Fonds de développement des entreprises d'économie sociale (FDEÉS)

• Introductory email stating the requested amount
• Articles of incorporation
• Bylaws
• Financial statements for the last three years
• Business plan or project plan, with financial forecasts and supporting documents where applicable

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit organizations with a business component
• Cooperatives
• Social economy enterprises

Who is not eligible

• Projects that duplicate existing organizations in the area
• Organizations promoting a sectarian doctrine
• Organizations affected by a labour dispute such as a strike or lockout
• Political parties and political associations

Eligible expenses

• Capital expenditures such as land, buildings, leasehold improvements, equipment, machinery, rolling stock, and incorporation fees
• Technology-related purchases such as software, technology tools, and intellectual property
• Working capital strictly related to business operations for the first year of the project
• Consulting fees and costs linked to a restructuring plan, where applicable

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Projects or expenses incurred before the application is submitted
• Regular operating costs of a business
• Debt service, loan repayments, or financing of a project already completed
• Routine building maintenance costs
• Market studies, business plan writing, and R&D-related expenses

Eligible geographic areas

• Charlevoix
• Capitale-Nationale
• Quebec

• Applications are reviewed by the MRC of Charlevoix and the SDLE
• Projects are assessed against the program’s principles and evaluation criteria
• The funding amount may be reduced depending on the project score
• Approved projects require a formal agreement with the MRC of Charlevoix

• The program is open continuously.
• The funding combines a non-repayable grant and an interest-free loan for some projects.
• An agreement protocol is required for authorized projects.
• A non-governmental contribution of at least 20% is required.