The pre-feasibility phase involves investigating and assessing the feasibility of a project. Completing pre-feasibility activities will help to determine if your proposed community project will be economically viable. Examples of these activities include:

• site and resource identification
• financial modeling
• capital cost estimate
• developing a preliminary business plan
• initial connection assessment/review.

The pre-feasibility phase will cover up to 80 percent of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000. If the completion of pre-feasibility phase activities demonstrates that the project is feasible and the applicant wishes to continue with AREF funding, the deliverables from the pre-feasibility phase will serve as the application requirements for the next phase of funding.