Free Project Proposal

Kennebec Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update Project Submission Form

2027-2032
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) has designated Kennebec Valley Council of Governments as the regional entity responsible for the development of the Kennebec Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region of Kennebec, Somerset and Western Waldo counties every 5 years.

The CEDS is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that creates the space for our region to identify its strengths and weaknesses and brings together a diverse set of partners to generate new employment opportunities, retain jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth. The CEDS provides a regional template for future economic development, describing the economic challenges and potential of the Kennebec Valley Region and prioritizing economic development projects.

As part of this process, the CEDS Committee reviews and updates the Priority Project List section of the CEDS for inclusion in the 5 year update. Proposed projects should align with the goals outlined in the CEDS in addition to EDA Investment Priorities. To submit your project for the CEDS Committee to consider for inclusion in the 2027 CEDS update, please complete the form below by September 1, 2026.
Executive Summary
Project Name
Project Location

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Company Name
Your Name

First NameLast Name
Your Title
Company Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Brief Overview of Project

Project Submittal Narrative
Alignment with Regional Goals (25 Points):
Please explain how this project aligns with specific goals outlined in our region’s CEDS document. Describe the importance of this project and demonstrate how it will assist in the achievement of the goal(s). Identify how this project stimulates economic growth in the region? High scores go to projects that will best support the CEDS goals.
Workforce Development & Job Creation/Retention (25 Points):
Please clearly state the number of jobs created and/or retained by this project, including both direct and indirect jobs. Please identify if these jobs are temporary, or permanent and if they are part-time or full-time. Discuss type, wage and benefits for these jobs created/retained. Please identify any workforce development programs that will be utilized in the training or hiring of the workforce for this project. Projects proposing living wages and serving underemployed/low-income demographics score best.
Collaboration & Community Support (15 Points):
Identify key people and organizations who will lend their expertise to meeting the project's objectives. Does this project have documented support? Projects with strong support from political/municipal leaders, civic leaders, business leaders, organizations or groups who have expressed support for this project will score best.
Project Measures & Outcomes (15 points)
What are the measurable outcomes of this project? How will it's success be measured? Discuss any potential difficulties in achieving success. Projects that demonstrate outcomes that align with EDA Investment Priorities will score best.
Project Readiness & Feasibility (10 points)
Please present a clear timeline for the project, explaining current planning, engineering, design and permitting status of the project. If this project is expected to be completed in phases, please detail the phases, timelines and impediments to each phase. Please describe the current or anticipated market demand for this project. Projects that can realistically begin with 24-36 months will score best.
Project Budget (10 points)
Please provide the details of the budget for this project. Be sure to list sources of private and public investment that will be leveraged for funding. Describe any constraints attached to these investments. What is the expected return on investment? Projects that demonstrate committed matching funds, identify a clear funding gap, and leverage external capital rather than relying entirely on federal grants will score best.
File Upload: Please compile and upload one pdf that includes letters of support for your project.

Cancelof
File Upload: Please combine and upload any other documents that will help us evaluate your project proposal (plans, budget, details of economic impacts, job creation impact reports, etc).

Cancelof
Date of Submission

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Should be Empty:

Kennebec Valley Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Update Project Submission Form

Executive Summary

Project Submittal Narrative

Alignment with Regional Goals (25 Points):

Workforce Development & Job Creation/Retention (25 Points):

Collaboration & Community Support (15 Points):

Project Measures & Outcomes (15 points)

Project Readiness & Feasibility (10 points)

Project Budget (10 points)