How much funding can be received?

The Fonds de vitalisation de la MRC de Charlevoix-Est provides non-repayable financial assistance of up to $150,000 to support projects that address economic revitalization challenges by fostering economic vitality through eligible activities such as the development of services, enhancement of living conditions, and maximization of the region’s economic potential. Eligible activities include professional fees, pre-startup expenses, asset acquisitions, and infrastructure improvements aimed at improving the quality of life and economic productivity within the region.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant aims to address economic deprioritization by supporting projects that enhance living standards, population dynamics, and the labor market within the territory of Charlevoix-Est. Eligible projects fall under three main axes focused on local economic development, community attractiveness, and maximizing the region's economic potential.

Projects contributing to the development and enhancement of local services, based on strategic sectors identified by the MRC of Charlevoix-Est.
Initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life to promote the attraction and retention of workers, particularly targeting youth.
Projects encouraging the return of young people to the region, fostering permanent establishment.
Innovations that boost company productivity and demand for labor.
Projects focusing on modernizing or diversifying business activities to increase employment.
Projects designed to fully utilize local assets, including infrastructure and resources.
Efforts addressing labor shortages and major employment impacts on the economy.
Infrastructural developments for recreational facilities targeted at children and youth.
Amendments to village centers to enhance community gathering spaces and improve local services.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires the applicants to meet certain criteria regarding their organizational structure and standing with the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

The applicant must be a municipal organization, an Indigenous community, a private business (excluding financial sector businesses), a social economy enterprise, a cooperative (excluding financial sector cooperatives), a non-profit organization, or an educational network entity.
The applicant must not be involved in bankruptcy proceedings or have any outstanding debts or disputes with the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.
The applicant must not be listed on the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
The applicant must have fulfilled all obligations related to any previous financial aid from the MRC over the past two years.
If the applicant is a corporate entity, it must be seeking to start a new business.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant targets various types of entities seeking to implement projects that align with the territorial revitalization efforts of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est. Eligible applicants include a diverse group of organizations capable of contributing to economic and socio-demographic enhancement in the region.

Municipal organizations and Indigenous communities.
Private and social economy enterprises, except those in the financial sector.
Cooperatives, excluding those in the financial sector.
Non-profit organizations.
Educational sector entities.
Legal entities aiming to start a new business.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes specific companies and industries based on their nature and main activities. Restrictions are in place to prioritize projects that align with the socio-economic revitalization goals of the Charlevoix-Est region.

Companies and industries registered on the RENA (Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics).
Organizations that failed to comply with previous financial assistance obligations with the MRC of Charlevoix-Est within the last two years.
Businesses considered controversial, such as those with sexual, religious, or political affiliations.
Retail and wholesale trade, gas stations, or gas bars, except when they serve as proximity services.
Companies associated with physical or mental health sectors recognized or not by a professional order.
Art galleries.
Daycares and family-based childcare services.
Artistic management agencies and projects aimed at self-promotion.
Real estate management, such as real estate agents.
Hospitality sector, except within designated Q5 localities.
Restaurants, bars, and breweries, unless they serve as proximity services.
Licensed professions such as lawyers, accountants, architects, notaries, and engineers.
Projects related to places of worship unless the building is being repurposed for non-religious use.
Financial services and insurance brokerage projects.
Projects that act as substitutes for public services.
Municipal administration-related projects such as town hall renovations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the project implementation and development within the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

Professional fees and consulting services, as well as related studies.
Pre-startup, startup expenses, and an initial working capital necessary for project implementation.
Purchases of goods, equipment, and assets related to the project.
Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities and costs.
Costs of leasehold improvements, renovations, expansions, or construction of buildings, including the acquisition of land or non-residential buildings.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available to companies and projects that have a significant impact within the MRC of Charlevoix-Est. The eligible geographical area is restricted to this region to aid in its vitalization and development initiatives.

Municipalité régionale de comté (MRC) de Charlevoix-Est.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure they align with the objectives of the Fonds de vitalisation de la MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

Concordance with an axis of vitalization.
Quality of the application and the promoter.
Impact on employment and economy (applies to private company applications).
Innovative nature of the project.
Impact on socio-economic vitality.
Acceptability of the project by the community.
Strength of the financial structure.
Compliance with environmental and rural development standards.

grant_single_labels|register

Steps to apply for the grant:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Ensure your organization and project meet the eligibility criteria defined by the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.
Confirm that the project aligns with at least one of the three revitalization axes: development of local services, enhancement of living environments, or maximizing economic potential.
Step 2: Initial Consultation
Schedule a meeting with the agent of revitalization or an economic development agent of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est to validate project eligibility.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Complete the project application form.
Prepare a business or project plan.
Compile financial projections and past financial statements if applicable.
Gather supporting documents such as feasibility studies and market assessments, if necessary.
Authorize a council resolution permitting the project application and signatory authorizations.
Organize the required bids for investments if needed.
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the completed application and all necessary documents to the MRC de Charlevoix-Est for processing.
Email or deliver physical copies to the address provided or via the contact information.
Step 5: Application Review
The MRC internal committee will review the application once all required documents are submitted.
Step 6: Final Evaluation
The revitalization committee will evaluate the projects and submit recommendations to the council of mayors.
Step 7: Notification
Receive notification on the decision from the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

An agreement specifying the grant terms will be established between the recipient and the MRC of Charlevoix-Est.
The issuance of funds will be phased, with a subsequent financial installment tied to the acceptance of project progress reports by the MRC.
The final payment is contingent on the completion of the project's final report and any associated documentation as outlined in the agreement.
The implementation period for projects must align with the timeline specified in the contractual agreement, with possible review of commitments if delays occur.

grant_single_labels|contact

infofinancement@mrccharlevoixest.ca

4184393947

Apply to this program

Fostering Economic Growth and Community Revitalization in Charlevoix-Est

This grant aims to address economic devitalization in the Charlevoix-Est region by supporting projects that improve quality of life, demographic dynamics, and the labor market. By providing targeted financial assistance, it strives to engage community stakeholders in achieving healthy and positive economic vitality.

In-Depth Look at the Fonds de Vitalisation and Its Strategic Objectives

The Fonds de Vitalisation for the MRC de Charlevoix-Est represents a collaborative effort between regional and municipal governments in Québec to counteract economic devitalization through strategic investments. With a funding pool of $5.4M over five years, sourced from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation and the MRC itself, this initiative is crafted to catalyze sustainable growth and development. The grant specifically focuses on three pivotal axes: enhancing local services, fostering an attractive living environment, and optimizing regional economic potential.

The first axis of this strategic framework aims to expand and augment proximity services. This effort includes projects that bolster economic sectors identified as key through Charlevoix-Est's strategic planning, create direct economic benefits for the community, or explore emerging sectors with significant growth potential. Projects under this axis are expected to not only stimulate local economies but also align with the broader economic strategies of the region.

The second axis focuses on improving the living environment to attract and retain residents. Projects are encouraged to create environments that appeal to young people, families, and workers, thereby promoting the region as a desirable place to live and work. Projects that offer substantial contributions to the dynamism of the community life or aim to reverse youth outmigration by branding Charlevoix-Est as an attractive land for long-term settlement are particularly prioritized.

The third and final axis emphasizes maximizing the region's economic potential. Prioritized projects include those driving innovation, enhancing productivity, diversifying economic activities, and tackling labor shortages. Efforts to fully utilize local assets—from facilities and equipment to the transformation of local resources—are key to this axis, aiming at strengthening the regional economy and generating employment opportunities.

Eligible projects are evaluated on their alignment with these axes of vitalization, the quality and innovative nature of the project proposal, their socio-economic impact, and the robustness of their financial plans. The grant funding, based on non-repayable financial assistance, covers various expenses including professional services, startup costs, and essential equipment purchases. However, some expenses, such as operational deficits or projects already funded by the government, are excluded from eligibility.

The grant application process necessitates thorough planning and documentation, including market studies, business plans, financial forecasts, and any supportive letters or resolutions from involved bodies. To ensure adherence to these criteria and maximize the impact, potential applicants must consult with a dedicated economic development officer within the MRC to confirm project eligibility and strategic fit.

Through this grant, the MRC de Charlevoix-Est seeks to build a resilient economic landscape that not only addresses current deficits but also positions the region for future prosperity. By facilitating projects that resonate with local strategic priorities and exhibit clear potential for economic and social return, the grant plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and sustainable community environment.