The Midcoast Economic Development District (MCEDD) is calling for development project proposals.

The proposals are part of MCEDD’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process. Proposals must be received by noon on Friday, March 20.

The proposals that have been received by the deadline will be prioritized and reviewed by a committee. Finalists will participate in interviews by April 24.

According to Scott Benson, MCEDD economic development director, members of the review committee are affiliated with “our board or selected for their roles in the region.”

Benson points out two projects that were selected previously: Tech Place, a business incubator located in Brunswick, and Ragged Mountain Recreation Area.

Although approval by the MCEDD committee does not guarantee a grant, he points out that it is a significant step in the grant process.

When a grant is awarded, funding is provided on a one-to-one match with the U.S. Economic Development Administration providing half of the funding. The project developers then need to provide the matching half from other sources.  

The counties and towns included in MCEDD’s geographic area are: Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc counties, Belmont, Searsmont, Northport, Lincolnville, Brunswick and Harpswell.

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Midcoast region is a part of the “Mobilize Maine” program that includes the seven economic development districts in the state.  The CEDS strategy, as stated in its 2014 report, is “an asset based and community driven approach to economic development.” 

The approach, according to the plan, focuses on the following areas: encouraging participation by the private sector; leveraging the Midcoast’s unique assets; creating benchmarks that are measurable; and finding experts in key areas and using their expertise.

Those wishing to enter a project may do so by completing the online form at www.mceddme.org/ceds-project-solicitation-form.

For additional information, contact Scott Benson at 207-370 6045.