office.
Elements of a strong proposal
There is no deadline to submit an EOI. If we invite you to complete a full application, a PrairiesCan officer will be available to work with you and respond to any questions you may have about completing it.
Completed applications undergo a due diligence process where we further assess them against the following criteria:
- alignment to program objectives
- strong project rationale (in other words, the project addresses a clear and significant need, opportunity and/or market gap and there is a demonstrated demand for the project)
- measurable economic results for the Canadian Prairies (e.g., jobs created or maintained)
- effective governance measures and management team to carry out the project
- financial statements showing how the organization/project will be financially self-sustaining
- confirmed funding from the applicant and other partners, including provincial governments, the private sector and other non-government sources
Expected results
The CEDD program is expected to result in stronger and more diversified economies in communities across the Prairies. Applicants are to quantify, substantiate, and later report on their anticipated outcomes, which are on a project-by-project basis and may include, but are not limited to:
- number of businesses created, maintained, or expanded
- number of highly qualified personnel (HQP) including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs created in Canada
- number of non-HQP jobs created in Canada
- number of jobs maintained
- number of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assisted
- number of participants trained
- number of contributing partners engaged in advancing community-based projects
- export sales growth ($)
PrairiesCan is working to improve the economic participation (e.g. job creation) of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth.
Refer to the applicant guide for more information on project indicators and expected results.