Closed
Source verified June 9, 2026
ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1
Supports Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean businesses in market diversification strategies
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
September 15, 2025
Opened June 30, 2025
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Companies with their head office and main activities located in one of the MRCs of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
See full eligibility
Overview
The ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 supports Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean businesses in diversifying markets and developing export strategies, providing up to 75% of eligible expenses (maximum per company to be confirmed). Eligible activities include structured market development, personalized strategic support, and commercial missions to explore and grow in new markets.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Fjord-du-Saguenay
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Implementation of structured market diversification and expansion strategies.
- Participation in personalized strategic support programs for business growth and export readiness.
- Engagement in commercial missions and trade shows outside Quebec to explore and develop new markets.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Companies with their head office and main activities located in one of the MRCs of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Eligible expenses
- Training and professional support fees
- Transportation, accommodation, and registration costs for trade missions and trade shows
- Professional fees for strategic support (legal, customs, logistics, taxation, patents, etc.)
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies headquartered and primarily operating in one of the MRCs (Regional County Municipalities) of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
Selection criteria
- Alignment of the project with the objectives of the ÉCLO Regional Fund.
- Score obtained in the pre-diagnostic assessment (according to the established Fund criteria).
How to apply
- Step 1: Application Period
- Verify the dates of the call for projects and ensure your submission is within the open period (next call: June 30 to September 15, 2025).
- Step 2: Complete the Online Form
- Access and fill out the online application form provided by the fund.
- Prepare and attach all required documents, such as financial statements and information relevant to your project.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit your completed form and supporting documents through the designated online platform during the application window.
- Step 4: Pre-diagnostic and File Evaluation
- Your application undergoes a pre-diagnostic in export readiness to evaluate your ability to enter new markets.
- The evaluation committee reviews your file based on the fund’s established criteria.
- Step 5: Reception of Response
- If your project is accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter with the financial aid conditions.
- The acceptance letter must be signed by your company to confirm participation, forming an agreement between parties.
Additional information
- Only one application per company per call for projects is permitted.
- Applicants must provide financial statements for the past two years to demonstrate profitability.
- The pre-diagnostic evaluation is mandatory before final project submission to the evaluation committee.
- Each cohort in Stream 1 is limited to a maximum of 15 companies per intake period.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2Supports market diversification and economic development for local businesses
- ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3Supports regional businesses in market diversification and expansion
Frequently Asked Questions about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 Program
What is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1?
The ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 supports Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean businesses in diversifying markets and developing export strategies, providing up to 75% of eligible expenses (maximum per company to be confirmed). Eligible activities include structured market development, personalized strategic support, and commercial missions to explore and grow in new markets.
How much funding can be received?
ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 15, 2025.
Who is eligible for the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 program?
To be eligible for the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 program, you must:
Head office and main activities in a Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean MRC
In operation for at least one year
Negative direct impact from U.S. tariffs on business model
What expenses are eligible under ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1?
Implementation of structured market diversification and expansion strategies.
Participation in personalized strategic support programs for business growth and export readiness.
Engagement in commercial missions and trade shows outside Quebec to explore and develop new markets.
Where is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 available?
The ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 is a Grant and Funding