EPRTNT — Studies and consulting services

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the type of applicant and compliance with accountabilities.

• The applicant must be a legally constituted organization under the laws of the Government of Quebec or the Government of Canada and must conduct business in Quebec.
• Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, municipal entities, recognized Indigenous communities and organizations, regional tourist associations with additional financial partners, and other groupings of these clientele.
• The applicant must have fulfilled any previous commitments to partners if they have received prior funding.
• Applicants operating a tourist accommodation must comply with existing laws and regulations and have a registration number.
• Nature and adventure tourism businesses must comply with or commit to the standards of the Aventure Écotourisme Québec’s Quality-Safety program.
• Excluded from eligibility are government ministries and agencies, state corporations, businesses listed on the ineligible businesses registry for public contracts, and businesses not in compliance with the Office québécois de la langue française francization process.

Who is eligible?

This grant is designed to support tourism-related businesses and organizations across various clienteles located in Québec, looking to promote responsible and sustainable tourism through innovative solutions and practices.

• Tourism businesses including for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives.
• Municipal entities such as municipalities, cities, towns, villages, and other designated municipal bodies.
• Recognized Indigenous communities and nations, as well as Indigenous tourism organizations and businesses.
• Regional tourist associations supported by financial partners other than those of the grant program.
• Groups combining any of the eligible clienteles listed above.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain types of organizations and industries based on their status or primary activities. The aim is to focus support on those that align with the grant's strategic goals and legal requirements.

• State-owned enterprises and government departments of Quebec and Canada.
• Companies listed in the registry of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
• Businesses not compliant with the francization process mandated by the Office québécois de la langue française.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses related to consulting services aimed at improving the tourism offer or business practices.

• Professional fees for specialized firms or consultants for specific studies regarding the development of the tourist offer of a territory.
• Professional fees for specialized firms or consultants for providing support aimed at improving the quality of services and products.
• Net taxes (excluding the refunded portion) related to direct costs.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located within the specified geographical region as determined by the funding partners. Eligible entities must operate their business activities in Quebec, Canada.

• Businesses must be legally constituted under the laws of the Government of Quebec or the Government of Canada and operate in Quebec.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on the alignment with objectives and the qualitative and quantitative potential of projects outlined below.

• Alignment with the objectives of the EPRTNT.
• Structural impact (attraction power, scope of the project, outcomes, collaboration with other partners, job creation, season extension, etc.).
• Innovative nature of the project.
• Quality in terms of concept, products, and services.
• Financial structure and plan.
• Relevance (significantly tourist clientele and its diversification, market, competition, quality of offer, marketing strategy, networking, etc.).
• Feasibility (timeline, marketing strategy, quality of business plan or study specification, promoter's expertise).
• Consideration of sustainable development principles.
• Alignment with regional development priorities and plans.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The contribution from this grant for eligible projects must not exceed 30% of eligible costs for for-profit organizations or 50% for non-profits and other entities.
• The minimal promoter's contribution cannot come from governmental transfers, asset transfers, or in-kind contributions.
• Adhering to the 2022 Official Language and Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms laws is mandatory for applicants.
• A program promoting equal access is mandatory for organizations with over 100 employees receiving $100,000 or more in aid.