Business growth - Éco-Capitale
Ville de Québec, QC, Canada
Support sustainable development projects that implement eco-responsible practices, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Quebec City
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant program offers a maximum contribution of up to $500,000, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses for sustainable development projects that implement eco-responsible practices with a significant impact on the business's responsible model. Eligible activities include projects addressing water usage, raw materials management, greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable production, transportation logistics, and environmental certification related to construction or renovation.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are projects and activities eligible for this grant.
- Deployment of sustainable practices with a significant impact on the business's responsible model.
- Projects reducing water usage in manufacturing processes.
- Projects focused on circular economy practices.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable production, including commercial urban agriculture.
- Improving logistics and transportation systems.
- Environmental certification related to construction or renovation projects.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$300,000
Ottawa
Implementation of a water recycling system for manufacturing processes.
$200,000
Vancouver
Development of a comprehensive waste management program.
$275,000
Toronto
Implementation of eco-friendly packaging solutions.
$350,000
Montréal
Initiative to upgrade transportation logistics for reducing emissions.
$225,000
Calgary
Commercial urban agriculture project to support sustainable production.
$500,000
Québec City
Sustainable construction project with LEED certification.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant include having a structured diagnostic in sustainable practices and being a specific type of organization such as a private incorporated company or a social economy enterprise performing commercial activities.
- Requérants admissibles:
- Entreprises privées incorporées
- Entreprises d'économie sociale (OBNL et coop) réalisant majoritairement des activités marchandes
- Propriétaires immobiliers pour des projets de certification environnementale liée à des travaux de construction ou de rénovation
- Entreprises individuelles et sociétés en nom collectif détenues majoritairement par des autochtones et situées sur le territoire de Wendake
- Exclusions:
- Les entreprises d'économie sociale (OBNL et coop) qui ne font pas la preuve d'une saine gouvernance démocratique
- Les requérants non libérés d'un jugement de faillite
- Les entreprises inscrites au Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics
- Les requérants qui, au cours des deux années précédant la demande d'aide financière, ont fait défaut de respecter leurs obligations en lien avec l'octroi antérieur d'une aide financière de la Ville de Québec, après avoir dûment été mis en demeure de le faire
- Les requérants ayant des montants en souffrance avec la Ville de Québec
- Les projets à caractère discriminatoire, à controverse ou à risque d'image négative pour la Ville de Québec
- Les projets ponctuels à caractère événementiel
- Sectors of Activity:
- Secteurs prioritaires:
- Agroalimentaire, transformation alimentaire et aliments santé
- Arts numériques et divertissement interactif, technologies financières, intelligence artificielle, ville intelligente ou autres produits et technologies numériques, excluant les services et la consultation
- Optique photonique, technologies de mesures et contrôles, électronique de pointe
- Sciences de la vie, biotechnologies et technologies de la santé
- Technologies propres : eau, air, traitement des sols, écomobilité, efficacité énergétique, énergies renouvelables, chimie verte, matières résiduelles, technologies habilitantes et développement durable
- Secteurs stratégiques:
- Art, culture et patrimoine
- Assurance et services financiers
- Manufacturier, matériaux, transformation industrielle, robotique et industrie 4.0
- Sécurité urbaine
- Tourisme
- Secteur commercial:
- Commerce de détail, restauration, entreprises qui fournissent des services aux touristes de loisirs et d'affaires en visite sur le territoire de l'agglomération (incluant l'hébergement touristique)
- Se limite aux entreprises de 50 employés et moins (équivalent temps plein)
- Autres:
- Propriétaires immobiliers pour des projets en agriculture urbaine commerciale
- Territory of the Project:
- Agglomération de Québec (villes de Québec, de Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures et de L'Ancienne-Lorette) et Wendake
- Propriétaires immobiliers, pour des projets de certification environnementale concernant des bâtiments résidentiels ou commerciaux : Écoquartier Pointe-aux-Lièvres et zone d'innovation Innovitam (incluant l'Écoquartier d'Estimauville)
- Localisation du siège social: Aucune restriction
- Seuil minimal de coût de projet: Aucun
- Other Conditions:
- Ce volet s'adresse aux entreprises ayant réalisé un diagnostic structuré en développement durable, recommandé positivement par un partenaire reconnu
- Si l'entreprise quitte le territoire ou cesse ses activités, des clauses de remboursement sont prévues selon la date de l'événement
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant include private incorporated companies, social economy enterprises majorly involved in economic activities, and certain owners for environmental certification projects.
- Private Incorporated Companies
- Social Economy Enterprises (Non-Profit Organizations and Cooperatives) with majority economic activities
- Owners for environmental certification projects related to construction or renovation
- Individual enterprises and partnerships majority-owned by Indigenous individuals and located in Wendake
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant has specific exclusions for certain types of companies. These include social economy enterprises without democratic governance, bankrupt entities, those listed as ineligible for public contracts, and others with various specified financial and legal issues.
- Social economy enterprises without proof of democratic governance
- Entities not discharged from bankruptcy
- Companies listed on the Register of businesses ineligible for public contracts
- Applicants who have defaulted on previous financial obligations to the Ville de Québec
- Applicants with outstanding amounts owed to the Ville de Québec
- Projects of a discriminatory, controversial, or negatively impactful nature for the Ville de Québec
- One-time event-based projects
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include certain professional fees, equipment purchases, and more.
- Professional fees
- Consulting services
- Studies for obtaining environmental certifications
- Purchases or rentals of goods, equipment, and assets related to the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are the Agglomeration of Quebec, including the cities of Quebec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L'Ancienne-Lorette, as well as Wendake. Additionally, certain projects in Ecoquartier Pointe-aux-Lièvres and Innovitam innovation zone are also eligible.
- Agglomeration of Quebec (cities of Quebec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L'Ancienne-Lorette)
- Wendake
- Ecoquartier Pointe-aux-Lièvres
- Innovitam innovation zone (including Ecoquartier d'Estimauville)
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
- Verify that your organization meets the eligibility criteria, such as being a private incorporated company, a social economy enterprise, or a property owner meeting specific conditions.
- Confirm that your project aligns with the eligible sectors and territory requirements.
- Step 2: Conduct a Structured Sustainability Diagnosis
- Complete a structured diagnostic in sustainable practices with positive recommendations from a recognized partner.
- Step 3: Prepare Project Proposal
- Draft a detailed project proposal that outlines the objectives, financial plan, expected impacts, and alignment with the grant's requirements.
- Ensure the proposal addresses at least one of the specified sustainability aspects (e.g., water, greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable production, etc.).
- Step 4: Gather Required Documents
- Collect necessary documentation as listed in the funding application form, including financial statements, structured diagnostic reports, and any other supporting materials.
- Step 5: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the official application form (provided as a PDF) with all required fields and information.
- Step 6: Submit the Application
- Submit the filled application form along with all required documents to the designated submission portal or address as per the guidelines.
- Step 7: Await Feedback and Follow-up
- After submission, wait for feedback from the grant committee.
- Be prepared to provide any additional information or clarification if requested.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant is aimed at promoting sustainable practices among small and medium-sized enterprises and is open to various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and tourism. Applications are accepted continuously, with no specific project cost minimums, and the grant can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum contribution of $500,000.
- The grant is available for structured eco-responsible practices targeting areas such as water, waste reduction, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainable production among others.
- Applicants must be incorporated private companies, social economy enterprises engaged in commercial activities, or real estate owners for projects linked to environmental certifications in construction or renovation.
- Specific exclusions apply, including bankrupt applicants, those who failed previous funding conditions, and projects that may harm the city's image.
- Eligibility spans key sectors like food processing, digital technologies, clean technologies, and strategic areas like art and manufacturing.
- Eligible expenses include professional fees, consulting services, and relevant purchases or equipment rentals, with certain restrictions on operational, charitable, and pre-application expenses.
- Projects must have a structured sustainable development diagnosis endorsed by a recognized partner.
Apply to this program
Overview of the Grant
This grant offers a maximum contribution of $500,000, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, for projects aimed at deploying eco-responsible practices that have a significant impact on a company's sustainable business model. Eligible projects must be part of a structured diagnostic in sustainable practices, targeting areas such as water, raw materials, circular economy, GHG reduction, sustainable production, logistics, transport, or environmental certification related to construction or renovation.
Detailed Explanation of the Grant
The grant is designed to support companies in the Québec region in their efforts to adopt eco-responsible practices and transition towards more sustainable business models. This financial support can significantly alleviate the costs associated with implementing such practices, allowing businesses to innovate and contribute positively to environmental conservation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the grant's objectives, eligibility criteria, conditions, and how to apply.
Eligibility Criteria and Conditions
To qualify for this grant, applicants must meet certain conditions and fall into specified categories. These are as follows:
- Eligible Applicants: Private incorporated companies, social economy enterprises (NPOs and cooperatives) primarily engaging in commercial activities, and property owners for environmental certification projects related to construction or renovation. Additionally, individual enterprises and partnerships primarily owned by indigenous people residing in Wendake are eligible.
- Exclusions: Social economy enterprises without proof of sound democratic governance, applicants not cleared from bankruptcy judgments, companies listed on the Registry of non-eligible companies for public contracts, applicants who have failed to meet financial aid obligations with the City of Québec in the last two years, applicants with outstanding debts with the City of Québec, projects deemed discriminatory, controversial, or posing a negative image risk for the City of Québec, and one-off event-based projects.
- Eligible Sectors:
- Priority Sectors: Agro-food, food processing, and health foods; digital arts and interactive entertainment; financial technologies; artificial intelligence; smart city technologies or other products and digital technologies (excluding service and consulting); optical photonics; measurement and control technologies; advanced electronics; life sciences; biotechnologies; health technologies; clean technologies including water, air, soil treatment, ecomobility, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green chemistry, waste management, enabling technologies, and sustainable development.
- Strategic Sectors: Art, culture, and heritage; insurance and financial services; manufacturing, materials, industrial transformation, robotics, industry 4.0; urban security; tourism.
- Commercial Sector: Retail, dining establishments, businesses providing services to leisure and business tourists visiting the agglomeration (including tourist accommodation). This is limited to companies with 50 or fewer full-time employees.
- Other: Property owners for commercial urban agriculture projects.
- Project Territory: The project must be located within the Québec agglomeration (including the cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L’Ancienne-Lorette) and Wendake.
- Project Cost Minimum: There is no minimum project cost.
- Additional Conditions:
- The grant is targeted at companies that have conducted a structured sustainable development diagnostic recommended positively by a recognized partner.
- If the company moves out of the territory or ceases its activities, repayment clauses will be based on the date of the event.
Funding and Eligible Expenses
The grant provides a maximum financial contribution of $500,000 per project, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses. The total maximum funding active per two-year period for all economic development financing programs from the City of Québec is capped at $500,000. Here's a breakdown of what expenses are covered and those that are not:
- Eligible Expenses:
- Professional fees, consultancy services, and studies for obtaining environmental certifications.
- Purchases or rentals of goods, equipment, and assets connected to the project.
- Non-Eligible Expenses:
- Regular operational financing.
- Charity activities and payment for volunteer resources.
- Debt payments or existing loan repayments.
- Replacing other government supports or existing programs.
- Expenses incurred or finalized before the submission of a substantially complete and compliant application.
- Any expense related to moving a business or part of its production out of the Québec agglomeration unless permission is obtained in writing from the City of Québec.
- The recoverable portion of GST and QST by the recipient from the governments.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on several criteria ensuring only suitable and impactful projects receive funding. The key evaluation points include:
- The quality and robustness of the responsible business model proposed by the company.
- The financial capability of the applicant to successfully complete the project and achieve its objectives.
- The viability and coherence of the submitted project, including the relevance of the project, the realism of the financial setup, and the partners involved.
- The organizational capacity of the applicant.
- The distinctive and innovative nature of the project.
- The economic, social, and environmental impacts of the project within the Québec agglomeration.
- The demonstration of the need for financial aid.
- The alignment of the project with the objectives of the Eco-Capital initiative.
- The demonstration of problems resolved by the project.
- The support structure for the project.
Application Process
Applications for this grant are accepted on a rolling basis with no specific deadline, making it accessible for businesses to apply at any time. To apply, companies must follow these steps:
- Complete a structured diagnostic in sustainable development recommended positively by a recognized partner.
- Fill out the funding application form for the Eco-Capital section. The form can be found and downloaded in PDF format (120 KB).
- Provide all required documents and adhere to the specified submission modalities listed in the application form.
Conclusion
This grant offers substantial financial support for businesses and property owners in the Québec region who aim to adopt sustainable and eco-responsible practices. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the outlined application process, companies can secure funding to innovate and contribute to a sustainable future. The emphasis on impactful, innovative, and viable projects ensures that the granted funds are efficiently utilized for environmental conservation and sustainable development in Québec.