How much funding can be received?

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|register

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

Apply to this program

Driving Social Economy in Charlevoix

The MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund offers crucial financial support to non-profit organizations and cooperatives focused on social economy initiatives. This fund champions projects that not only generate economic value but also deliver social benefits aligned with community needs and democratic values.

In-depth Insights into the MRC Charlevoix Social Economy Business Development Fund

The MRC Charlevoix — Social Economy Business Development Fund (FDEÉS) is a pivotal resource for social economy entities within the region, designed to bolster the local communities by assisting projects looking to create sustainable economic and social impact. The purpose of this fund is to empower organizations that aim to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of communities by providing them with financial means to implement change and foster growth.FDEÉS is open to non-profit organizations and cooperatives that are legally incorporated and operate primarily in the social economy sector, offering them a significant opportunity to access funding necessary for pursuing their objectives. This grant supports projects with a clear social objective that meet community needs and are consistent with the MRC of Charlevoix's collective business policy directions.Eligible expenses under this funding program focus on capital expenditures, such as purchasing land, building improvements, equipment, machinery, and technology acquisitions, excluding research and development activities. The fund also supports working capital needs for the first year of operations. Financial aid is disbursed in the form of both non-repayable grants and interest-free loans, offering up to $15,000 or covering 80% of eligible project costs.The grant also provides specific support to organizations looking to replace previously funded equipment, with a financial limit set at $5,000 or 40% of eligible project expenses. The funding structure is designed such that two-thirds is allocated as a grant, while the remaining one-third is offered as an interest-free loan from the Local Investment Fund.Projects submitted for consideration must adhere to principles prioritizing social welfare, autonomy in management, democratic operations, and putting people before profits. The selection criteria comprise evaluating job characteristics created or sustained, the project's potential for community development, prospects for financial autonomy, existing partnerships, and guarantees for execution. A clear distinction must be made between newly created and maintained jobs, and transparency regarding remuneration is required.The FDEÉS places a strong emphasis on collaboration within the community and demands a demonstration of diverse funding sources, underscoring the project's sustainability. It ensures that projects do not compete adversely with existing entities in the area, avoiding negative social or economic duplication.By facilitating such socio-economically viable projects, the MRC Charlevoix aims to foster a more self-reliant community, embracing the ethos of social responsibility while supporting economic excellence. Organizations tapping into this fund are encouraged to innovate and establish a strong foundation for lasting positive impact in their communities.