Innovation, Information & Communication Technology

We are not accepting applications at this time.

Purpose of the Innovation & I C T Program:

To support projects within Haliburton County which will enhance community capacity to develop and implement strategies to ensure that residents and businesses can access and better utilize information and communication technologies which will lead to increased participation in the knowledge based economies.

Eligible Recipients

• A private sector full-time business conducting activities and located in Haliburton County.
• Social enterprises.*
• Groups or alliances of those described above where a lead recipient has been identified.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities may include but are not limited to:

• innovation initiatives including: commercialization of new technologies, innovation and technology research & development projects, technology/ICT and knowledge-based economy studies and plans;
• technological enhancement initiatives, such as: advanced innovative web enhancements, e-commerce, e-learning platforms, intranet/extranet portals, geographic information systems applications, customized software development and installations which will improve efficiencies and productivity;
• ICT infrastructure projects, including: telecommunications improvements, broadband and internet access;
• applications in ICT, which may include: development of networks, ICT education and awareness,;
• other incremental activities designed to stimulate business opportunities in the knowledge based economy.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs are expenses that will be incurred by the Recipient which are reasonable, incremental, and required to carry out the eligible activities, including but not limited to:

• Consultant and/or professional fees
• Materials and supplies
• Equipment and customized software
• Installation expenses
• Infrastructure costs; and
• Other costs directly related to the approved eligible activities

Eligible costs may be up to 75% for social enterprises or 50% of eligible costs for private sector businesses and will not normally exceed $10,000 per project but larger projects up to $50,000 will be considered. Funds must be expended and completed by March 31, 2013.

Ineligible Costs

• Creation of a web-site (advanced innovative web enhancements as part of a new website will be considered)
• Ongoing fees for broadband or other services

Please complete the application form below, include supplementary information on consultant, etc. and return in electronic format to: ptallman@haliburtoncdc.ca

Any questions regarding the application process or the Innovation & Information Communication Technology Program may be directed to Patti Tallman or Andy Campbell at 705-457-3555.

Application Process

Applications are being accepted on a continuous intake basis.  Applications must follow the format attached. Please submit one unstapled copy. Pages should be numbered.

It is highly recommended that applicants discuss this project with Andy Campbell or Patti Tallman of the Haliburton County Development Corporation at 457-3555 prior to completing an application to ensure it fits the criteria.

Guidelines & Evaluation Criteria (Word | PDF)

Application (Word | PDF)

Application Deadline: March 15, 2012

If the application is approved:

Reporting and Monitoring

The HCDC will prepare a letter of offer with terms, conditions and a funding disbursement schedule. Successful applicant(s) will be required to report to the HCDC on the progress of their plan, and submit a final report. These details will be outlined in a letter of offer for approved projects.

Payment of HCDC Contributions
Detailed instructions and claim forms will be provided to applicants after their projects are approved by HCDC. However, applicants may find the following general information useful in their financial planning:

• In order to receive payment, applicants must file a claim. The claim must include a listing of all the costs incurred for the project with supporting invoices. GST is not an allowable expense for businesses and organizations that claim a GST rebate.
• If applicants arrange for bridge financing of their HCDC contribution with a bank or other financial institution, HCDC will accept a direction to pay the proceeds of a HCDC contribution jointly to an applicant and the financial institution providing the bridge financing.
• If advance payments are required, please provide justification in your application.

Approval Process

Receipt of an application by HCDC does not indicate a commitment for funding.  All applications are reviewed by a review panel appointed by the Board of Directors of HCDC and assessed according to the criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

Evaluation Criteria

• Are consultants at arms length and experienced, professional and recognized as providing high quality work?
• Can the business demonstrate that they have both the ability and resources to implement their proposal?

• Does the applicant have a process in place to ensure the hiring of an arms-length consultant who is experienced, professional, and is recognized as providing high quality work?
• Does the proposal involve innovation or information & communications technology that will enhance the applicant’s business opportunities in the knowledge-based economy?
• Will this project contribute to increased employment in Haliburton County?
  • Is this project incremental?

* For the purpose of the HCDC’s Eastern Ontario Development Program a “Social Enterprise” is defined as a not-for-profit organization that is involved in revenue-producing activities (sale of products or services) – Please note: Only the revenue producing activities of an organization are eligible for funding.

All projects are funded in partnership with FedDev Ontario.