Closed
ÉCLO Regional Fund – Stream 3
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports regional businesses in market diversification and international expansion
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Selling in a new market
- Marketing a product
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 30, 2025
- Closing date : September 15, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
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:
$ 4,880
Business mission to Calgary’s Western Canada Construction Fair
$ 4,950
Export strategy training and consultant for Ontario grocery market entry
$ 4,850
Legal, customs, and logistics consulting for British Columbia expansion
$ 4,920
Export coaching and participation in the Vancouver Food Innovation Expo
$ 4,770
Professional guidance for trade show booth and logistics in Toronto
$ 4,900
Attending the Montréal International Trade Show for new export leads
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
1
Verify eligibility and opening period
- Check the opening dates of the Fund's call for projects
- Confirm your company's eligibility criteria are met
2
Submit application form and documents
- Complete the online application form
- Gather and submit all required supporting documents
3
Application review and pre-diagnosis
- Your application is reviewed by an evaluation committee
- A pre-diagnosis for export readiness is conducted
4
Reception of acceptance letter
- Receive an acceptance letter if your project is approved
- Review the specific financial support conditions outlined
5
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.
