How much funding can be received?

The grant program aims to facilitate the access of biofood businesses to Quebec's food distribution networks, offering a maximum funding amount of up to $750,000 for eligible applicants. Activities that can be funded include acquiring market development knowledge, implementing marketing strategies, conducting promotional activities, and deploying logistical distribution solutions.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides a comprehensive financial support mechanism designed to aid biofood market development projects. The financing modalities are structured to ensure projects align with strategic objectives while providing necessary financial backing.

Financial support covers a maximum of 70% of eligible expenses for non-profit organizations and 50% for groups of companies, with a total funding limit of $750,000 per applicant.
Eligible project costs must total at least $50,000.
For a financial aid request of $50,000 or less, contributions can be in cash or in-kind; for requests exceeding $50,000, a minimum cash contribution of 15% is required.
Lump sum allowances may be provided for prospecting missions and trade fairs, depending on destination and related costs.
Only expenses incurred after the financial aid application submission are eligible, pending project approval.
A final payment of at least 10% of granted financial aid is released upon acceptance of the final report and all required documentation.
Financial claims must be submitted by the deadline stated in the financial aid agreement, considering the project's timeline and up to 60 days post-completion for reporting.
Beneficiaries must declare all public financial aid received and reimburse any excess amounts if total aid surpasses permitted limits.
During and five years post-project, the applicant must allow ministry representatives to conduct site visits for necessary evaluations.
The grant includes provisions for periodic financial and progress reporting, ensuring compliance with the terms outlined in the financial aid agreement.

grant_single_labels|projects

This program facilitates the entry of biofood enterprises into non-institutional food distribution networks in the Quebec market. The eligible projects must impact at least three unrelated biofood companies and focus on accessing new markets, expanding distribution networks, or increasing market share.

Acquisition of market development knowledge.
Design and implementation of marketing strategies.
Execution of promotional and business development activities.
Implementation of group food distribution or logistics solutions.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status, location, and operations within Quebec.

The applicant must be one of the following: a non-profit organization, a non-profit cooperative, a non-profit association, or a consortium of enterprises.
The applicant must be legally constituted in Quebec.
The applicant must have at least one establishment in Quebec.
The applicant must operate within the bioalimentaire sector or have activities that benefit companies in this sector in Quebec.
The applicant must not be listed in the "Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA)."
The applicant must not have failed to meet obligations related to any previous financial assistance from the minister in the last two years after being duly served notice.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, non-profit cooperatives, non-profit associations, and groups of businesses legally constituted in Quebec, with at least one establishment in Quebec, operating in the bio-food sector or benefiting businesses in this sector.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and organizations based on their public contract eligibility and past compliance with financial obligations. These restrictions are in place to ensure responsible allocation of financial assistance.

Companies registered in the "Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA)".
Organizations that have failed to meet obligations related to previous financial aid from the minister within two years prior to application.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses under this grant include costs directly associated with the execution of the project.

Market research expenses.
Access fees to databases, up to a maximum of 30% of eligible expenses.
Travel and accommodation costs adhering to the Quebec public sector guidelines.
Rental and setup costs for exhibition spaces.
Transportation costs for goods displayed at a trade fair.
Costs related to room rentals and logistics for organizing an event.
Costs for the creation and distribution of promotional materials.
Professional and contractual fees not exceeding $150 per hour.
Base salaries, excluding fringe benefits, for project implementation personnel up to $75,000 per year.
Product registration fees in national commercial communication registries.
Administrative fees not exceeding 10% of the financial aid.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to non-profit corporations and associations that are legally constituted and have at least one establishment in Quebec, Canada. The eligible geographical area is therefore limited to the Quebec region.

Entities must be legally constituted in Quebec.
Organizations must have at least one establishment in Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to assess their alignment with the grant's objectives and their potential impact on the bioalimentaire sector.

Financial and human capacity of the applicant to complete the project.
Relevance of proposed activities in relation to the project's objectives and the program's goals.
Consistency between the proposed work plans and the financing plans.
Potential and measurable impacts in alignment with the program's objectives.
Contribution and participation of the bioalimentaire industry in the project.
Sustainability and structural impact of the project.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure your organization is eligible as a nonprofit entity, cooperative, or business group legally constituted in Quebec.
Verify that your project impacts at least three unrelated bio-food businesses and aligns with program objectives.
Step 2: Assemble Required Documents
Gather the two most recent financial statements covering the last three years, if applicable.
Compile offers of service and CVs for external consultants for expenses over $5,000.
Include CVs or proof of expertise for internal specialists and a salary cost calculation sheet for relevant employees.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Access the application form on the Ministry's website under the 'Programmes' section.
Fill out the form thoroughly with accurate and comprehensive project information.
Step 4: Submission of Application
Submit your completed application and all required documentations to the programme secretariat.
Utilize the contact information provided, including the email pdm@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca and mailing address, if needed.
Step 5: Await Confirmation and Further Instruction
Upon successful submission, expect a confirmation receipt for your application.
Follow any additional instructions provided by the Ministry for next steps or further documentation, if required.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant can be combined with other public funding, but the total financial assistance must not exceed 75% of eligible expenses for most applicants, except for groups of businesses where it must not exceed 50%.
Applicants must maintain the conditions for eligibility throughout the duration of the financial assistance payments.
Financial assistance will be paid in installments based on a predetermined schedule included in the financial assistance agreement.
The applicant must report any subsequent public financial assistance that may cause the total to exceed the allowed cumulative assistance limit.
The applicant must submit a final report, including a financial summary and justifying documentation, at the end of the project.
Noncompliance with the program rules or misuse of funds can result in the reduction or termination of financial support, with potential demands for repayment.
The applicant must allow site visits by the Minister's representatives for verification purposes during and up to five years after project completion.

grant_single_labels|contact

pdm@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

514

Apply to this program

Enhancing Access for Biofood Enterprises in Quebec

The Sous-volet 2.1 grant aims to empower non-profit biofood organizations and enterprise groups in Quebec by facilitating access to essential food distribution networks outside institutional settings. It is a strategic initiative to expand market reach and enhance the visibility and growth of Quebec's biofood sector.

Detailed Overview of the Sous-volet 2.1 Grant Initiative

The Sous-volet 2.1 grant initiative is specifically tailored to support the growth and market penetration of biofood enterprises in Quebec. This program aims to bolster the biofood sector by dedicating resources that help non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and associations as well as groups of enterprises navigate the complex landscape of food distribution. The grant acknowledges the unique challenges faced by these entities in scaling their operations and reaching new markets within Quebec.

One of the key objectives of the grant is to assist in market expansion beyond traditional institutional frameworks. It encourages biofood enterprises to explore new distribution networks and enter untapped markets, thus ensuring a broader consumer base and heightened visibility for Quebec-produced biofoods. As a part of the economic ecosystem, these businesses play a crucial role in enhancing local food security and contributing to the province's economic resilience.

The grant supports various project types that align with its main goals. Eligible projects might include acquiring market development knowledge, implementing comprehensive marketing strategies, promoting business development activities, and establishing grouped food distribution solutions. These initiatives aim to equip biofood businesses with the resources they need to effectively enter or expand within competitive markets.

Projects must demonstrate impact on a minimum of three unrelated biofood enterprises, reinforcing the grant's focus on collaborative growth and sector-wide benefits. Furthermore, the initiative encourages organizations to consider strategic collaborations and partnerships that can amplify the reach and impact of individual projects.

Financial assistance provided through this grant can cover up to 70% of eligible expenses for non-profit and cooperative applicants, capping at $750,000. This substantial financial support is designed to alleviate the financial burden on organizations, enabling them to focus more on innovation and market adaptation.

Operational costs covered by the grant include market research expenses, travel costs in alignment with Quebec’s public service standards, logistical arrangements for promotional activities, and professional fees. By strategically investing in these areas, the program helps ensure that businesses can meet their objectives efficiently.

The application process emphasizes thorough evaluation criteria, ensuring that proposed projects not only meet the eligibility requirements but also promise substantial market impact. Considerations include the financial and human capacity of the applicant, the pertinence and alignment of the proposed activities with the grant's objectives, and the project's potential for measurable outcomes that align with the overarching aims of the initiative.

Finally, the initiative ensures sustainable growth by fostering projects that demonstrate long-term viability and structural benefits to the biofood sector. By prioritizing initiatives with a proven ability to enhance or restructure existing market frameworks, the grant helps secure the continuous development and innovation within the industry.

Overall, the Sous-volet 2.1 grant represents a vital opportunity for biofood enterprises in Quebec, supporting them in transitioning from local to wider market scales and ultimately contributing to the broader economic landscape of the province.