ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1

Q: How much funding can be received?

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is September 15, 2025. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Q: Is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 a grant, loan, or tax credit?

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1?

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 is funded by MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est, MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay

Q: 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

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1?

You can contact MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est.

Q: Where is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 available?

The ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 program is available the province of QC.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean businesses in market diversification strategies

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : June 30, 2025
Closing date : September 15, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay

MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est

Program status

Open

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Stream 1: Covers up to 75% of eligible expenses per company (maximum amount to be confirmed).

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,750

Participation in New York trade mission for sustainable wood packaging

$ 41,250

Development of export strategy for local maple syrup producer

$ 18,375

Market diversification training for boutique cosmetics export expansion

$ 36,000

Strategic support for dairy processor to enter Mexican market

$ 22,350

Training and export support for locally made eco-cleaning supplies

$ 24,200

Legal and customs support for artisan cheese export expansion

Eligibility

The company must have its head office and main activities located within one of the MRCs of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
The business must have been in operation for at least one year.
The company must demonstrate a direct negative impact from U.S. tariffs on its business model.
The proposed project must align with the objectives of the ÉCLO Regional Fund.
The company must have demonstrated profitability over the past two years (supported by financial statements).

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

Verify eligibility criteria

Review eligibility criteria to ensure your company is located within an MRC of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Verify your business has been active for at least one year and demonstrates a direct negative impact from tariffs
Prepare recent financial statements showing profitability for the last two years
Assess if your project aligns with the fund's objectives and selection priorities

Submit application and documents

Access and complete the online application form during the call for projects period
Gather and submit all required supporting documents, including the completed form and financial statements
Ensure submission occurs within the specified dates of the application window

Application evaluation and pre-diagnosis

Your application will be reviewed by an evaluation committee
An export pre-diagnostic will assess your capacity for new markets
The committee evaluates alignment with the selection criteria of the fund

Accept funding agreement

If successful, you will receive an acceptance letter specifying the financial support conditions
Sign and return the letter to confirm your acceptance
This signed letter will serve as the 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.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1 Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 1. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.