Business Support Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Gatineau, QC
Financial aid for growing businesses in Gatineau
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $25,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Overview
The "Soutien aux entreprises" fund provides a maximum non-repayable contribution of $25,000 to support growth or startup projects for high-value-added manufacturing businesses in Gatineau. Eligible activities include hiring specialized external resources for productivity challenges, market development, and supporting business implantation or recovery plans.
Financing terms and conditions
- Business Support Fund: Non-repayable financial aid up to a maximum of $25,000.
- Local Funds: Loans up to a maximum of $250,000, repayable over a period that may extend to 7 years, with possible payment deferral.
- Economic Diversification Fund: Non-repayable contribution up to 15% of the project cost, not exceeding $100,000 (maximum $25,000 for feasibility studies).
- Social Economy Business Development Fund: Non-repayable grant up to a maximum of $30,000 for social economy projects.
Activities funded
- Implementation or expansion of technology-focused, manufacturing, or innovative businesses in Gatineau.
- Business projects aiming at export outside the region.
- Establishment or expansion of strategic infrastructure.
- Development of new markets and productivity enhancement initiatives.
- Creation and growth of social economy enterprises to diversify the local economy.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Conducting a feasibility study for expanding into new international markets.
$ 25,000
Launching a new marketing strategy for a social enterprise in Gatineau.
$ 25,000
Implementing a cybersecurity plan for a local Gatineau manufacturing enterprise.
Eligibility
- The business must be located in Gatineau or seek to establish operations in Gatineau.
- The company must be financially healthy; start-ups should demonstrate strong future prospects and an ability to meet financial obligations.
- The funding must be necessary for the realization of the project.
- The project should contribute to economic development, diversification, or wealth creation in the Gatineau area.
Who is eligible?
- Technology companies
- Manufacturing companies
- Innovative businesses
- Export-oriented enterprises
- Social economy enterprises (for certain funds)
Who is not eligible
- Companies with projects in a saturated market sector or projects causing job displacement or creating undue competition.
- Projects whose activities substitute for government responsibilities.
Eligible expenses
- Fees for hiring specialized external resources for targeted interventions.
- Capital expenditures related to project realization.
- Professional fees directly linked to project implementation.
- Working capital requirements for the project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses located in the city of Gatineau, Quebec.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the objectives and mission of ID Gatineau.
- Contribution to the development and diversification of Gatineau's economy.
- Potential for wealth creation within the Gatineau territory.
- Financial health of the applying business and demonstrated need for financial aid.
How to apply
1
Preliminary consultation
- Contact a strategic advisor at ID Gatineau’s reception to discuss your project.
- Evaluate your business's eligibility for the "Business Support" fund.
2
Preparation of the request
- Draft a pre-diagnostic and an action plan in collaboration with ID Gatineau.
- Gather the necessary documents for the project evaluation.
3
Submission of the request
- Submit the application accompanied by a project sheet written with ID Gatineau.
- Attach all the required documents for the evaluation.
4
Post-Submission Follow-up
- Participate in the analysis procedure with the ID Gatineau staff.
- Participate in a semi-annual meeting to follow up on the progress of the project.
Additional information
- A satisfaction survey conducted in 2023 indicated that 94% of clients were satisfied or very satisfied with the advisory services provided.
- A Common Investment Committee (CIC), comprised of members of the Gatineau business community, evaluates financial assistance applications to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and mission.
- The support provided is tailored to companies accompanied by ID Gatineau, emphasizing personalized guidance throughout the funding process.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact a strategic advisor at ID Gatineau for further details and support during the application process.
Contacts
819 595-8002
Gatineau, QC, Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Support Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Business Support Fund . This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Business Support Fund ?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Business Support Fund ?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Business Support Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Business Support Fund ?
Who is eligible for the Business Support Fund program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Support Fund ?
Where is the Business Support Fund available?
Are startups eligible for the Business Support Fund program?
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