
ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports market diversification and economic development for local businesses
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $10,000
- 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 2 offers up to $10,000 in financial support per company, aiming to assist Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs in diversifying markets and strengthening economic resilience. Eligible activities include personalized strategic support, export planning, commercial mission participation, and access to specialized professional expertise.
Financing terms and conditions
- Up to 50 % of eligible expenses covered for Component 2, with a ceiling of $10,000 per business.
- Ability to combine funding from the different components of the program.
Activities funded
- Structured development and diversification of markets for businesses.
- Personalized strategic support for business expansion and export planning.
- Participation in trade missions and professional trade shows outside Quebec to explore and develop new markets.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 9,600
Hiring an export strategist and legal advisor for U.S. sales
$ 9,900
Participating in a U.S. forest products trade show for exports
$ 9,200
Attending Western Canadian food shows with artisanal chocolate line
$ 9,750
Trade mission to New York for local craft brewery expansion
$ 9,000
Trade show participation in Boston for industrial machine company
$ 9,800
Export planning for specialty cheese in new Ontario markets
Eligibility
- The company's head office and main activities must be located within one of the MRCs of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
- The company must have been in operation for at least one year.
- The applicant must demonstrate a direct negative impact on their business model due to tariffs imposed by the United States.
- The proposed project must align with the objectives of the ÉCLO Regional Fund.
- The company must have shown profitability in the last two years (financial statements required).
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 guidance fees
- Transportation, accommodation, and registration costs for trade missions and trade shows outside Quebec
- Professional fees for strategic business support (including legal, customs, logistics, taxation, patents, etc.)
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies headquartered and primarily operating within 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.
- Demonstration of a direct negative impact of U.S. tariffs on the company’s business model.
- Attainment of a minimum score on the pre-diagnostic evaluation based on the Fund’s established criteria.
- Demonstrated profitability over the past two years, supported by financial statements.
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility criteria
- Confirm your business is headquartered and mainly active in a Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean MRC
- Ensure the business has been operating for at least one year
- Verify that your activity and project align with the Fund's objectives
- Prepare financial documentation demonstrating profitability over the past two years
- Check if you are directly affected by U.S. tariffs
2
Assess eligible expenses and streams
- Review eligible expenses such as professional support, training, transportation, and event fees
- Select the relevant funding streams for your project
- Determine if your project aligns with diversification or export objectives
3
Complete and submit application
- Complete the online application form during an open call for projects
- Attach all required supporting documents, including financial statements and project description
- Submit the completed application before the deadline
4
Application review and pre-diagnosis
- Your application undergoes evaluation by a selection committee
- A pre-diagnosis of your export potential is conducted
- The committee reviews alignment with the Fund’s goals
5
Accept funding and sign agreement
- Receive an acceptance letter outlining funding conditions
- Sign the document to confirm your commitment
- The signed agreement serves as a contract between you and the Fund
Additional information
- The fund cannot receive applications continuously; submissions are only accepted during specific call periods.
- Each company can apply to and receive support from multiple streams within the fund.
- A minimum pre-diagnostic score, based on fund-specific criteria, is required for application consideration.
- Priority may be given to businesses generating less than $15 million in annual revenue, though this is not a strict eligibility criterion.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2. 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.
What is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2?
Who is eligible for the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 program?
Who can I contact for more information about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2?
Where is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 available?
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