The intent of the Rural Idaho Economic Development Professional Grant Program is to build economic development capacity in rural Idaho. To accomplish this, state funds are appropriated to help rural areas employ full-time Economic Development Professionals who, with a board of directors, manage locally directed economic development programs. The ED Professional will work on projects in partnership with the Department to achieve the economic development goals of both the rural area and the Department.
The ED Professional will work on business attraction, retention, expansion, and diversification projects in partnership with the Department to achieve the economic development goals of both the rural area and the Department.
Program Specifications: Eligible Applicants are required to form an Economic Development Organization (EDO) to manage the activities of the ED Professional funded through the auspices of the Program. The EDO may be a standalone not for profit corporation registered with the State of Idaho or a committee organized under the auspices of a County Commission or multi government joint powers agreement. A representative from the Department shall be provided advanced notice of all EDO meetings, electronic copies of all meeting minutes and reports and provided with non-voting board or committee member ex- officio status. Applicants are encouraged to have strong private sector representation on their boards or committees. The board or committee shall meet at least six (6) times per year and develop a specific plan of work for the ED Professional along with a plan for oversight and evaluation. A Department representative shall be invited to participate in any activities related to the hiring and performance evaluation of the ED Professional.
