DEPS — Assistance and support program for local businesses

• Completed and signed application form
• Board resolution authorizing the signatory, if needed
• Proof of incurred amounts, such as invoices, leases, loan statements, and tax bills
• Start date of the commitment or supplier contract
• End date of the commitment or contract, if shorter than 12 months

Who is eligible?

• Restaurants and food services
• Pharmacies, shops, and retail businesses
• Personal services businesses
• Bars and leisure establishments

Eligible expenses

• Rent and commercial lease payments
• Mortgage or commercial investment loan payments tied to the premises
• Utilities, including electricity, gas, and heating
• Municipal and school taxes, insurance, and fixed-line internet or telephone

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Salaries
• Cell phone service
• Inventory and perishable goods
• General maintenance and cleaning
• Professional fees, new capital expenses, promotion, and other general operating or overhead costs
• Costs already covered by non-repayable public or private assistance

Eligible geographic areas

• Downtown Sorel-Tracy
• Businesses directly facing the Prince and Augusta street work zone

• Applications are reviewed by a DÉPS business advisory officer.
• The officer checks eligible expenses and follows up on the file.
• A compliance opinion is submitted to the City for each application.
• Approved files are subject to a loan agreement and repayment conditions.

• The program is managed by Développement économique Pierre-De Saurel (DÉPS).
• The support is a repayable financial assistance program with possible partial forgiveness under certain conditions.
• Applications are reviewed by a DÉPS business advisory officer, who issues a compliance recommendation to the City.
• A quarterly follow-up report is prepared for the City.