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Item 9.1 - Attachment 2 |
Guidelines for Partners Fund Allocation |
DRAFT
Several business organisations and
business media publishers are supported by Council every year via the economic
development levy. To manage this process transparently and allow new
organisations to apply, as well as to enable Councillors to determine the final
allocation of funding, it is recommended Council make a Partnership Fund of
$60,000 per year available to external applicants.
Traditionally, partners have
included Chambers of Commerce, large business networking organizations, and
business media publishers. Projects have included Business Excellence Awards,
platinum sponsorships, major events and group buys in regional business publications.
Fund
1. An amount of $60,000 will be made available
each financial year from the economic development levy to support organisations
wishing to partner with Council and secure funding for activities that align to
the economic development goals of the city.
2. A public Expression of Interest will be held
annually to call for applications and allocate monies. Advertisements will be
placed in local media and on Council’s website. Business groups and media
organizations who have received funding in the past, have expressed in interest
in applying or are a local Chamber, local business organization with over 100
members, or a Western Sydney media outlet with a Western Sydney distribution of
over 2,000 will also be advised by mail.
3. Applications will be assessed by a panel made
up of 3 staff, a member of Council’s Internal Audit team and 1 representative
from Trade and Investment NSW using pre-determined criteria to assess
applications. Recommendations will be made to Councillors who will make the
final decision on the allocation of monies.
4. Partners will be asked to measure outcomes
and report progress to Council at the 6 month and yearly marks to demonstrate
progress and return on investment.
Criteria
5. It is recommended assessments be conducted
using with the following criteria:
§ Financial
health of the requesting business or agency
§ Track
record and evidence of being able to deliver on proposed activity
§ The
ability and willingness to leverage other funds and resources
§ Proven
circulation or exposure to an audience that will have a positive impact on the
economy of Parramatta
§ Demonstrated
alignment with at least one of the following priorities associated with
employment growth in Parramatta:
1. Employment generation in knowledge sectors
2. Growth of local business and industry
3. Business attraction
4. Upskilling of local labour force
5. Talent attraction
6. Property development
7. Increase in urban amenity
8. Hard and soft infrastructure
§ A
defined project or strategy with clear and realistic outcomes and measurables.
§ A
commitment by the supported organisation to report back to Council twice during
the year against the measurable criteria, including any forecast circulation
figures or forecast attendance.
Timing
6. Applications will open in February every
year, starting in February 2012 for funding from the 2012-2013 levy.
7. Assessment will take place between March and
April and recommendations will be discussed with Councillors and reported for
approval in May.
8. The approved allocations will then be
incorporated in the Operational Plan (ie Council’s yearly budget process).
9. Monies will be distributed from July of each
year.