Consulting Advisory Services

This grant provides substantial support for small businesses and non-profits needing professional consulting services. It ensures that the costs associated with hiring a consultant are affordable and geared towards enhancing growth and competitiveness.

• Coverage of up to 75% of professional consulting fees and costs.
• Maximum financial assistance of $5000 available per application.

Eligibility for the Consultant Advisory Services grant is determined based on specific criteria related to the applicant's business type and location.

• The applicant must be a small business or non-profit organization.
• The business or organization must be located in St. John's or Mount Pearl.

Who is eligible?

Eligible expenses

The eligible activities for the Consultant Advisory Services grant include diagnostic assessments and skill development evaluations addressing specific business needs. These activities are designed to help businesses and not-for-profits in St. John's and Mount Pearl overcome operational challenges and explore new opportunities.

• Diagnostic Assessment: Analysis of specific areas within the client's operation, with recommendations for growth.
• Business Management Skills Development: Evaluation of management practices to enhance performance.
• Trade Assessment: Analysis of marketing and distribution strategies with a focus on expanding trade.
• Competitiveness Assessment: Improvement of business competitiveness through skills training and innovation.
• Access to Capital: Recommendations for accessing financial resources and addressing capital challenges.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to small businesses and non-profit organizations located in specific geographical areas. The focus is on regions where businesses can benefit significantly from enhanced consulting capabilities.

• Small businesses and non-profit organizations in St. John's.
• Small businesses and non-profit organizations in Mount Pearl.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation process involves a set of criteria that the consultant proposal must meet to be considered for approval.

• The client must initiate the request for Consultant Advisory Services.
• The consultant's proposal should be developed with direct input from the client.
• The scope of work must stay within the program's budget of $6667, with a maximum of $5000 (75%) covered.
• The proposal should focus on a specific challenge, deficiency, or opportunity for the client.
• The outcome should be an action plan for the client to follow.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Taxes such as HST are not reimbursable through the program.
• The consultant is allowed a quick turnaround time which facilitates addressing urgent business challenges.
• The application process benefits from an initial consultation with Metro Business Opportunities staff to clarify eligibility and application steps.
• Clients must ensure proposals are specifically aligned with their distinct business challenges or opportunities for the application to be considered valid.
• There is a quick turnaround time for the application processing, helping businesses and nonprofits address challenges swiftly.