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Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports economic diversification and business development in targeted regions
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) for the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions provided financial support totaling $79 million to assist SMEs in realizing projects that promote regional economic diversification and growth. Eligible activities include project implementation in key sectors, business start-ups, and initiatives that create or maintain jobs and generate socio-economic benefits in the targeted regions.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Optimize production processes
- Selling in a new market
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : September 1, 2017
- Closing date : March 31, 2022
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Centre-du-Québec
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Startups
Activities funded
- Projects that support economic diversification in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions.
- Initiatives aimed at increasing business revenue through development activities.
- Support for the creation and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within eligible sectors.
- Projects generating job creation or job retention in the targeted regions.
- Projects that contribute to regional economic development and the creation of local wealth.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 145,000
Implementation of a digital marketing strategy for local artisans
$ 365,000
Expansion of a metalworking shop to produce industrial components
$ 425,000
Upgrading equipment to increase recycled plastics processing capacity
$ 107,000
Upgrade to energy-efficient systems at a family-owned bakery
$ 198,000
Opening of a mobile wellness clinic for underserved communities
$ 295,000
Launch of a specialty cheese production line using local milk
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) located in the Centre-du-Québec or Mauricie regions.
- The project must support economic diversification in these regions.
- The enterprise should operate within sectors deemed eligible under the program.
- Newly created or start-up companies may also be considered.
Who is eligible?
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in eligible sectors located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions
Eligible geographic areas
- Centre-du-Québec region
- Mauricie region
Selection criteria
- Relevance of the project to the economic diversification needs of the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions.
- Contribution to the creation and safeguarding of jobs.
- Alignment with the objectives and priorities of the program.
- Coherence of the project with other government interventions and programs.
- Expected socio-economic benefits, such as increased sales and wealth creation.
How to apply
1
Assess project eligibility
- Evaluate if your business operates in the Centre-du-Québec or Mauricie regions
- Verify that your project aligns with sectors supported by the fund
- Review program objectives and eligibility criteria
2
Gather required documentation
- Collect necessary business and project information
- Prepare documentation demonstrating project relevance and expected outcomes
- Ensure supporting financial and legal documents are available
3
Submit the application
- Submit a complete application dossier to the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie
- Ensure all forms and supporting documents are included
- Contact the Ministry for assistance if needed
4
Await evaluation results
- Wait for the Ministry to review your application
- Respond to any requests for additional information
- Track the status of your submission
5
Receive approval and start project
- Receive confirmation of acceptance from the Ministry
- Review terms and funding conditions provided
- Begin project implementation as approved
Additional information
- An evaluation covering 2017–2022 indicates that 80% of participating businesses would not have completed their projects without this financial support.
- The program demonstrated a high level of client satisfaction, with 98% of survey respondents expressing satisfaction with the fund as a whole.
- The fund’s operational governance and responsibilities are clearly defined, and the approach is regarded as consistent with sustainable development principles.
- Future improvements may include systematic tracking of project results and economic impacts after project completion.
Contacts
evaluation@economie.gouv.qc.ca
