Hi,
I work in local government and am working on a bike plan. I was wondering if folks who run community bike shops that receive funding from their local or county (or even state/provincial) government could tell me about those funding mechanisms? I would like to address the possibility of funding our local community bike shop in the plan, but wanted more info on how or to what extent it occurs elsewhere.
For instance, what types of funds are provided (capital or operational or other), are the funds accessed through a competitive grant application, discretionary funds, or some other type of budget allocation, and how much has been received?
My friend already provided me with the following examples (and recommended I reach out to this mailing list for more info):
I know that a group of Bike shops in Vancouver created a successful
group application for Vancouver's "greenest city fund" based around
recycling bike parts and collecting and rebuilding abandoned bikes, with
an educational component worked in. As far as I know, they received the
grant two years in a row. The Bike shop in Peterborough, Ontario (B!ke)
looks like they have somewhat consistent city funding. There is a tiny bit more info in their annual report here.
Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks all!!
-Gemma