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MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects
Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
Funding for business growth and entrepreneurship in Charlevoix
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 1, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 30, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- MRC Charlevoix
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant provides a maximum funding of $5,000 to support projects that enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability through specialized expertise in areas like sustainable development, business succession, innovation, and communication technology integration. Eligible activities include market, technical, and financial feasibility evaluations, consulting services, and technology and process assessments.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides financial support to encourage the emergence and growth of business projects, with modalities designed to maximize impact while ensuring rigorous oversight.
- Up to $100,000 per project as a non-refundable contribution for eligible business projects.
- Capital investments of up to $225,000 per project for private and collective start-ups and growth endeavors.
- Loan of up to $25,000 for individuals for asset or share purchases during business transfers, as part of a succession initiative.
- Financial aid covering up to 80% of project costs, capped at $15,000, with a mix of non-refundable contribution (2/3) and an interest-free loan (1/3) repayable over five years for social economy enterprises.
- Non-repayable financial assistance up to 35% of project costs or a maximum of $5,000 for special projects with significant local economic and employment impacts.
- Start-up and expansion support providing up to 50% of total project costs, capped at $5,000, subject to fund availability, with the combined assistance of government sources and MRC not exceeding 50% of eligible expenses.
- Funding disbursed in phases, typically 50% at signing of agreement, with subsequent disbursements upon submission of necessary documents and final report.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant aims to support businesses in assessing the feasibility and potential impact of their projects by utilizing specialized expertise. Eligible projects enable significant examination and validation processes that contribute to informed business decisions.
- Evaluation of the opportunity and potential success of a business project.
- Market, technical, and financial feasibility assessments for proposed ventures.
- Evaluation of processes and technologies to ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Engagement of consultants for expert insights and strategic guidance.
- Assessment and appraisal of existing businesses for informed acquisition or restructuring plans.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 5,000
Business succession planning for a local family restaurant
$ 5,000
Technology integration assessment for local manufacturing company
$ 5,000
Improving digital infrastructure for local artisanal businesses
$ 5,000
Feasibility study for sustainable food production practices
$ 5,000
Prototyping an eco-friendly packaging solution for retailers
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant includes specific criteria related to the applicant's business status and operational location.
- The applicant must be a private for-profit enterprise.
- The business operations must be located within the territory of the MRC de Charlevoix.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Private for-profit businesses are eligible to apply for the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects. The project must be carried out within the territory of the MRC de Charlevoix. Eligibility is open to businesses seeking to enhance their projects in areas identified as major challenges, such as sustainable development, succession and business transfer, innovation, and integration of communication technologies. The fund requires a private enterprise legally constituted in Canada and operating within the specified area.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant outlines specific eligible projects and organizations, but does not detail explicit industries or company types that are ineligible. Without specific information on restrictions, eligibility is open within the provided context.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific consulting expenses directly related to the project.
- Consultant fees for market and trend validation.
- Consultant fees for validation of technologies, buildings, equipment, and production processes.
- Other necessary fees related to the completion of the study.
- Expert consultation fees.
- Cost of purchasing documentation.
- Development of prototypes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographical area for companies applying for this grant is focused within the region specified by the funding body. Eligible companies must operate in this specific territorial jurisdiction to qualify for the grant support.
- Companies that operate within the territory of the MRC de Charlevoix.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the MRC Charlevoix Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects are based on specific criteria designed to ensure the successful deployment and sustainability of business projects within the region.
- Feasibility of the market, technical, and financial aspects of the project.
- Validation of the opportunities and challenges facing the project, including market trends and technological viability.
- Potential to utilize expert consultants effectively to achieve project goals.
- Ability to provide a comprehensive evaluation of business processes and technological improvements.
- Effectiveness of proposed methodologies and timelines in achieving project milestones.
- Demonstrated ability to provide a portion of the project’s required funding autonomously, reflecting commitment and positioning relative to other funding sources.
- Expected positive outcomes and impacts on the local economy and job creation.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Business Plan
- Utilize the provided tools to draft your business plan, including the guide and the Word template available for download.
- Step 2: Prepare Financial Documents
- Ensure you have the latest financial statements for the past three years.
- Include a budget forecast for the project outlining estimated revenue and expenses.
- Step 3: Collect Required Documentation
- Ensure you have a copy of your certificate of incorporation.
- Prepare a letter of introduction specifying the amount of funding you are requesting.
- Step 4: Complete Application Components
- Clearly describe your company, project, objectives, and expected outcomes.
- List project partners and clarify their commitments.
- Include any relevant studies or methodologies planned.
- Step 5: Submit Your Application
- Compile all documents and ensure they meet the guidelines.
- Email your application to ascallon@mrccharlevoix.ca or mail it to the Service de développement local et entrepreneurial (SDLE), Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec.
- Ensure that your application reaches before the analyzed dates (e.g., 30 September, 30 December, or 30 April).
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- A minimum personal contribution of 20% is required.
- The disbursement of funds occurs in two stages: 50% at the signing of the agreement and the remainder upon provision of the required documentation.
- The MRC reserves the right to request a final report from professional consultants involved in the project.
- The procurement of necessary permits and approvals is required prior to any MRC disbursement.
- The funding agreement will detail specific conditions and obligations for the financial assistance provided.
- The assistance is complementary to any available government funding and will not replace existing funding programs.