How much funding can be received?

The "Signature Innovation" Fund of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est offers up to $150,000 in non-repayable financial support per project to boost sustainable economic transition and tourism innovation in the region. Eligible activities include seasonal diversification, sustainable development projects, and innovative technological initiatives that enhance local attractions and generate economic benefits.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible projects for the "Signature Innovation" grant focus on enhancing the year-round tourist potential of the Charlevoix-Est region through innovation, diversification, and sustainable development. These projects aim to increase visitor attraction and optimize resource use outside the traditional tourist season.

Diversification of seasonal offerings through hybridizing sites and functions, such as hosting events at normally single-use locations.
Development of winter and off-season tourism, including upgrading facilities or creating new trails.
Purchase of equipment to enhance winter and off-season tourist activities.
Promotion of sustainable mobility solutions to tourist sites.
Organizing off-season festivals and events between September and May.
Establishing innovation hubs for developing solutions to tourism and environmental challenges.
Creation or enhancement of technology, such as applications to aid in job matching within the tourism sector.
Automation projects that streamline operational routines in tourism businesses.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires applicants to meet specific organizational and operational criteria.

The applicant must be a municipal organization, Indigenous community, private enterprise, social economy enterprise, cooperative (excluding financial sector cooperatives), non-profit organization, educational network organization, or a legal entity intending to start a business.
The applicant must be free of any bankruptcy judgment and must not have outstanding amounts or disputes with the MRC of Charlevoix-Est.
Organizations registered on the register of ineligible businesses for public contracts are not eligible.
Organizations involved in litigation with the government of Quebec, or failing to meet obligations under a law administered by SCN or MAMH, or agreements with them, are ineligible.
Organizations that have failed to meet obligations linked to previous financial aid granted by the MRC in the two years preceding the application are ineligible.
The applicant must engage in a project conducted within the territory of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The "Signature Innovation" fund is open to a variety of organizations looking to undertake projects that align with the fund's strategic goals of boosting innovation, economic activity, and collaboration in the MRC de Charlevoix-Est. The following entities are eligible to apply:

Municipal organizations and Indigenous communities.
Private and social economy enterprises, excluding financial sector enterprises.
Cooperatives, excluding those in the financial sector.
Non-profit organizations.
Organizations within the educational sector.
Legal entities wishing to start a business.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their controversial activities or association with non-strategic sectors. It aims to ensure that resources are allocated to projects that align with regional development goals.

Companies with activities that are of a sexual, religious, or political nature, or that may cause controversy, such as matchmaking agencies, war games, tarot reading, astrology, and personal growth courses.
Pawnshop businesses.
Travel agencies, unless they focus on enhancing the tourist offerings of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.
Organizations in the physical or mental health field, whether recognized by a professional order or not.
Childcare facilities and home-based childcare services.
Real estate management and real estate agents.
Liberal professions recognized by a professional order, such as lawyers, accountants, architects, notaries, and engineers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project in the MRC of Charlevoix-Est.

Professional fees, consulting services, and studies, up to a maximum of $150 per hour.
Pre-startup and startup costs.
Purchases of goods, equipment, and assets related to the project.
Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities and expenses.
Improvements to rental space, renovation, expansion, or construction of a building, including the acquisition of non-residential land or buildings.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant applies specifically to projects executed within the geographical limits of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est. This ensures that the projects directly contribute to the economic and social development of the region by leveraging local opportunities.

Municipality of Charlevoix-Est.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure that submissions align with the objectives of fostering innovation and economic impact within the MRC of Charlevoix-Est.

Concordance with the project's "Signature innovation" management framework.
Qualities of the promoter and governance structure: competence in project execution, experience with similar projects, and support from community partners.
Quality of the project implementation plan: Clear connections between steps, activities, resources, and goals.
Quality of the financing plan: Realistic cost projections and confirmed contributions from partners and applicable government programs.
Level of technological innovation: Enhancements to the tourism activities and services offered through innovation, leveraging year-round potential.
Positive local economic impacts: Project contributes positively to the local economy through local purchases, visibility, and economic diversification.
Community engagement: Project is well-received by the community, involving local stakeholders and benefiting the region.
Hybrid use of spaces and/or creation and maintenance of year-round employment.
Environmental impact: Project shows minimal environmental impact and adopts eco-efficient practices to reduce carbon footprint.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
Ensure your organization is among those eligible: municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, private and social economy enterprises, cooperatives, non-profits, educational network organizations, or legal entities intending to start a business.
Verify that your project aligns with the criteria set by the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.
Step 2: Preliminary Consultation
Contact an economic development officer at the MRC de Charlevoix-Est via email (infofinancement@mrccharlevoixest.ca) or telephone (418 439-3947, option 3) to discuss your project and validate its eligibility.
Step 3: Prepare Application
Complete the application form provided by the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.
Develop a comprehensive business or project plan.
Compile your financial structure and, if applicable, financial forecasts for your company.
Include necessary supporting studies, such as prefeasibility, feasibility, or market studies.
Submit financial statements for the last three years, if applicable.
Attach the organization's letters patent or other constitutive documents.
Pass a resolution by the board of directors authorizing the project leader to submit the financial aid request.
Provide quotes for investments to be made, with potentially two quotes required.
Step 4: Submit Application
Ensure all documents are completed and submitted correctly to the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.
Step 5: Await Application Review
The application is reviewed by an internal committee of the MRC once all documents are received.
A recommendation is then made to the mayors' council for approval and adoption.
Step 6: Receive Funding Decision
Upon review, you will be informed of the funding decision and any next steps.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here is additional relevant detail for this grant:

The aid is structured as a non-repayable financial assistance.
The maximum aid for a private enterprise or its subsidiaries is $150,000 within a 12-month period.
A funding agreement, detailing payment conditions and expected project outcomes, must be signed between the beneficiary and the MRC.
The initial payment is made upon signing the agreement, with subsequent installments based on project milestones and deliverables.
The final payment requires the submission of a final report and documents specified in the agreement protocol.
The project must be completed within a timeframe specified in the agreement, but the MRC may reassess commitments if delays occur.
Specific penalties and obligations exist concerning project communication and acknowledgement of financial assistance.
The applicant must not have any pending bankruptcy judgments or disputes with the MRC.

grant_single_labels|contact

infofinancement@mrccharlevoixest.ca

418 439-3947

Apply to this program

Signature Innovation Fund: A Catalyst for Four-Season Tourism in MRC Charlevoix-Est

The Signature Innovation Fund aims to propel the MRC Charlevoix-Est as an avant-garde leader in sustainable economic transition by supporting innovative, multi-seasonal tourism projects. This initiative promotes socio-economic vitality through strategic innovation and hybridization of activities that enhance tourism year-round.

Driving Sustainable Tourism and Economic Growth

The MRC Charlevoix-Est, in collaboration with the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has launched the Signature Innovation Fund under the Fonds régions et ruralité. This fund is dedicated to amplifying the region’s identity by fostering forward-thinking projects that redefine the tourism footprint through innovation and sustainability. Given the unique natural and cultural landscape of Charlevoix-Est, the fund strategically targets projects that can leverage these attributes for greater economic yield across all four seasons.

The fund prioritizes projects that embody seasonal diversification, an innovative model that enhances the adaptability of tourist destinations to attract visitors throughout the year. By promoting the hybridization of places and functions, such as transforming a summer golf course into a winter music festival venue, the initiative aims to optimize the utility and economic output of tourism sites beyond their traditional periods of high activity. This method enables a dynamic reinvention of spaces, catering to diversified customer demands and maximizing resource utilization even during off-peak seasons.

Additionally, the fund emphasizes the critical importance of sustainable practices within the tourism industry to not only enhance attractiveness but also preserve the integrity of the local environment. Projects targeting the development of sustainable mobility options or initiatives that mitigate the environmental impacts of tourism operations are of special interest. By aligning with sustainable development goals, these projects contribute to the broader agenda of curbing climate change effects and fostering responsible tourism.

The Signature Innovation Fund offers non-repayable financial assistance to eligible entities, ensuring that distinctive and innovative projects receive the necessary backing to thrive. This financial support is tailor-made to facilitate the implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions that can significantly enhance the tourist experience while contributing to the structural transformation of the tourism industry in Charlevoix-Est. The funding also aids in bridging the economic gaps by championing projects that promise robust local economic impact, including job creation and business collaboration within the region.

A vital facet of the fund is its commitment to projects that not only meet immediate economic objectives but also uphold long-term sustainability and growth. Such strategic investments encourage cooperation between local enterprises, governmental bodies, and community groups, forming a cohesive approach to regional development. The fund’s support extends beyond mere financial contribution, fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and cross-industry synergies.

The eligibility criteria are meticulously designed to ensure that funded projects align with the strategic vision of the region, focusing on initiatives that can operate sustainably and viably. By necessitating a significant portion of the investment to come from non-governmental sources, the fund encourages private sector involvement and accountability, facilitating a diverse and resilient economic environment.

In conclusion, the Signature Innovation Fund represents a pivotal opportunity for growth and innovation in the Charlevoix-Est region, transcending traditional tourism models to foster an ecosystem where creativity, sustainability, and economic vigor can coexist. This initiative not only bolsters Charlevoix-Est's positioning as a year-round tourism destination but also enhances its resilience and adaptability in the face of economic and environmental challenges.