In providing regional innovation grants under this section, the Secretary shall give
(2) a preference to an application proposing projects and initiatives that would
(A) advance the overall regional competitiveness of a region;
(B) address the priorities of a regional rural investment strategy, including priorities that
(i) promote cross-sector collaboration, public-private partnerships, or the provision of interim financing or seed capital for program implementation;
(ii) exhibit collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within a public-private partnership; and
(iii) represent a broad coalition of interests described in section
2009dd–3 (a) of this title;
(C) include a strategy to leverage public non-Federal and private funds and existing assets, including agricultural, natural resource, and public infrastructure assets, with substantial emphasis placed on the existence of real financial commitments to leverage available funds;
(D) create quality jobs;
(E) enhance the role, relevance, and leveraging potential of community and regional foundations in support of regional investment strategies;
(F) demonstrate a history, or involve organizations with a history, of successful leveraging of capital for economic development and public purposes;
(G) address gaps in existing basic services, including technology, within a region;
(H) address economic diversification, including agricultural and non-agriculturally based economies, within a regional framework;
(I) improve the overall quality of life in the region;
(J) enhance the potential to expand economic development successes across diverse stakeholder groups within the region;
(K) include an effective working relationship with 1 or more institutions of higher education, tribally controlled colleges or universities, or tribal technical institutions;
(L) help to meet the other regional competitiveness needs identified by a Regional Board; or
(M) protect and promote rural heritage.