Selection criteria

BUSINESS SOUNDNESS.
    Is the business proposal sound? 
    What other financial backing is available? 
    Are the funding requirements defined? 
    Is the business plan adequate? 
    What is the likely share of the market the product could expect to capture?  
    Has the marketing strategy been adequately developed? 
    Has the applicant successfully evaluated the competition? 

FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY. 
Is the project financially feasible? 
Will the proposed project stimulate the sheep industry? 
Are the projects' financial claims achievable?
Does the project have a reasonable timeline?

All projects, except for special critical issue grants, will be selected on a merit basis and according to the Sheep Center's goals.  The Board will evaluate the applications based on five specific areas: 

 

 

MANAGEMENT ABILITY. 
    Is the management team capable of implementing the project? 
    Is the program team aware of the financial, managerial, technical and other resources needed to successfully complete the project they are proposing? 
    Is the team aware of regulatory obstacles? 
Have key milestones been identified?

POTENTIAL INDUSTRY IMPACT. 
    How much of an impact will the project have on the sheep industry? 
    What is the potential market size?
    How much volume of product will the proposed project affect? 
    Will the impact be local, regional, national or international? 
    What impact will this project have on the sheep industry if it is successful? 
    How much value does the project add to the product? 
    How much of the value-added to the product will be realized at each step of the marketing chain?

 

 

INDUSTRY COMMITMENT--

    What is the commitment of the producers, processors, end-users or otherinvolved parties in participating in the proposed project?

    This may include, but is not limited to, individual producers, producer groups, processors, seminar participants, local organizations, local or state governments or trade associations.

    Is there a commitment from all who are expected to participate and benefit from the proposed project?

 

 

OVERALL IMPACT. 
     What are the overall strengths and weaknesses of the proposed project?