February 5th, 2012

 

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Hi-Speed Internet for Remote Areas Program (SIRA)
  Application Form

 

Small- and medium-sized businesses operating on a full-time basis, with minimum annual sales of $35,000, are eligible. Seasonal businesses, such as tourism operations, are also considered eligible. Non-profit organizations may also apply for assistance. The program is not available to cottagers, private homes or hobby-businesses. For the purposes of this program, subsidies will be provided to qualifying business within Muskoka and Almaguin.

Terms of the Program

Eligible applicants may receive up to 75% of the supported purchase and installation costs of external equipment required to access hi-speed internet, to a maximum of $1000.  Supported costs include external (to the dwelling) connectivity equipment or structures, and installation fees.  Travel costs incurred by the vendor to install the equipment may also be considered eligible if the business is located more than 50 km from the nearest equipment provider. This program is available for a limited time and you may apply for assistance while funds last.

Before you buy: 
You are not obliged to follow this two-step process, but we suggest that you do in order to confirm that the costs you are incurring are eligible, and that there are still funds available in the program.

• To ensure that you’re eligible for assistance, you may wish to complete and send in the attached application form BEFORE you purchase the equipment. You’ll need to select an eligible provider and secure a quote. If you need help locating providers, please contact MCN or see our service directory at www.mcnet.ca
• Upon receipt of your application, MCN will contact you regarding your eligibility.
• If you are eligible and wish to continue, you may proceed with the installation. You may then send your original receipt and proof of payment to MCN for reimbursement as per program guidelines.  The business name on the application must match the receipt and proof of payment.  Cheques will be made payable to this business name. 
• Funds are limited and applications will be processed in the order they are received.

Instructions for Applicants

The following instructions will help you complete the attached application form. The numbered items correspond to each section on the application form.

1. Small and medium full-time businesses and non-profit corporations are eligible for this program. Hobby- and part time-businesses are not eligible.
2. Include full contact details, including the physical address and/or description of the remote location to which this application will apply.
3. Provide additional details on the remote location, i.e. why it is considered a remote area.
4. Identify a contact person (business reference) at an agency, community organization or institution that will verify your status as a full-time business or non-profit corporation. This could be a bank, a Community Futures Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, trade association, Local Services Board, etc.
5. Provide information on the vendor from whom you have purchased or will purchase the service. Include a contact name that we may call to verify that you have received the service. If you plan to get monthly internet service from another vendor, provide the name of the business and a phone number.
6. Attach your quotation from the selected service provider and/or vendor.

  Hi-SIRA Program coverage Area For more information Muskoka Community Network would like to thank NEOnet for their assistance in the creation of this program.