Batchewana First Nation Economic Development Program

The goal of the program is to support community and social development linking the economic needs to the social, cultural and environmental realities of Batchewana First Nation communities. It is a base to build the communities self-reliance and generate sustainable economic growth, community control and to increase the capacity for Batchewana First Nation members to participate in the economy.

The program mandate is to effectively manage and be accountable for program funding intended to support economic development in training and employment support, business support, resource management support and other related economic development activities undertaken on behalf of Batchewana First Nation Communities and its membership.

Training & Employment (Employment Assistance Support)

To encourage and promote education & occup0ation training to form a well-rounded skilled work force who can actively compete in both the Native and Non-native labour markets.

The occupational skills training program provides employment assistance support (EAS) and is administrated by the Economic Development Officer. It will be delivered in accordance with training and employment guidelines under the occupational skills component of the BFN Economic Development Program.

The Economic Development Officer will provide training and employment assistance to First Nation Members on and off reserve, in the following areas:

1. Employment Start-up: assistance will be provided to BFN members who are entering full time, part time and seasonal employment. The individuals will provide confirmation, in writing from an employer indicating that they are being considered for employment, this will also include an outline of materials and supplies required. Eligible expenses: · Supplies (hard hats, work boots, gloves safety glasses, etc.) · Clothes (Nursing Uniforms, coveralls, etc. · One time travel expense (relocation) · Not eligible for funding for 24 months (2 years)

2. Pre- Employment Assistance: Assistance will be provided to assist clients with necessary skills training that will allow them to secure full time employment and actively compete in the unique labour market. Individuals will be required to provide necessary correspondence and fees specific to their requests (testing fees, certificates to be acquired, etc.) If the individual has secured employment supporting documentation will have to accompany the request and will clearly define duration of job and any prerequisites that may apply to the individual securing the position.

· Supplies (hard hats, work boots, gloves safety glasses, etc.) · Clothes (Nursing Uniforms, coveralls, etc. · One time travel expense (relocation)

· Not eligible for funding for 24 months (2 years)

2. Assistance will be provided to assist clients with necessary skills training that will allow them to secure full time employment and actively compete in the unique labour market. Individuals will be required to provide necessary correspondence and fees specific to their requests (testing fees, certificates to be acquired, etc.) If the individual has secured employment supporting documentation will have to accompany the request and will clearly define duration of job and any prerequisites that may apply to the individual securing the position.

Eligible Expenses:

· CPIC’s

· Recertification’s (First Aid CPR, Welding tickets, etc.)

· Medicals

· Bus Passes

· Testing fees

· Travel Expenses – relocation (one time expense)

· Not eligible for funding for 24 months (2 years)

Business Support

Create an awareness and atmosphere for the socio-economic development of Community Owned Business and Small Business Enterprise for BFN Entrepreneurs & Communities (Rankin Reserve 15D, Goulais Mission 15A, Obadjiwan Reserve 15E, White Fish Island )

"The Membership Prosperity Fund Program"

This program provides small business loans to BFN members. The funds are intended to enhance, promote and encourage self-employment opportunities and community based economic development objectives to improve access to other resources. The dollars are to be used for business development projects and capacity building projects.

Create an awareness and atmosphere for the socio-economic development of Community Owned Business and Small Business Enterprise for BFN Entrepreneurs & Communities (Rankin Reserve 15D, Goulais Mission 15A, Obadjiwan Reserve 15E, White Fish Island )This program provides small business loans to BFN members. The funds are intended to enhance, promote and encourage self-employment opportunities and community based economic development objectives to improve access to other resources. The dollars are to be used for business development projects and capacity building projects.

Principles:

1. The BFN Membership Prosperity Fund program will promote community self-reliance and sustainable economic growth and increase community economic development activity.

2. The program will increase the capacity for Batchewana First Nation Members to participate in the economy.

3. The program will strive to address the economic development needs of Batchewana First Nation programs, members and communities.

4. The program will improve ability to access other resources for business or economic projects.

5. The program funding will be distributed on a fair and equitable basis.

Guidelines: Business Development Projects assistance may be provided to applicants for the start-up of a new business of the expansion or modernization of an existing business.

Business Development Projects assistance may be provided to applicants for the start-up of a new business of the expansion or modernization of an existing business.

Economic Capacity Building grants may be awarded to projects that demonstrate impediments in pursing business initiatives due to the lack of resources (ie Business development / planning projects, training, studies, etc.) To assist with projects that promotes the ability to engage in future business.

Criteria

1. The dollars are to be used in the following five areas.

a) Economic and Human Resource Planning

b) Business training (ie Seminars, workshops)

c) Entrepreneurship

d) Small Business (new and existing)

e) Community Investment

2. One application per client per year

3. Applications will be assessed on merit and viability as long as the criteria is met.

4. quotes are required and must accompany application

5. No funding for two consecutive years.

6. Each applicant is limited to the budgeted amount as outlined on the application forms under "Source of Funds"

7. Any money used by this fund must be matched dollar for dollar and / or in kind contribution ie.

Applicant share - $1,000.00

TMPFP Request - $1,000.00

Project Costs - $2,000.00

8. This is a loan fund and is based on a 75% (repayable), 25% (

forgivable). upon approval of the application a loan agreement will be entered into with the recipient

9. MANDATORY Proof / Confirmation of Business Insurance.

***Detailed Application and Business Information Forms can be

obtained at the Batchewana First Nation Administration Office or

if requested will be forwarded by mail.

Resource Management

To build capacity, create platforms and focal points to guide the activities and direction of our natural economic resources to meet the needs and priorities of our communities