ERACM program - Assistance and Financing
QC, Canada
The ERACM program provides non-repayable financial support of up to $24,750 annually to businesses in Mauricie for expert consultancy services, fostering innovation and business growth.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
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- Économie du savoir - Mauricie
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grant_card_status|open
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The ERACM program offers financial support to for-profit businesses in the Mauricie region to promote innovation and business opportunities. Eligible activities include cybersecurity audits, commercialization strategies, intellectual property strategies, and the integration of IT technologies. Companies can receive up to $24,750 per year, covering 55% of eligible expert fees.
grant_single_labels|projects
The grant program supports a range of projects that focus on cybersecurity, marketing strategies, intellectual property, and IT integration.
- Audit in cybersecurity and securing your IT tools
- Development of a marketing strategy for your new product
- Establishment of an intellectual property strategy and action prioritization
- Integration of information technologies and data interconnection
- Protection of your intangible assets (products, trademarks, etc.)
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant focus primarily on for-profit enterprises based in the Mauricie region working in specified industry sectors. Enterprises with headquarters outside of Mauricie can also qualify if the subsidized project is for a Mauricie-based subsidiary.
- Must be a for-profit enterprise located in the Mauricie region
- Eligible industry sectors: Manufacturing, Information Technology, B2B Services
- Enterprises with headquarters outside Mauricie are eligible if the project is for a Mauricie-based subsidiary
- Other types of enterprises may be eligible upon consultation with an ESM advisor
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant, primarily targeting companies located in the Mauricie region of Quebec and operating in specific industries. The eligibility also extends to companies with a headquarters outside Mauricie if their project is for a local subsidiary.
- Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Business-to-Business (B2B) Services
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant are those that involve external expert fees directly related to the identified projects.
- Professionals' fees for expert consultations
- External experts' coaching interventions
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant include primarily businesses located in the Mauricie region. Companies with their headquarters outside the Mauricie region may also be eligible if the project is implemented for a subsidiary located in Mauricie.
- Businesses located in the Mauricie region
- Companies with headquarters outside the Mauricie region if the project is for a subsidiary in Mauricie
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact our team to express your interest and to discuss your project. This initial discussion is crucial to understanding the specific needs and objectives of your project.
- Step 2: Schedule a first meeting to get detailed guidance from an advisor. This step helps to determine the eligibility of your project and to identify the necessary resources.
- Step 3: Develop your project according to your reality, with or without an identified expert. During this stage, you will work closely with advisors to refine your project's scope and objectives.
- Step 4: Identify and document eligible expenses, focusing on external expert fees, which are the only reimbursable expenses under this funding program.
- Step 5: Submit your application, including all required documents and details of your project plan, budget, and expected outcomes, to the ESM team for review.
- Step 6: Await the decision on funding availability and eligibility confirmation. Note that eligibility does not guarantee funding due to possible limitations in fund availability.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant primarily supports businesses in innovation projects through non-repayable contributions, offering up to $24,750 annually. Projects must involve external expertise and focus on specific eligible activities, with funding availability contingent on the program's fund status.
- The maximum amount of non-repayable contribution is 55% of the eligible expenses, capped at $24,750 per year per business.
- Eligible projects could include cybersecurity audits, marketing strategy development, and intellectual property strategies.
- Only external expert fees are covered; purchases of specialized equipment or technology solutions are not eligible for funding.
- This program is mainly for for-profit businesses located in the Mauricie region in sectors like manufacturing, IT, and B2B services.
- Eligibility does not guarantee funding due to conditional fund availability.
- Additional support includes connections to specialized resources such as research centers and universities.
- The program promotes innovation through activities like workshops, networking events, and training sessions.
- Companies can subscribe to a newsletter to stay informed about the program and innovation best practices.
Apply to this program
Summary of the ERACM Grant
The ERACM program offers financial support of up to $24,750 per year for businesses in the Mauricie region focused on innovation and business opportunities. The grant covers 55% of external expert costs for projects such as cybersecurity audits, marketing strategies, and intellectual property protection.
Detailed Explanation of the ERACM Grant
The ERACM (Entreprise Région Administration Commune Mauricie) program is a targeted initiative designed to boost innovation and business development for enterprises in the Mauricie region of Quebec. Funded by the Government of Quebec, this program offers substantial financial support to businesses involved in various sectors, enabling them to achieve their innovation goals, enhance their market presence, and protect their intangible assets.
Purpose and Objectives
The fundamental aim of the ERACM grant is to support business growth and innovation by providing financial assistance specifically for the engagement of external experts. These experts can provide critical insights and specialized knowledge that may not be available in-house. The program is particularly focused on fostering technological advancements, enhancing cybersecurity, optimizing marketing strategies, and protecting intellectual property.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ERACM grant, businesses must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Geographic Location: The primary eligibility requirement is that the business must be located in the Mauricie region. However, enterprises with their headquarters outside the Mauricie region can also apply if the funded project is for a subsidiary in Mauricie.
- Business Type: The grant is primarily targeted at for-profit entities operating in the manufacturing, information technology, and B2B services sectors. However, other business types may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If there are any doubts regarding eligibility, businesses are encouraged to contact the ESM (Entreprise Support Mauricie) team for clarification.
Financial Support Details
The ERACM grant provides a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $24,750 annually, which covers 55% of the eligible expenses for engaging external experts. The maximum allowable expenditure for a project is $45,000. This translates to a potential maximum grant of $24,750 for a project costing $45,000 and $13,750 for a project costing $25,000.
Eligible Projects
The grant covers a wide range of projects that require expert intervention. Examples of eligible projects include:
- Cybersecurity Audits: Assessing and enhancing the security of your IT infrastructure.
- Marketing Strategies: Developing effective digital or traditional marketing plans for new products.
- Intellectual Property Strategy: Establishing a comprehensive IP strategy and determining priority actions.
- Technology Integration: Implementing IT solutions and ensuring data interconnectivity.
- Asset Protection: Safeguarding intangible assets such as trademarks and patents.
Eligible Expenses
The ERACM grant exclusively funds the professional fees associated with external experts. These experts provide coaching and consultancy services that align with the project goals identified by the business. It is important to note that the grant does not cover the following expenses:
- Purchases of specialized equipment or technology solutions (e.g., robots, ERP, CRM systems).
- Subscription fees and other recurring costs.
- Any other expenses deemed ineligible by ESM.
Nevertheless, ESM's consultants can assist businesses in making informed decisions regarding these non-funded aspects and help locate other appropriate funding sources if necessary.
Application Process
Applying for the ERACM grant involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Initial Contact: Businesses interested in the grant should reach out to ESM’s advisory team to schedule an initial consultation.
- Project Definition: During the consultation, the business and ESM advisors will define the project, including its scope, objectives, and necessary expertise.
- Expert Identification: If the business does not already have an expert in mind, ESM can help identify and connect with the right professionals from their extensive network.
- Proposal Submission: The business must then prepare and submit a proposal detailing the project, expected outcomes, and associated costs.
- Review and Approval: ESM reviews the proposal and, depending on fund availability and project merit, approves the grant.
It is crucial to note that eligibility does not guarantee funding, as the distribution of grants is subject to the availability of funds.
Promotion of Innovation
Beyond the financial support, the ERACM program plays an instrumental role in promoting a culture of innovation within the Mauricie business community. ESM organizes various activities to facilitate knowledge sharing and to highlight best practices in innovation. These activities include:
- Information Sessions: Workshops and conferences to disseminate information on innovation trends and practices.
- Training Programs: Educational sessions designed to equip businesses with the skills needed to implement innovative solutions.
- Networking Opportunities: Events that encourage collaboration between businesses and research institutions, fostering strategic partnerships.
- Innovation Outreach: Efforts to inculcate an innovation-focused mindset among entrepreneurs and business leaders.
By subscribing to ESM's newsletter, businesses can stay updated on the latest news, events, and opportunities related to innovation and funding programs.
Conclusion
The ERACM grant represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the Mauricie region to access financial resources that support their growth and innovation initiatives. By covering a substantial portion of the costs for expert services, the program facilitates the execution of projects that might otherwise be beyond the reach of many enterprises. With the added support of ESM's advisory services, businesses can ensure that their projects are well-structured, viable, and aligned with their strategic goals. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the immediate prospects of individual businesses but also contributes to the overall economic vitality of the Mauricie region.
