How much funding can be received?

The "POLITIQUE DE SOUTIEN AUX ENTREPRISES DE LA MRC DE CHARLEVOIX-EST" grant aims to financially support the creation and maintenance of jobs by funding the start-up, expansion, or acquisition of businesses within the Charlevoix-Est region. The maximum financial support for a private company is $150,000 and eligible activities include pre-startup costs, market promotion, and construction or improvement of non-residential properties.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports the initiation and growth of businesses within the MRC de Charlevoix-Est to enhance economic vitality and employment. Eligible projects are designed to set up, expand, or acquire businesses that contribute to the local economy.

Projects involving the initial setup of a new business.
Business expansion projects aimed at increasing capacity or market reach.
Acquisition projects that involve taking over existing businesses to sustain or boost local employment.
Activities supporting employment growth and economic development in the region.
Projects incorporating sustainable practices to ensure long-term ecological and economic stability.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for this grant, certain criteria related to the nature and location of the business must be met.

The company must be legally established and operating in the MRC de Charlevoix-Est territory, with its headquarters located in Quebec if registered in the Registre des entreprises du Québec, including social economy enterprises.
A non-profit organization (NPO) must be characterized by a grouping of private enterprises.
An individual in pre-start-up must be 18 years or older, a Canadian national or permanent resident, and have their primary residence in Quebec.
A private business (SME) can apply.
A cooperative (coop) is eligible.
The applicant must be free from any bankruptcy judgment and have no outstanding amounts or disputes with the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for this grant include legally constituted businesses operating in the MRC de Charlevoix-Est with their headquarters in Quebec, registered in the Quebec Business Register, including social economy enterprises. Non-profit organizations (NPOs) that represent a group of private businesses are also eligible. Individual entrepreneurs in the pre-startup phase, who are over 18, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and primarily domiciled in Quebec, can apply as well. Eligible entities also include private enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and individuals who must be free from any bankruptcy judgment, have no outstanding amounts, and no litigation with the MRC de Charlevoix-Est. However, municipalities, financial sector private companies, financial cooperatives, educational network organizations, and several other specified categories are considered non-eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure funds are allocated to businesses that align with the objectives of fostering economic growth in the specified region.

Regional county municipalities (MRC) and municipal governments.
Indigenous community band councils.
Financial sector private companies and financial cooperatives.
Educational network organizations.
Non-profit organizations (OBNL) not characterized by a grouping of private companies.
Research centers.
Businesses listed in the RENA registry for non-eligibility for public contracts.
Businesses that failed to meet obligations related to previous financial aid from the MRC in the last two years.
Enterprises listed in Annex I, such as businesses with controversial activities like sexual, religious, or political enterprises, and other specified domains.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers various expenses directly related to the establishment and growth of eligible projects within the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

Professional fees, consulting services, and studies.
Pre-startup and startup costs, including initial working capital necessary for project implementation.
Purchase of goods, equipment, and assets related to the project.
Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities and expenses.
Costs associated with leasehold improvements, renovations, expansions, or construction of a building, including acquisition of non-residential land or property.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically for projects located within the geographical region of Charlevoix-Est in Quebec. This is to ensure the development and economic growth within this particular area through financial assistance to dedicated enterprises.

Municipality regional county (MRC) of Charlevoix-Est.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure projects support the economic development and employment creation objectives of the Charlevoix-Est MRC.

Effect structuring: Contributing to the knowledge, organization, or promotion of sectors and municipalities, fostering collaboration, generating multiplier effects, and promoting sustainable development without destabilizing the region's economic sector.
Impact on employment and economic activity: Generating significant returns for the MRC or the Charlevoix region, including investment, direct or indirect employment, productivity, or profitability.
Strength of the business model: Providing credible answers to all components of the business model, ensuring project coherence, realistic financial setup, and relevant applicant experience or training.
Sources of funding: Involvement of partners other than the MRC to diversify funding sources, or showing the promoter's financial capability to shoulder a large part of the project costs.
Sustainable development: Demonstrating compliance with social, economic, and environmental sustainable development principles.
Experience of the promoter: The project leader(s) possess the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully execute the project.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Validate Eligibility
Contact an economic development agent of MRC de Charlevoix-Est to confirm project eligibility.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Complete the application form available on the MRC website.
Prepare a comprehensive business plan.
Conduct necessary feasibility, market, and other relevant studies.
Develop a financial plan and financial projections for the next three years.
If applicable, gather financial statements and cash budget.
Prepare letters patent or incorporation charter if it applies.
Secure a resolution from the board of directors authorizing the submission of the application.
Obtain written confirmation of financial contributions from identified partners, if applicable.
Gather estimates for required investments (at least two quotes if expenses exceed $10,000).
Complete self-evaluation grids for sustainable development, if applicable.
Step 3: Submit Application
Compile and review all necessary documents for accuracy.
Send the completed application and all supporting documents to the MRC de Charlevoix-Est at 172, boulevard Notre-Dame, Clermont, Québec, G4A 1G1.
Alternatively, contact via email at infofinancement@mrccharlevoixest.ca or phone at 418 439-3947, option 3 for submission guidance.
Step 4: Await Review and Decision
The investment committee will analyze the application and make recommendations to the council of mayors for approval.
Ensure ongoing communication with MRC representatives for any further information or clarifications needed.
Step 5: Respond to Decision and Conditions
If the application is approved, follow up to finalize and sign the financial aid agreement with the MRC.
Adhere to the conditions set out in the agreement and work towards meeting the outlined commitments.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The total aid for one private business cannot exceed 50% of the project's total cost and maxes out at $150,000 within 12 months.
Non-repayable financial assistance has specific funding limits and requires a minimum personal investment from the promoter, set at 20% of the project's total costs.
Beneficiaries must adhere to a financial assistance agreement and can have this funding announced publicly upon acceptance by the local council.
All awarded projects must submit financial accountability reports and meet other reporting obligations to the MRC, including project activity and financial reports.
Simultaneous funding from the Fonds de vitalisation and this grant is not permitted under specified conditions.
Any funds received should only be used for purposes explicitly outlined by the policy.

grant_single_labels|contact

infofinancement@mrccharlevoixest.ca

418 439-3947

Apply to this program

Supporting Economic Growth in Charlevoix-Est

This grant program seeks to boost economic development in the Charlevoix-Est region by supporting local business startups and expansion projects. It provides businesses and organizations with non-repayable financial assistance to enhance employment and stimulate regional economic growth.

Detailed Insights into the Charlevoix-Est Business Support Policy

The "Politique de soutien aux entreprises de la MRC de Charlevoix-Est" is designed to offer pivotal financial support to legally constituted businesses on the territory of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est. This funding, part of the "Fonds régions et ruralité," is strategically aimed at catalyzing economic development through either the inception, expansion, or acquisition of companies. Primarily, it focuses on creating and sustaining employment within the region, thereby contributing substantially to the local economic fabric.

One of the central tenets of this program is to encourage projects that have a significant economic impact on the Charlevoix region. Noteworthy attention is given to endeavors that spur local employment and economic activities, ensuring a multiplier effect that extends beyond the primary beneficiaries. The emphasis is on projects with solid business models and credibility, supported by a comprehensive plan that outlines clear market segments, distribution channels, and financial projections.

Participants are expected to leverage this funding as a financial lever, necessitating a minimum private financial contribution from the project promoters themselves. The financial assistance, while non-repayable, acts as a catalyst for additional investment from both public and private sector partners, hence diversifying funding sources. Projects must also espouse development sustainability principles, fostering social, economic, and environmental progress.

Furthermore, the program prioritizes inclusivity and diversity, promoting projects led by women, youth, and immigrant residents. By doing so, it harnesses a wide array of perspectives and talents, enhancing the innovation and adaptability of initiatives. To qualify, projects must demonstrate a robust framework and capacity to manage resources effectively, coupled with demonstrable past successes or relevant experience in project execution.

The application process is thorough, requiring a comprehensive business plan, feasibility studies, and other justificatory documentation to validate the project’s viability and impact potential. Successful applicants will enter into financial agreements with the MRC, outlining financial commitments, project milestones, and expected outcomes. This ensures accountability and alignment with the strategic goals of regional socio-economic enhancement.

Overall, this grant represents a significant opportunity for enterprises within the Charlevoix-Est region to advance their endeavors, contributing to a thriving local economy. By investing in projects that align with sustainable and inclusive growth strategies, the MRC aims not only to elevate current economic conditions but also to lay the groundwork for future prosperity and resilience in the region.