How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions?

Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions is funded by Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports economic diversification and business development in targeted regions

Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : September 1, 2017
Closing date : March 31, 2022

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

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

Grant Providers

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Status

Archived

Overview of the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Total financial assistance provided was $79 million from September 1, 2017, to March 31, 2022.
250 projects were funded with a combined total project cost of $396 million.
Financial interventions targeted five priority sectors at a rate of 47%.
The leverage effect of the Ministry's financial aid was estimated at 4 (for each dollar granted, four dollars were invested in total).

Eligible projects & activities

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:

$ 295,000

Launch of a specialty cheese production line using local milk

$ 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

$ 145,000

Implementation of a digital marketing strategy for local artisans

$ 365,000

Expansion of a metalworking shop to produce industrial components

Eligibility criteria of the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions program

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

Eligibility criteria of the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions program

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 to the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions program

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

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

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

Await evaluation results

Wait for the Ministry to review your application
Respond to any requests for additional information
Track the status of your submission

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.