DEPART Program
QC, Canada
Diversify and strengthen the economic activities of SMEs to improve the economic vitality index of targeted MRCs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 12, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Investissement Québec (IQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Economic Development Program for Territorial Revitalization (DÉPART) aims to help SMEs diversify and strengthen their economic activities to improve the economic vitality index of their region compared to others. The program, managed by Investissement Québec on behalf of the Quebec government, focuses on facilitating access to financing, promoting local entrepreneurship, and supporting sustainable development. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, investment projects, innovation development, and post-takeover investments in specific sectors identified by the program.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program is directed at companies situated in territories identified as having lower economic vitality or specific regional development priorities within Quebec. The geographical areas eligible for this grant are strategically chosen to invigorate local economic growth.
- MRCs ranked in the last quintile of economic vitality according to the Quebec Institute of Statistics.
- MRCs in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, including the Marine Community of Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
- MRC des Appalaches.
- MRC du Granit, including the town of Lac-Mégantic.
- Indigenous communities located within the eligible MRC territories as recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$120,000
Expansion of a local organic food market
$150,000
Modernization of a textile manufacturing facility
$150,000
Post-takeover investment in a renewable energy startup
$150,000
Development and demonstration of a new AI-based medical diagnostic tool
$100,000
Innovation development for new modular housing solutions
$80,000
A feasibility study for a new eco-friendly manufacturing plant
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant focus on the type of businesses, their location, and their operational status.
- The applicant must be a for-profit business with 250 employees or less, legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada.
- The business must have an active establishment in Quebec.
- Eligible businesses include for-profit enterprises and collective enterprises (cooperatives and non-profit organizations) with a majority commercial activity as defined by the Social Economy Act.
- The business must be registered in Quebec and actively conduct business there.
- Other specific conditions may apply.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Program DÉPART include profitable small and medium enterprises (PMEs) with 250 employees or less, legally constituted under the laws of the Quebec or Canada government, having an active establishment in Quebec. This also includes collective enterprises such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations (OBNL) as defined by the Quebec Social Economy Act (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1) that engage in predominantly commercial activities.Additionally, the eligible sectors for projects include those involved in secondary or tertiary transformation in the primary sector, manufacturing, high-value-added tertiary motors (information and communication technologies, environmental services, creation, and industrial design services), and the tourism sector for projects aiming to establish cultural, scientific, recreational, or outdoor equipment.Enterprises must be registered in Quebec, have a business establishment there, and actively conduct business activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their sector or specific activities. The restrictions ensure that only projects contributing to sustainable economic growth are financed.
- Companies engaged in arts, spectacles, and leisure activities.
- Businesses involved in construction, unless linked to productivity enhancement projects.
- Enterprises in retail and wholesale trade sectors.
- Companies in transportation and warehousing services.
- Professional and financial services (finance and insurance).
- Organizations specializing in repair, maintenance, personal, and laundry services.
- Management companies and enterprise administration services.
- Catering and restaurant services.
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting businesses, except second or third processing projects.
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction companies.
- Telecommunication and broadcasting services.
- Administrative and support services.
- Real estate, rental, and leasing services.
- Public services, including health, social assistance, and education.
- Education and training services.
- Public administration organizations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant focuses on supporting projects that enhance economic diversification and strengthen entrepreneurial activities in targeted MRC territories in Quebec. Eligible projects range from feasibility studies to innovative product and process development.
- Feasibility studies for project implementation, modernization, or expansion.
- Investment projects including equipment and infrastructure for new business creation or expansion.
- Technological transition projects.
- Projects implementing targeted business practices for productivity improvements, such as supply chain optimization.
- Investment projects in the tourism sector for constructing new tourist accommodations or developing tourist infrastructures with growth potential.
- Investment projects post-repreneurship for supporting new business owners who have acquired a significant stake in a company.
- Development or demonstration of innovative products or processes to expand market reach or international presence.
- Innovative projects in the cannabis and industrial hemp industries, subject to regulatory approvals.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Professional fees for external consultants in alignment with government norms.
- Travel and accommodation expenses related to project implementation, aligned with government norms.
- Hiring of qualified professionals in fields crucial for project deployment where internal expertise is lacking.
- Acquisition, construction, renovation, or expansion of buildings.
- Purchase and installation of necessary equipment or software.
- Acquisition of new technology.
- R&D expenses for product or process development.
- Expenses related to obtaining approvals, compliance, or certification.
- Real-world demonstration costs to aid in product or process commercialization.
- Costs for acquiring necessary studies, data, or documentation.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are focused on how well projects align with the program’s objectives of promoting economic revitalization and supporting local entrepreneurship.
- Contribute to the attainment of the Program's objectives.
- Align with the economic priorities of the targeted MRC (specified with a notice provided by the MRC to Investissement Québec).
- Enable the emergence, growth, and expansion of local entrepreneurship.
- Quality of project governance assessed through the expertise and competence of business leaders and key employees.
- Business's capacity to execute the project, including financial, human, and technical resources.
- Project quality, aligning with the business model and assessed through business plan quality, financial structure, timeline, and projections realism.
- Financial support from partners and their level of involvement in the project’s financial setup.
- Support and lack of opposition from the local and regional community.
- Obtaining necessary governmental permits for project execution.
- Potential impacts on profitability, productivity, and company competitiveness, as well as effects on the 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
- The main objective of the DÉPART Program is to improve the economic vitality index of the targeted MRCs by promoting the diversification and strengthening of the economic activities of SMEs.
- The program ends on March 31, 2026 and is administered by Investissement Québec. For any questions related to this program, you can contact an expert at 1 844 474-6367.
grant_single_labels|contact
aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com
1 844 474-6367
Apply to this program
Enhancing Economic Vitality Through Strategic Grants
The Programme développement économique pour l'aide à la redynamisation des territoires (DÉPART) aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises in designated regions by providing financial support to diversify and enhance their economic activities. This initiative is designed to uplift the economic vitality of underperforming regional county municipalities (MRCs) across Quebec.
In-Depth Overview of the DÉPART Programme and Its Strategic Objectives
The DÉPART grant program stands as a vital instrument in fostering economic rejuvenation and sustainable development within the targeted MRCs of Quebec. With its overarching aim to bolster local entrepreneurship by availing financial resources, this program is set to conclude by March 31, 2026, and is adeptly managed by Investissement Québec on behalf of the Quebec government. Through this initiative, the provincial authority seeks to elevate the economic index of these areas, steering them towards a trajectory of robust growth and resilience.
The program primarily focuses on easing access to financial support for SMEs, which often face barriers in capital acquisition, particularly in economically challenged regions. By reducing these financial constraints, the DÉPART program encourages the emergence of new businesses, the expansion of existing ones, and the overall strengthening of entrepreneurial activities that align with the socio-economic fabric of the MRCs concerned. Such interventions are critical in not only spurring local economic activities but also in sustaining long-term socio-economic development.
Applicants to this program need to demonstrate the alignment of their projects with the core objectives of the grant, which include the improvement of regional economic indices and the integration of sustainable development practices. Emphasis is placed on projects that reflect the economic priorities of the targeted MRCs and are confirmed by these municipalities through a formal endorsement to Investissement Québec. Hence, the quality of governance, the management expertise of the project leaders, and the operational capacity to materialize the proposed initiatives are meticulously evaluated to ensure that the most promising projects receive support.
The DÉPART program stands out by focusing on a wide array of eligible sectors, including secondary and tertiary sectors with high-value projects, and excludes industries such as traditional retail or public administration, thereby ensuring that the aid is directed towards sectors with high growth potential. For example, the manufacturing sector, second and third transformation activities in the primary sector, and high-value tertiary sectors such as ICT and environmental services receive priority under this program.
One of the significant aspects of this program is its structured approach to funding innovations, specifically targeting technologies and processes that promise significant improvements in productivity and market competitiveness. This includes fostering technological transitions, developing innovative products or processes for market expansion, and creating infrastructure for new or expanding SMEs. Moreover, it encourages projects with potential export opportunities, thereby optimizing the global reach of the Quebec economy.
The procedural aspect of applying for this grant requires applicants to submit a detailed business plan, ensuring that projects are not only feasible but also yield substantial economic and social impacts. Such documents must articulate the project's context, objectives, financial structure, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Moreover, successful applicants are expected to have their funding actively supported by financial partners, reflecting a shared commitment to the project's success.
In sum, the DÉPART program is pivotal in transforming the economic landscape of Quebec's underperforming regions. By focusing on strategic funding priorities and leveraging local entrepreneurial talent, the program fosters a conducive environment for economic growth, competitive business practices, and sustainable regional development. It represents a strategic investment in the province's future, setting a foundation for a diversified and resilient economic ecosystem.
