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
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
Program status
archived
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.
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).
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:
$ 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
- 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
QC, Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions. 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.
What is the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions?
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What expenses are eligible under Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions?
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Is the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions?
Who is eligible for the Economic Diversification Fund (FDE) - Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions program?
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