MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to companies operating within the region covered by the MRC of Charlevoix-Est. The eligible geographical area is intended to promote economic support and job creation locally.

• Projects executed within the territory of the MRC of Charlevoix-Est.
• Initiatives with significant impact on the region of Charlevoix-Est.

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.

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.

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.