MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS)
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
QC, Canada
Funding support for viable social economy enterprises projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- MRC Charlevoix
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
$ 15,000
Develop a mobile app for local farmers' market
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|apply
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
- Download or request the "Modèle d’un plan d’affaires en économie sociale" from the MRC de Charlevoix website under the Entrepreneurs section "Outils et guides" or get it from the SDLE offices.
- Step 2: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the application form completely without modifications.
- Include financial projections for three years and any relevant studies that support your project.
- Step 3: Prepare the Application Package
- Assemble a comprehensive application package including the completed form and supporting documents.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Send the complete application package both by postal mail and via email.
- Mail to: Service de développement local (SDLE) de la MRC de Charlevoix, 6, rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, local 102, Baie-Saint-Paul (Québec), G3Z 1L7.
- Email to mrc@mrccharlevoix.ca.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Contact the SDLE if you do not receive any confirmation or acknowledgment of your submission.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
mrc@mrccharlevoix.ca
418-435-2639