Innovation and Providence Implementation Council Puts Out a Request for Proposal

Group to dispense $100,000 in grant monies to help bolster local knowledge economy

 

The Innovation Providence Implementation Council (IPIC), under the umbrella of The Greater Providence Chamber Foundation and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, has announced the availability of $100,000 in grant funding for programs aimed at bolstering the local knowledge economy. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

Local innovators and institutions working to strengthen Rhode Island’s knowledge economy, particularly in the health care and research and design sectors are encouraged to apply for the grant funding. Awards are expected to be made in late fall of 2009.

This second round of Knowledge Economy grant funding is expected to be concentrated primarily on short term projects which are likely to being within the next 6 months. Project funding will range from $10,000 to $25,000. Eligible applicants include higher education, hospitals, industry trade associations and non profit organizations. No for profit entities are eligible for this federal funding.

 

Interested firms are requested to notify Janet Raymond of their interest in responding to the RFP at jraymond@provchamber.com no later than Monday, September 21, 2009. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, October 9th.

The Knowledge Economy initiative began in 2007 when a team of civic, academic and business leaders, were brought together to develop a plan to strengthen and grow the region’s knowledge economy sectors – healthcare, technology, research & design, and alternative energy – by identifying, coordinating and supporting regional assets, competencies and networks. The Innovation Providence Implementation Council (IPIC), which has overseen this project to date, awarded the first round of grant funding in April from the Chamber and the City of Providence. Eleven grants totaling $150,000 were given in the areas of entrepreneurship, product safety, workforce development and alternative energy.

 

For more information about the Knowledge Economy click here.