CERB is a state board focused on economic development through job creation in partnership with local governments. The Board has the authority to finance public infrastructure improvements that encourage new private business development and expansion. In addition to funding construction projects, CERB provides limited funding for studies that evaluate high-priority economic development projects. Applications for all of CERB's funding programs are considered on an ongoing basis. The Board meets every two months to consider projects and make funding decisions. 2015-17 Application Due Dates and Meeting Schedule (PDF)

CERB may not finance projects which:
• - Result in retail development
• - Facilitate gambling
• - Displace jobs from one part of the state to another
• - Are outside the applicant’s jurisdiction

Loans and grants for construction of public infrastructure necessary for private business expansion. The Committed Private Partner (CPP) Program requires a private business commitment as part of the public entity's application.

Requirements include:

• - Evidence that a private development or expansion is ready to occur and that the private development is contingent upon the approval of CERB funds.
• - The project must either create a significant number of permanent jobs and/or generate significant private capital investment.
• - The median hourly wage of the private sector jobs created after the project is completed must exceed the countywide median wage.

Applicants must also demonstrate the need for CERB assistance and that no other timely source of funds is available at reasonably similar rate to the current CERB rate.

The CPP program application is a two-tier application. Tier 1, which is done via an online portal, is the threshold requirement questions. Staff will review the Tier 1 application within 3 days of receipt. If the applicant's Tier 1 application passes threshold, the Tier 2 application will be sent to the applicant.

Prior to submitting an application, please print out the Committed Private Partner Threshold Checklist. This will help ensure that the submitted application is complete.

View Committed Private Partner Application Overview (PDF)

CERB provides limited funding for studies to evaluate high-priority economic development projects.

Projects should target job growth and long-term economic prosperity and can include: site-specific plans, studies and analyses that address environmental impacts, capital facilities, land use, permitting, feasibility, marketing, project engineering, design, site planning and project debt and revenue impacts.

When considering planning grants, the board gives priority to projects that could result in a type of project eligible for CERB construction funds.

Prior to submitting an application, please print out and complete the Planning Threshold Checklist. This will ensure that the submitted application is complete.

All planning projects funded by CERB must complete the Economic Development Minimum Requirements and include them in the final submitted document.

View Planning Application Overview (PDF)

Rural communities may receive loans and grants for public infrastructure to enable future business development. Jurisdictions in rural counties and rural communities may apply for the Prospective Development (PD) program if an economic feasibility study demonstrates that private business development is likely to occur as a result of the public improvements.

Other requirements include:

• - Evidence from an economic feasibility study that the project will lead to the creation of a significant number of permanent jobs or generate significant private capital investment.
• - Applicants must also demonstrate the need for CERB assistance and that no other timely source of funds is available at a reasonably similar rate to the current CERB rate.

The Prospective Development Program application is a two tier application. Tier 1, which is done via an online portal, is the threshold requirement questions. Staff will review the Tier 1 application within 3 days of receipt. If the applicant's Tier 1 application passes threshold, the Tier 2 application will be sent to the applicant.

Prior to submitting an application, please print out and complete the Prospective Development Threshold Checklist. This will help ensure that the submitted application is complete.

View Prospective Development Application Overview (PDF)