Projects must focus on providing technical assistance to clients in service areas outside the sponsoring institution. EDA prefers a statewide service area, or, at least, an area that covers a substantial portion of the state's population or its geographic area. Cal State Chico's Center for Economic Development is funded through this program. EDA gives priority to projects designated as high priority by local economic development agencies. In addition, projects must result in job creation.
Funds are available on a reimbursable basis upon approval.
For technical assistance and planning projects, funds are available immediately or as soon as the work begins. For construction projects, funds are usually not disbursed until all construction contracts are awarded. EDA is open for preapplications year-round. The EDA field representative will invite a preapplication for a project that seems to have a good chance of being successful. The preapplication is then submitted to the EDA regional office where a project review committee decides whether or not to invite a final application.