MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects program?

To be eligible for the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects program, you must: • The applicant must be a private for-profit company. • The project must be implemented within the territory of the MRC de Charlevoix.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects?

You can contact MRC Charlevoix.

Q: Where is the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects available?

The MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Baie-Saint-Paul, QC

Funding for business growth and entrepreneurship in Charlevoix

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2024
Closing date : April 30, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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.

Financing 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.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

Selection 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.

How to apply

Preparation of the file

Write an introduction letter including the requested amount.
Attach a copy of the company's incorporation charter.
Include the financial statements for the last three years.
Add a detailed presentation of the company (composition of the board of directors, mission, and values).
Describe the project and its objectives as well as the anticipated outcomes.
Indicate the number of partners involved and the nature of their commitments.
Provide a projected budget for the project (revenues and expenses).

Preparation of the study (if applicable)

Present a description of the issue to be addressed.
Specify the nature and objectives of the study.
Describe the methodology that will be used.
Establish a timeline for the work to be carried out.
Indicate the expected deliverables.
Provide two submissions for the service offers from the firms or professionals considered.
Justify the final choice of the selected firm or professional.

Verification of permissions

Obtain and prepare all the permits and authorizations necessary for the realization of the project.

Submission of the application

Send the request by postal or electronic mail to the SDLE of the MRC of Charlevoix.
Postal address: 6, rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, local 102, Baie-Saint-Paul (Quebec) G3Z 1L7.
Electronic address: ascallon@mrccharlevoix.ca.

Additional information

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.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Charlevoix — Support Fund for the Emergence of Business Projects. 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.