PIKETON, Ohio -- Ohio State University's Ohio Cooperative Development Center is brining back its seed grant program.
Groups who are interested in forming a cooperative may request up to $1,500 to perform feasibility studies or other group activities. Incorporated cooperatives or member-controlled businesses may request up to $3,000 for implementation needs, such as for hiring or development of marketing materials.
The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 31. Notification of grant winners will take place on or before Dec. 5.
Recipients must match funds received from the program with their own resources. The OCDC seed grant program requires matching funds with at least half of the match to be in cash and the other half as an in-kind contribution. All grants are reimbursable, and recipients have until Aug. 31, 2009 to use the funding.
For more information about the OCDC seed grant program or to receive an application, log on to http://ocdc.osu.edu or contact Melissa Hurtt at (740) 289-2071, ext. 222, or e-mail hurtt.8@osu.edu.
The Ohio Cooperative Development Center, located at OSU South Centers at Piketon, provides assistance through training, education, marketing and research to existing and potential cooperatives throughout Ohio. To date, OCDC has assisted in the formation of six cooperatives in such areas as healthcare, manufacturing and farmers' markets. OCDC is supported by OSU Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, as well as through external funding.