Business Friendly Community Designation Bonus 3 bonus points will be – assigned to each applicant community certified as a Business-Friendly Community at time of application. 9. Final Application Score Each application will receive a Final Application Score – consisting of the average of the scores assigned by members of the Review Team added to any applicable Maine Downtown Center Bonus and Business Friendly Community Bonus. Starting at the top of the scoring list, applicants will be invited to proceed to the Project Development Phase as funds allow. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM The Workforce Development Grant (WDG) Program addresses community and business resource needs by providing funding for operating expenses, equipment, and program materials for workforce training programs which will benefit low/moderate income (LMI) persons. 1. Eligible Activities: Eligible activities include operating and program material expenses for the purpose of providing workforce training and skills development to address the shortage of an available trained workforce. Other eligible public service activities associated with the project are allowed. Planning activities necessary to complete the Project Development Phase are eligible activities. Structural changes such as construction, renovation, or rehabilitation and out-of state travel costs, including airfare, lodging and meals are not eligible for WDG funding. Program development and marketing materials are also not eligible expenses under this grant. 2. Project Benefit: Eligible WDG projects must provide benefits to one of the groups of persons listed below and be in support of an identified business or non-profit entity: (a) Participants in a program where 51% or greater of the persons receiving benefit from WDG activities are determined to be LMI. (b) Persons who are members of the following groups that are currently presumed by HUD to meet benefit requirements. The presumption may be challenged if there is substantial evidence the group served by the project is most likely not comprised of principally LMI persons; Abused Children (Does not include “at-risk” youth) Battered Spouses (Does not include all victims of domestic violence) Elderly Persons (62 years +, or 55 years + for housing) Severely Disabled Adults Homeless Persons Illiterate Adults Migrant Farm Workers Persons Living with AIDS
Business Friendly Community Designation Bonus – 3 bonus points will be assigned to each applicant community certified as a Business-Friendly Community at time of application. 9. Final Application Score – Each application will receive a Final Application Score consisting of the average of the scores assigned by members of the Review Team added to any applicable Maine Downtown Center Bonus and Business Friendly Community Bonus. Starting at the top of the scoring list, applicants will be invited to proceed to the Project Development Phase as funds allow. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM The Workforce Development Grant (WDG) Program addresses community and business resource needs by providing funding for operating expenses, equipment, and program materials for workforce training programs which will benefit low/moderate income (LMI) persons. 1. Eligible Activities: Eligible activities include operating and program material expenses for the purpose of providing workforce training and skills development to address the shortage of an available trained workforce. Other eligible public service activities associated with the project are allowed. Planning activities necessary to complete the Project Development Phase are eligible activities. Structural changes such as construction, renovation, or rehabilitation and out-of state travel costs, including airfare, lodging and meals are not eligible for WDG funding. Program development and marketing materials are also not eligible expenses under this grant. 2. Project Benefit: Eligible WDG projects must provide benefits to one of the groups of persons listed below and be in support of an identified business or non-profit entity: (a) Participants in a program where 51% or greater of the persons receiving benefit from WDG activities are determined to be LMI. (b) Persons who are members of the following groups that are currently presumed by HUD to meet benefit requirements. The presumption may be challenged if there is substantial evidence the group served by the project is most likely not comprised of principally LMI persons; Abused Children (Does not include “at-risk” youth) Battered Spouses (Does not include all victims of domestic violence) Elderly Persons (62 years +, or 55 years + for housing) Severely Disabled Adults Homeless Persons Illiterate Adults Migrant Farm Workers Persons Living with AIDS