
MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support
At a glance
- Max. $150,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Open Date : August 1, 2022
- Closing date : September 30, 2022
Overview
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.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant offers structured financial assistance designed to support regional economic development in Charlevoix-Est. The funding is provided to maximize impact, with clear stipulations on the use of funds and project scope.
- Co-financing is available up to 50% of the total project costs for private companies, with a maximum contribution of $150,000 within a 12-month period.
- A non-profit organization, characterized as a grouping of private enterprises, may receive up to 80% of eligible expenses not exceeding $25,000 when combined with other government aids.
- Initial financial assistance is provided upon signing the financial agreement, with subsequent payments released based on project milestones and deliverables.
- The funding is strictly non-reimbursable and must be utilized for the project as per the policy guidelines.
- Disbursements are contingent on the acceptance of required financial and progress reports by the MRC.
- Total government aid, including non-repayable and repayable aids, cannot exceed 50% of the project's eligible expenses.
- The aid is not intended to replace other available government financial assistance.
- Projects must be concluded within a specified timeframe as determined in the financial aid agreements.
Activities funded
This grant supports the launch and development of businesses within the region to achieve economic growth and job creation in Charlevoix-Est. Eligible projects focus on a variety of developmental activities that align with regional economic goals.
- Financing for the startup, expansion, or acquisition of a business.
- Support for business development and employment growth.
- Investment in professional services, consulting, and feasibility studies.
- Purchases related to project-specific goods, equipment, and assets.
- Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities.
- Renovations, expansions, or construction of non-residential buildings including land acquisition.
Eligibility
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.
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.
Selection 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.
How to apply
Validation of eligibility
- Contact an economic development officer of the Charlevoix-Est MRC to validate the project's eligibility.
- Gather all necessary documents for the submission of the application.
Preparation of the documentation
- Fill out the application form available on the MRC's website.
- Write the business plan.
- Develop the necessary supporting studies, such as prefeasibility, feasibility, or market study.
- Complete the financial package and the three-year financial projections.
- Include the balance sheet and cash budget, if relevant.
- Provide the letters patent or the certificate of incorporation if applicable.
- Obtain the resolution from the board of directors authorizing the project, if applicable.
- Gather written confirmations of financial contributions from partners.
- Attach submission documents for the required investments, if applicable.
- Complete the sustainability self-assessment grid, if relevant.
Submission of the request
Follow-up on the request
Additional information
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support Program
What is the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support?
Who is eligible for the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support program?
Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support?
Where is the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support available?
Are women eligible for the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support program?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the MRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support program?
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