How much funding can be received?

The DÉPART program is designed to support SMEs in economic revitalization by facilitating access to funding up to the allocated budget limit and focusing on activities such as feasibility studies, investment projects, and innovation. Eligible activities include projects like technological transitions, business expansion, and development of innovative products or processes.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides a non-refundable financial support to eligible projects, ensuring that enterprises receive funding tailored for their growth and innovation needs.

The financial assistance is in the form of a non-repayable contribution.

grant_single_labels|projects

The DEPART grant supports projects that enhance economic diversity and vitality in targeted regions. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, investments in technology and equipment, and the demonstration of innovative products and processes.

Feasibility studies for analyzing parameters of business implantation, modernization, or expansion projects.
Investment projects involving the creation of new businesses and expansion of existing enterprises, including modernization and technological transition.
Implementation of business practices that lead to significant productivity gains, such as supply chain optimization and integrated management systems.
Development or demonstration of new products or processes to increase productivity and market share, including opportunities for international export and expansion.
Investment in the tourism sector, focusing on creating cultural, scientific, recreational, and outdoor attractions.
Projects aimed at supporting new business owners taking over existing enterprises.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 75,000

Transitioning to green energy through solar panel installation

$ 20,000

Developing a mobile app for local tourism enhancement

$ 15,000

Feasibility study for expansion of organic farm operations

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and geographic location in Quebec.

The applicant must be a for-profit enterprise with 250 employees or less, legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada.
The applicant must have an active establishment in Quebec.
The applicant can also be a collective enterprise such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations (NPOs) with predominantly commercial activities as defined in the Social Economy Act (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1).
Enterprises must be registered in Quebec and actively conduct their business there.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The grant is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with 250 employees or less, legally incorporated in accordance with the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada, having an active establishment in Quebec. It includes both for-profit enterprises and collective enterprises such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations (NPOs) with a predominantly commercial activity under the Social Economy Act.

Enterprises must be registered in Quebec, have an establishment, and actively conduct business there.
Applicable sectors include primary sector projects involving secondary or tertiary processing, manufacturing, knowledge-intensive services, tourism-related businesses offering cultural and recreational attractions, and certain hospitality businesses (excluding certain types of accommodation).
Non-eligible sectors include arts and entertainment, construction, retail and wholesale trade, transportation, professional and financial services, personal services, and various other sectors.
Eligible territories include the last quintile of regions by economic vitality index and specific administrative regions with past economic assistance programs like those in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, MRC des Appalaches, and MRC du Granit.
Indigenous communities within eligible territories recognized by the Quebec National Assembly are also included.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure alignment with the program’s economic revitalization goals and regional priorities.

Companies in arts, spectacles, and leisure.
Businesses in construction, except those linked to productivity enhancement initiatives.
Retail and wholesale trade companies.
Transportation and warehousing sectors.
Professional and financial services, including finance and insurance.
Repair, maintenance, personal services, and laundry services.
Management of companies and enterprises.
Food and accommodation services.
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, except secondary or tertiary processing projects.
Mining, quarrying, oil, and gas extraction.
Telecommunications and broadcasting services.
Administrative and support services.
Real estate and rental services.
Public services, including health care, social assistance, and education.
Educational and training services.
Public administration.
Tourism projects related to renovating or regular maintenance work.
Tourist accommodation projects with less than four units unless part of a broader tourism offer.
Projects for financial recovery or consolidation of struggling firms.
Projects solely relocating businesses without new investments or activities.
Municipal infrastructure projects.
Recurring events like festivals or conferences.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to feasibility studies, investments, and innovative project deployments.

Professional fees for external consulting firms in compliance with Quebec government management policies.
Travel and stay expenses related to project implementation, in accordance with Quebec government management policies.
Hiring of qualified professionals in areas such as administration, marketing, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, IT, biofood, marine sciences, wind energy, or other pertinent fields essential for project deployment.
Acquisition, construction, arrangement, or expansion of buildings.
Acquisition and installation of necessary equipment or software for project realization.
Acquisition of new technology.
Expenses related to research and development activities for products or processes.
Expenses related to obtaining approvals, compliance, or certifications.
Costs for real-world deployment to demonstrate product or process capabilities to potential clients to aid commercialisation.
Purchase of necessary studies, data, or documentation for project realization.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This program focuses on aiding specific geographical areas to boost economic vitality and sustainable development. The eligible regions are selected based on economic vitality indexes and community inclusion criteria.

MRCs in the last quintile according to the economic vitality index by the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ).
MRCs in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, including the community maritime of Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
The MRC des Appalaches.
The MRC du Granit, including the city of Lac-Mégantic.
Indigenous communities within eligible MRCs, belonging to recognized Nations by Quebec's Assemblée nationale.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the DÉPART grant program are based on specific criteria to ensure they align with the program’s objectives and priorities.

Pertinence of the project, which includes contributing to the program's objectives, alignment with the economic priorities of the targeted MRC, and fostering local entrepreneurship.
Quality of governance, emphasizing the expertise and competence of the company's leaders and key employees, and the company’s capacity to execute the project with the necessary financial, human, and technical resources.
Project quality, which involves coherence with the company’s business model, quality of the business plan, realism in the financial structure, timeline, financial projections, and support and involvement of financial partners.
Community support, considering local and regional support, absence of opposition, and obtaining necessary governmental authorizations for project execution.
Potential benefits of the project on the company’s profitability, productivity, competitiveness, the industry sector, local and regional economy, and job quality.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Application Guide
Read the Guide of Application Presentations thoroughly to understand requirements and guidelines.
Step 2: Prepare Business Plan
Draft a comprehensive business plan that includes the project description and financial assembly.
Outline context, objectives, impacts, and risks of the project.
Ensure the plan demonstrates how the project meets the criteria of the program.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Fill in and sign the "DÉPART – Demande d’aide financière" form.
Step 4: Check Required Documents
Ensure all required documents are completed and included, as listed in the Guide and checklist.
Step 5: Submit Application
Send the electronic application along with all necessary documents to aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program DÉPART will be suspended from accepting new applications effective November 12, 2024.
All projects submitted must be completed by December 31, 2025.
Incomplete or non-compliant applications will be automatically rejected.
The Ministry of the Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE) in collaboration with Investissement Québec reserves the right to suspend the analysis of applications at any time.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-844-474-6367

Apply to this program

Program for Economic Development and Territorial Revitalization (DÉPART)

The DÉPART program aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the financial resources needed to foster economic diversification and strengthen local communities. Administered by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE), this initiative is fundamental in enhancing the economic vitality index across various regional county municipalities (MRCs) in Quebec.

Detailed Overview of the DÉPART Program and Its Strategic Importance

The DÉPART program is a targeted initiative designed to boost the economic vitality of Quebec’s regional county municipalities (MRCs) that are less economically robust. With a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the program encourages projects that spur local entrepreneurship, foster business expansion, and introduce diversification into the regional economies. Funding through DÉPART is critical for these businesses, as it allows them to access necessary capital for projects that can elevate their competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

Key to the success of DÉPART is its alignment with sustainable development principles. The program not only aims to energize underperforming regions but does so by placing a strong emphasis on sustainable growth that respects environmental, social, and economic considerations. By providing non-repayable financial contributions, the program encourages SMEs to invest in projects such as technological transitions, modernization, or expansion without the immediate financial burden of repayment.

To qualify for funding under the DÉPART program, businesses must demonstrate how their projects contribute directly to improving the MRC’s economic vitality. This involves illustrating the project's relevance in alignment with regional economic priorities and verifying its capacity to foster local entrepreneurial growth. Projects are expected to be well-governed, with competent leadership and sufficient resources to ensure successful implementation and potential success. This includes a sound business plan, realistic financial projections, and an innovative approach clearly demonstrating the potential for significant, long-lasting impacts on both the business and the local economy.

DÉPART’s strategic delivery of funds is critically tied to the enhancement of competitiveness and productivity. By catalyzing investments in new technologies and efficient business practices, the program supports enterprises in achieving greater efficiency, new market opportunities, and improved economic contributions at the local and regional levels. Moreover, the program is instrumental in ensuring that supported businesses contribute to the creation of quality jobs, which further underpins economic resilience in these regions.

Furthermore, the scope of the program is inclusive, extending beyond typical commercial enterprises to incorporate community and cooperative businesses, recognizing the significant role they play in socio-economic development. This inclusive approach ensures diverse economic opportunities and is pivotal for nurturing a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem within the targeted areas.

Despite its broad applicability, DÉPART has clear limits; it excludes certain industries and types of projects to focus resources effectively on areas with the highest potential for transformation and growth. These exclusions ensure funds are strategically allocated to initiatives that promise substantive returns in terms of economic revitalization, strategic alignment with policy objectives, and community benefit.

This program is integral to Quebec’s broader economic strategy, aiming to lift communities by enabling businesses to thrive, adapt, and contribute robustly to the local economy. Through its targeted support, DÉPART not only meets immediate financial needs but also encourages a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship that can sustain economic vitality for future generations. Businesses interested in applying are advised to ensure their project meets the stringent criteria set out by MEIE and to prepare comprehensive documentation as per the program guidelines, given the competitive nature of funding availability. Despite its scheduled pause from November 2024, the program's legacy and potential impact mark a significant step towards systemic economic renewal and resilience in Quebec's MRCs.