Biofood market development program — Component 1

This grant provides a structured financing framework designed to encourage the development of biofood market initiatives, with specific funding limits and co-funding requirements based on the type of applicant.

• A maximum of 80% of eligible expenses is covered for non-profit organizations, associations, and cooperatives, up to $750,000.
• For groupings of businesses, a maximum coverage of 50% of eligible expenses is provided.
• The total eligible expenses presented must be at least $25,000.
• Applicants must contribute either in cash or in-kind for the first $50,000 of financial aid.
• A minimum cash contribution of 15% is required for the portion of financial aid exceeding $50,000.
• Lump-sum allocations for travel and accommodation are available, subject to maximum financial aid limits and government standard rates.

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet specific organizational and operational criteria.

• Applicants must be legally constituted in Quebec.
• Applicants must have at least one establishment located in Quebec.
• Applicants must operate within the bioalimentaire sector or provide benefits to businesses in this sector.
• Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, non-profit cooperatives, non-profit associations, and business groups.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant are organizations based in Quebec that are legally constituted and operate in the bio-food sector, including cooperatives, and associations. They must have activities that directly benefit the bio-food sector.

• Non-profit organizations.
• Non-profit cooperatives.
• Non-profit associations.
• Groups of companies based in Quebec.

Who is not eligible

The eligibility criteria for this grant focus on nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, and business groupings within the biofood sector in Quebec. Therefore, several types of companies and industries are excluded from applying for this grant due to their status or activities being outside the specified criteria.

• For-profit companies are not eligible.
• Businesses not registered or without legal status in Quebec cannot apply.
• Organizations not operating in the biofood sector or not benefiting companies within this sector.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant are those directly related to the execution of the project.

• Expenses for market studies or database access fees.
• Travel and accommodation expenses in line with the current public service rates in Quebec.
• Rental and setup fees for exhibition spaces.
• Costs for transporting goods for trade fairs.
• Costs related to renting rooms and logistics for organizing an event.
• Professional and contractual fees up to $150 per hour.
• Base salaries up to a specified annual limit for project managers.
• Expenses for creating and disseminating educational, informational, and promotional materials.
• Administration costs not exceeding 10% of the financial aid.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies and organizations that are legally constituted in Quebec. The program targets those with an establishment operating within the province.

• Companies legally constituted in Quebec.
• Organizations with at least one establishment in Quebec.

Projects submitted for this grant are evaluated and selected based on certain criteria to ensure they meet the program's objectives and are feasible for successful implementation.

• Financial and human capacity of the applicant to complete the project.
• Relevance of proposed activities to the project objectives in line with the program objectives.
• Alignment between work plans and financing plans.
• Potential and measurable impacts aligned with the program and component objectives.
• Contribution and involvement of the bio-food industry in the project.
• Sustainability and structuring effect of the project.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• A combination of financial support from the applicant and partners is required, including a minimum 15% cash contribution for the part of the grant exceeding $50,000.
• Flat rates for travel and accommodation may be allocated within the maximum financial assistance in line with Quebec's public service scales.