ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3

Q: How much funding can be received?

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $5000 per project.

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 3 a grant, loan, or tax credit?

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3?

ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 is funded by MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay, MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est

Q: Who is eligible for the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 program?

To be eligible for the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 program, you must: • Head office and main activities in a Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean RCM • In operation for at least one year • Demonstrate a direct negative impact of U.S. tariffs on the business model

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3?

You can contact MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay.

Q: Where is the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 available?

The ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 program is available the province of QC.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports regional businesses in market diversification and international expansion

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $5,000
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

Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay

MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est

Program status

Open

Overview

The ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 supports Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs through grants of up to $5,000 per company, aimed at participating in commercial missions to develop new markets. Eligible activities include market diversification, export planning, and attendance at trade shows and business missions outside Quebec.

Financing terms and conditions

Stream 1: Up to 75% of eligible expenses covered (maximum per company to be confirmed).
Companies can receive support for multiple streams concurrently.

Activities funded

Development and implementation of strategies to diversify and expand into new markets.
Individualized support for creating detailed export plans and adjusting commercial strategies.
Participation in trade missions or professional exhibitions outside Quebec to explore and develop new business opportunities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 4,950

Export strategy training and consultant for Ontario grocery market entry

$ 4,850

Legal, customs, and logistics consulting for British Columbia expansion

$ 4,880

Business mission to Calgary’s Western Canada Construction Fair

$ 4,920

Export coaching and participation in the Vancouver Food Innovation Expo

$ 4,900

Attending the Montréal International Trade Show for new export leads

$ 4,770

Professional guidance for trade show booth and logistics in Toronto

Eligibility

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

Who is eligible?

Companies with their head office and principal activities located in one of the MRCs of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Eligible expenses

Training and professional support fees
Transport, accommodation, and registration costs for trade missions and trade shows
Professional fees for strategic guidance and consulting (including legal, customs, logistics, taxation, patents, etc.)

Eligible geographic areas

Companies headquartered and primarily operating within the regional county municipalities (MRCs) of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

Selection criteria

Project alignment with the objectives of the ÉCLO Regional Fund (such as market diversification and economic resilience).
Demonstration of a direct negative impact of U.S. tariffs on the company's business model.
Project demonstrates new or innovative contribution to the company’s diversification strategy (especially for commercial missions).
Minimum score obtained in the pre-diagnostic export assessment as per the Fund's established criteria.

How to apply

Verify eligibility and opening period

Check the opening dates of the Fund's call for projects
Confirm your company's eligibility criteria are met

Submit application form and documents

Complete the online application form
Gather and submit all required supporting documents

Application review and pre-diagnosis

Your application is reviewed by an evaluation committee
A pre-diagnosis for export readiness is conducted

Reception of acceptance letter

Receive an acceptance letter if your project is approved
Review the specific financial support conditions outlined

Sign the acceptance letter

Sign the acceptance letter to confirm participation
The signed letter acts as the agreement between both parties

Additional information

Each business may combine support from multiple streams of the fund.
The application intake operates on a call for projects basis, not continuous submission—applicants must respect specific submission periods.
A pre-diagnostic export assessment is required to evaluate market readiness before review by the selection committee.
Acceptance is officially confirmed through a letter, which must be signed by the business for formal agreement.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3 Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3. 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.