How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $10000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-09-15T00:00:00Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2?

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 is funded by MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay, MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est

What are ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2's eligibility criterias?

Head office and main activities in a Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean MRC In operation for at least one year Direct negative impact from U.S. tariffs on business model

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports market diversification and economic development for local businesses

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 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

Grant Providers

MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay
MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est

Program status

Open

Overview of the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 program

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 to the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 2 program

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

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

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

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

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.

Apply to this program