MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS)

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS) program?

To be eligible for the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS) program, you must: • The applicant must be an enterprise within the social economy sector. • The project must aim to create sustainable employment within the MRC Charlevoix territory. • The enterprise must require financial support to stimulate the emergence of feasible projects.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS)?

You can contact MRC Charlevoix by email at mrc@mrccharlevoix.ca or by phone at 418-435-2639.

Q: Are startups eligible for the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS) program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Funding support for viable social economy enterprises projects

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $15,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

MRC Charlevoix

Program status

Open

Overview

The MRC Charlevoix Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS) aims to stimulate viable project development within social economy businesses and support the creation of sustainable employment by providing financial assistance covering up to 80% of project costs to a maximum of $15,000. Eligible activities include new project development and job creation, with the financial assistance comprising two-thirds as a non-repayable grant and one-third as an interest-free loan over five years.

Financing terms and conditions

The MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund offers financing modalities designed to support social economy businesses effectively. The fund ensures a mix of grants and loans to enhance financial viability.

A maximum financial aid of $15,000 is available, covering up to 80% of the total eligible project expenses.
The financial aid consists of two-thirds as a grant and one-third as an interest-free loan, repayable over five years.
For equipment previously funded by the FDEÉS, a maximum of $5,000 or 40% of total eligible project costs is available.
Repayments for loans begin monthly, on the 1st of each month, with early repayment options available after the first year without penalties, provided conditions are met.
Aid agreements require a protocol outlining disbursement conditions and obligations between MRC Charlevoix and recipients.

Activities funded

The eligible projects for this grant emphasize a social purpose and fulfilling community-determined needs, aligning with the support policy for collective enterprises in the Charlevoix region.

Projects that serve a defined social goal and meet identified community needs.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 15,000

Develop a mobile app for local farmers' market

$ 15,000

Upgrade kitchen facilities for a community kitchen project

$ 14,400

Establish a clothing swap initiative for the community

$ 15,000

Create a digital storytelling workshop for seniors

$ 15,200

Implement a recycling program for local schools

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the organizational structure and mission of the applicant.

Any non-profit organization that is incorporated is eligible.
Cooperatives with a primary mission to provide services in the social economy sector are eligible.

Who is eligible?

Eligible organizations for the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund include any incorporated non-profit organizations and cooperatives whose primary mission is to provide services in the social economy sector.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries from eligibility. These exclusions ensure that funding is directed toward activities that foster social and economic development within the community.

Projects creating competition or duplication with existing organizations in the area.
Projects aimed at propagating a doctrine associated with a sect.
Organizations whose activities are interrupted due to a labor dispute (strike or lockout).
Political parties or associations.

Eligible expenses

The FDEÉS supports capital expenditures and certain operational needs critical to the project's successful establishment.

Capital expenses such as land purchase, building, leasehold improvements, equipment, machinery, rolling stock, incorporation fees, and similar expenditures, excluding goodwill expenses.
Acquisition of technologies, software, software packages, patents, and similar expenses, excluding R&D activities.
Working capital requirements strictly related to the first year of business operations.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is managed by the MRC of Charlevoix, indicating that eligible geographical areas are likely within this regional county municipality. However, the specific locations eligible for companies are not detailed in the provided information.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the MRC Charlevoix Social Economy Business Development Fund are based on specific criteria designed to assess various aspects of the projects, with allocated point scores to guide decision-making.

Characteristics of the jobs (20 points): stability and permanence of jobs created or maintained, quality of remuneration, respect for equity, and training plan.
Potential for community and regional development (30 points): social and economic impacts, project impact on other sectors and the community, and alignment with regional economic and social development priorities.
Perspectives of financial autonomy (30 points): project sustainability, market relevance, realistic financial forecasting, and ability to generate autonomous revenue.
Partnership (10 points): project endorsement and validation by the community, number, and nature of partner engagements.
Guarantee of realization (10 points): credibility and expertise of the promoting group, quality of work organization, management capacity, and ability to execute the project without FDEÉS support.

How to apply

Consultation of available resources

Access the "Entrepreneurs" section under "Tools and Guides" on the Charlevoix MRC website.
Obtain the "Template for a Business Plan in Social Economy" form.
Learn about the required documents and program guidelines.

Preparation of the request

Complete the "Template for a Business Plan in Social Economy" form in its entirety without modification.
Provide projected financial statements for three (3) years.
Add any relevant studies that could support the application.

Submission of the request

Send the complete file by mail to the following address: Local Development Service (SDLE) of the Charlevoix RCM, 6 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street, Suite 102, Baie-Saint-Paul (Québec) G3Z 1L7.
Also submit the file by email to the following address: mrc@mrccharlevoix.ca.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Funding cannot be used to replace existing programs; it should be complementary.
Financial support does not cover debt service or project maintenance costs.
Funds from FDEÉS cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses, in combination with provincial and federal aid.
Applicants must distinguish clearly between newly created jobs and those maintained.
Applicants must report the average hourly wage paid to employees.
All authorized projects require an agreement protocol between MRC Charlevoix and the beneficiary.
Early loan repayment is possible without penalty, under certain conditions.

Contacts

mrc@mrccharlevoix.ca

418-435-2639

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.