In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible applicant” means: a nonprofit organization; a unit of local government; a State–recognized tribe; an institution of higher education in the State; a regional planning agency; or an economic or workforce development organization. “Eligible applicant” does not include State governmental entities. “Program” means the Rural Readiness Program. “Rural community” has the meaning stated in § 2–207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The General Assembly finds that: rural communities are often disadvantaged when competing for financial and other resources due to: a lack of capacity and population density resulting in limited resources due to a smaller tax base; and limited access to critical infrastructure, including broadband and transportation; a deficiency exists in the essential elements needed for rural communities to thrive and address the needs of the rural community; rural communities struggle to recruit and retain skilled staff needed to implement and manage projects particularly in technical support for economic and community development; rural communities experience challenges in social cohesion and networks that make it hard to mobilize resources and collectively address issues; the population of rural communities is likely to be older, poorer, and sicker due to age and an outmigration of younger people; and not addressing the challenges of rural communities will manifest as disparities in health care access, educational attainment, economic opportunities, and infrastructure development. There is a Rural Readiness Program administered by the Council. The purpose of the Program is to enhance the capacity in rural communities for economic development by assisting eligible applicants accepted into the Program with grant applications and developing projects that generate revenue. The Council shall establish assessments, toolkits, and other resources to support the purpose of the Program. Eligible applicants may apply to the Council to participate in the Program. The Council’s Executive Board shall establish: criteria to evaluate eligible applicants for acceptance into the Program; and participation guidelines. The Council’s Executive Director shall certify the eligible applicants that have successfully completed the Program. Eligible applicants that have received a completion certificate shall be given priority for the following grant programs: the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund established under § 2–206 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund established under § 2–207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund established under § 2–207.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.