How much funding can be received?

The "Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale" program offers non-repayable contributions up to a maximum of $50,000 per project to support the launch of innovative businesses that contribute to the economic growth of the Québec metropolitan area and Wendake. The program aims to assist private and social economy enterprises with responsible business models in developing novel entrepreneurial projects. Eligible activities include professional fees, startup and implementation costs, human resources salaries, and marketing and promotion activities.

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The grant supports the launch of innovative businesses that contribute to the economic growth of Quebec's agglomeration and Wendake. Eligible projects include those that are innovative and responsible business models, advancing sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and clean tech.

An information technology company enhancing its application for international competitive advantage.
A manufacturing company beginning production of its innovative product.
A food processing cooperative deploying new technology to increase productivity.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The company eligibility criteria for the Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale grant include the following:

Eligible companies must be from twelve months before the first significant sale until thirty-six months after, or structured business succession projects within twelve months after acquiring at least 25% of voting shares.
Private incorporated companies are eligible.
Social economy enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) conducting primarily commercial activities are eligible.
Individually-owned businesses and partnerships predominantly owned by Indigenous people and located in Wendake are eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies eligible for this grant. Eligible companies include private incorporated businesses and social economy enterprises conducting mainly commercial activities within certain criteria.

Private incorporated enterprises within specific eligibility timeframes relative to first significant sales.
Social economy enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) engaged predominantly in commercial activities.
Individually owned businesses and partnerships primarily owned by Indigenous persons located within Wendake.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant program outlined excludes certain types of companies from eligibility to receive funding. These restrictions are focused on specific organizational structures and financial conditions that do not align with the program's criteria.

Social economy enterprises (OBNL and coop) without proof of sound democratic governance.
Applicants not released from a bankruptcy judgment.
Applicants with outstanding amounts owed to the City of Québec.
Companies listed in the Register of ineligible businesses for public contracts.
Applicants who failed to meet previous financial aid obligations with the City of Québec.
Projects with a discriminatory nature or that present a risk of negative publicity for the City of Québec.
Event-focused projects of a punctual nature.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant program allows for various expenses related to the startup and launch of innovative projects, including professional fees, salaries, equipment purchases, and marketing activities.

Professional fees, consultancy services, and studies
Pre-startup and startup costs necessary for project implementation
Salaries for human resources dedicated to the project
Purchases or leases of goods, equipment, and assets linked to the project
Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities and costs
Improvements, refurbishments, expansions, renovations, or construction of a building
General and administrative expenses necessary for the project's realization

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are within the agglomeration of Québec, which includes the cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L'Ancienne-Lorette, as well as Wendake. The headquarters of the eligible companies must also be located in these areas.

Québec
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures
L'Ancienne-Lorette
Wendake

grant_single_labels|criteria

The “Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale” grant program evaluates submitted projects on criteria related to financial viability, innovation, and economic, social and environmental impact. The program also strives to ensure that projects are distinctive and offer positive spinoffs for the Greater Quebec City area.

Quality and soundness of the responsible business model

Financial capacity of the applicant to complete the project and achieve its objectives

Viability and coherence of the project submitted (relevance of the project, realism of the financial package and partners involved)

Organizational capacity

Distinctive and innovative nature of the project

Economic, social and environmental benefits for the Greater Quebec City area

Demonstration of need for financial assistance, including remuneration levels of key executives

Structuring effect

Support structure

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm your enterprise meets the eligibility criteria, such as being an incorporated private enterprise or an admissible social economy enterprise in Wendake or the agglomeration of Québec.
Check that your sector is designated as priority or strategic, like agroalimentaire, sciences de la vie, or secure urban planning.
Ensure your business activities fall within the timeframe of twelve months before to thirty-six months after the first significant sale.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather necessary documentation, such as financial statements, proof of governance, and any evidence of a responsible business model.
Ensure availability of supporting documents like a board resolution regarding salaries if applying for project-related salary costs.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Fill in the application form ensuring all necessary details are accurately captured, including financial forecasts and business plans.
Detail the financial need and how the grant will support achieving the project's goals, considering proposed funding availability as grant or loan.
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit a complete and compliant application package, ensuring all requisite documents and information are included.
Note deadlines and make sure applications are sent before the specified date.
Step 5: Await Evaluation
Application will be evaluated on criteria such as the sustainability of the business model, financial viability, and social, economic, and environmental impacts in Québec.
The decision will consider available funds and the demonstrated financial need.
Step 6: Follow-up and Compliance
After receiving communication on the outcome, ensure compliance with any additional requirements or requests for information from the granting body.
If approved, manage funding within the agreed terms and prepare for reporting or repayments if necessary under specific circumstances like moving business out of the territory.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This grant aims to support the development of innovative businesses within the agglomeration of Québec and Wendake. It offers a non-repayable contribution of up to $50,000 for eligible projects, focusing on sectors like agrofood, digital arts, and clean technologies.

The maximum funding allowed per company every two years from Québec City's economic development financing programs is $500,000.
Eligible entities include incorporated private companies and social economy enterprises with a majority of commercial activities.
A project's eligibility does not ensure financial aid; the allocation depends on fund availability and assessed financial need.
Applicants are advised to demonstrate the financial necessity for aid, including remunerations of key executives.

grant_single_labels|contact

defiquebec@ville.quebec.qc.ca

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Apply to this program

Summary of the Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale Grant

The Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale program supports innovative startups in the Québec agglomeration and Wendake with non-repayable contributions up to $50,000, fostering responsible business models and visionary projects. Priority is given to key sectors such as digital technologies, clean tech, and life sciences, aiming to enhance regional economic growth.

Detailed Explanation of the Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale Grant

The Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale grant is a strategic initiative aimed at catalyzing the economic expansion of the Québec agglomeration region and the community of Wendake by nurturing innovative startups and reinforcing the social fabric through responsible entrepreneurship. This financial aid vividly underscores the commitment of the Ville de Québec to transforming the local business landscape into a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive economy. **Objectives of the Grant** The primary objective of the Défi-Québec program is to stimulate the launch of novel enterprises and support existing ones that propose leading-edge entrepreneurial projects. By focusing on responsible business models, the grant endeavors to encourage initiatives that not only strive for economic profitability but also contribute positively to social and environmental spheres. **Eligibility Criteria** To be eligible for the grant, enterprises must be incorporated private companies or social economy entities such as non-profit organizations and cooperatives predominantly engaged in commercial activities. These firms should be within twelve months of their first significant sale or within thirty-six months post-sale, or have a structured succession project within twelve months of acquiring at least 25% of the voting shares. There are specific exclusions, such as social economy entities not demonstrating robust democratic governance, applicants with unresolved bankruptcy judgments, and those with outstanding dues with the City of Québec. Projects with discriminatory or controversial aspects are also excluded, ensuring the fund supports initiatives aligned with the community values and the positive image of the region. **Priority Sectors of Activity** The grant program highlights priority sectors to maximize the impact of funded projects. These include: 1. **Agrofood and Health Foods:** Initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and innovating within the agro-processing sector. 2. **Digital Arts and Interactive Entertainment Technologies:** Projects needing support to expand their competitive edge in international markets. 3. **Financial Technologies and Smart City Solutions:** Fostering the integration of advanced technological solutions to promote urban development and efficiency. 4. **Life Sciences and Biotechnology:** Supporting innovations in health technologies to advance industry capabilities and societal well-being. 5. **Clean Technologies:** Projects focused on sustainable solutions, including water, air, and soil treatment technologies, energy efficiency, renewable energies, green chemistry, and more. Additionally, strategic sectors include manufacturing, urban security, arts, culture, and tourism, further diversifying the potential areas for impactful growth. **Territorial Scope** The grant specifically targets enterprises located within the Québec agglomeration, including the cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L’Ancienne-Lorette, as well as Wendake. This geographic focus allows for concentrated developmental efforts that align with the regional economic strategies and objectives. **Financial Support Details** Contributions are non-repayable, with a maximum of $50,000 available per project. For private enterprises in priority and strategic sectors, the fund can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, those being pivotal to bringing the business project from concept to implementation. For social economy enterprises, the program is even more supportive, covering up to 80% of the eligible expenses. However, the total active financing an enterprise can receive in any two-year period from all Québec City economic development programs is capped at $500,000, ensuring equitable distribution of the financial resources. **Eligibility of Expenses** A variety of expenses are deemed eligible for funding under this program. These range from professional fees, consultancy, and studies, to pre-startup costs, equipment purchase or rental, marketing, promotions, and even construction works. Conversely, expenses such as regular operational costs, charitable activities, existing debt payments, and those incurred before a complete application submission are ineligible. **Evaluation Criteria** When assessing applications, the program emphasizes several critical factors to ensure the best use of resources. These include: - **Business Model Quality:** Evaluating how responsible and sustainable the business model is. - **Financial Capacity:** Assessing the applicant's financial ability to fully realize the project. - **Project Viability and Coherence:** Ensuring the proposal is relevant, financially realistic, and involves credible partners. - **Organizational Capability:** Determining the management and operational readiness to execute the project. - **Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact:** Estimating the broader effects of the project within the Québec agglomeration. - **Need for Financial Aid:** Justifying the necessity for financial support, including the remuneration levels of key executives. - **Structural and Equity Factors:** Considering how the project contributes to a fair and inclusive business environment. **Conclusion** The Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale grant is more than just financial aid; it is a catalyst for innovative transformation within the Québec region. By supporting projects that blend entrepreneurial drive with social responsibility, this program not only strengthens local businesses but also paves the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. The meticulous selection process ensures support is granted to those who best exemplify innovation, responsibility, and potential, thereby fostering a diverse and inclusive economic landscape in Québec City and Wendake.

Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city

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